Frantuzzi (was Intense Uzzi VP 2009)
- Thread starter Nimrod
- Start date
mattiamerca
Retro Guru
this is the MOST beautiful intense that I've never seen!
amazing customization and stunning components!
WOW!
amazing customization and stunning components!
WOW!
Nimrod
Dirt Disciple
As I mentioned before, I wouldn’t mind shorter chainstays and a longer reach, but I’m absolutely thrilled with how the VPP works. It performs beautifully — it’s sensitive, hardly bobs while pedaling, and behaves great under braking. Already in the spring, when Franta Mrázek was making me a trials frame, I arranged with him that in the fall I’d bring him the Uzzi, and using the existing linkages he’d make a new front and rear triangle. A week ago, I gave him the frame with the shock and added a sketch. The frame design is just my own estimate — Franta will make it as he sees fit. But the shock mount sits quite precisely between the top and down tube, so it’s not really possible to use a classic design. The frame should be finished around the end of January.
By then, I need to buy a headset (the Uzzi uses a 56 mm head tube), and I’d also like to get new brakes. My Hopes once again, after three years, won’t bleed properly — they probably need to be reseals — but since the rear brake hose would definitely be too short anyway, I’ll just buy something new.
By then, I need to buy a headset (the Uzzi uses a 56 mm head tube), and I’d also like to get new brakes. My Hopes once again, after three years, won’t bleed properly — they probably need to be reseals — but since the rear brake hose would definitely be too short anyway, I’ll just buy something new.
Nimrod
Dirt Disciple
Buying a commonly available bike would certainly be more straightforward — though probably one a few years old, since finding a bike with a 75° seat angle these days isn’t that easy, and I don’t want a more upright one (I’d probably be aiming for something like a Primer 275). But I have several reasons for choosing this solution:
1) Financial aspect. Franta Mrázek welds frames really cheaply.
2) Steel. I just like it — for its looks, durability, and the possibility of later modifications.
3) Freedom of geometry atc. I can come up with almost anything I want. Sure, Franta has his own ideas and sometimes handles certain construction details differently than I imagined, but everything always works perfectly.
4) History and personal connection. He welded my first frame back in 2005, and I’ve had a soft spot for his frames. It probably also has something to do with the kind of person Franta is. For me, it’s in a way an honor to ride his frames.
