the original hardcourt blog
Posts tagged components
MKE Polo Fork installed
Jul 26th
I came back from Wisconsin with a prototype of the Milwaukee Bicycle Co. new MKE Polo Fork. I finally installed it with some help from Affinity Cycles.
I added a big free wheel for the photos but for game play it will not be there. Instead I’ll be running the front without any cog or freewheel installed. And I’ll carry a spare wheel and a spare freewheel. If I get in a pinch and need to replace the front I’ll throw the spare straight on the front. If I flat the rear or rip out a grip of spokes or destroy the rim or fall victim to any of the many bad things that can happen to wheels on the court, then I’ll spin the spare freewheel to the spare wheel and a quick swap and back in the game. Time outs are becoming more popular in tournaments, would you rather spend a minute looking for some bike to borrow or getting your bike back on the court?
Click any image to see large.
And from MKE:
This fork will accommodate 3 types of brakes; 55-73mm X-Long Reach Caliper, U-Brake and V-brake.
* Bruiser Polo Fork – Aftermarket
* 400mm Axle to Crown
* 4130 Heat Treated Chromoly
* Weight – 1260g w/300mm Steerer
* 1-1/8″ One-Piece Fully CNC’d Steerer
* 990 Brake Mounts with Removable Studs (plugs included when not using studs)
* V-Brake Compatible
* 55-73mm X-Long Reach Caliper Compatible
* Removable Brake Housing Guide
* Headset Compression Plug Included
* 400mm Axle to Crown
* 32mm Rake
* 6mm Dropouts
* Stainless MKE Badge
* Black ED Coated Inside and Out for Full Rust Proofing
* Your Choice of Solid Color (excluding pearl coats or metalflake)
* Lifetime Warranty
More info: Ben’s Cycle
New from MKE
Jul 17th
Milwaukee Bicycle Co. and I made a new fork for bike polo. Thanks Drew! This is just a sneak-peek. Keep an eye on Ben’s Cycle for more details soon.
White Industries ENO Single Speed Cranks and Bash Guard/Ring
May 10th
First let me say that I have never seen one of these first hand. I was just browsing the White Industries website and happened upon this new product. I’m a big fan of White Industries and on my three most ridden bikes, all have at least one White Ind. component. Right away I saw the bike polo application with this bash guard/ring. I even Google imaged it and did a Flickr search to get a look at more photos. But no luck other than the two small ones on the site listing the product. Here is one of the two from the site.
This is a more expensive set up than say, something imported. But then again this is made in USA. A big plus in my book. And White Industries makes top quality stuff. At least everything I have ridden. According to their site’s suggested retail price lists the ENO Cranks and the Bash Guard/Ring are sold separate. The list for the cranks is $200 in your choice of 170mm, 175mm, or 180mm. And the Bash Guard/Ring comes in 30t, 32t or 34t for $68.
Some words from the product page.
BASH (v.) To strike with a crushing or smashing blow
GUARD (v.) To keep safe from harm or danger; protect; watch over
Introducing our newest chain ring with an integral bashguard machined as part of the ring. The bashguard/chain ring unit has our proprietary crank spline interface and is machined out of 7075 aluminum. Available in sizes 30t, 32t and 34t, made in the USA, and can be ordered in polished silver or black anodized finish.
More info: White Industries
St Cago Polo Works online store
May 7th
Seen above is the Tournament Doubles.
Tournament heads emphasize reduced weight. They’re built around 3400 series HDPE DR17 pipe, which has a thinner wall than the utility pipe you’ve been using. It’s made from the same grade of plastic, so it will wear and play the way you’re used to, there is just less material to grind away.
Lots of sizes to choose, prices start at $13 US. Years of research. Made in USA
Also offering a Dual-Pull Brake Lever in short pull and long pull options.
For more info: St Cago Polo Works
Dual Brake Set-up
May 2nd
Click to see large.
The first time I ever saw this idea was on Ben Chicago’s bike. He had a Problem Solver set-up previous but after fabricating a system very very similar to this one, he seems much happier with his braking system. Unfortunately I can’t find the photo of Ben’s set-up so here is a shot of New York player Adam Ackbar’s.
Previously: Problem Solvers Cable Doubler 1:2
SE Sansin 40 Hole Hub
Jan 9th
SE Sansin 40 Hole Hub, originally uploaded by Sveden.
From Sveden’s Flickr.
Follow link for his description.
Odyssey Monolever (Purple Rain)
Dec 19th
Odyssey Monolever (Purple Rain), originally uploaded by Crispen.
This is what i want for x-mas but in left trigger.
Previously: Odyssey Monolevers
Problem Solvers Cable Doubler 1:2
Dec 14th
As seen on Ben’s Cycle blog. Follow the link to see pictures of Kremin’s set up.
Problem Solvers Cable Doubler 1:2. Allows one brake lever to operate two brakes.
1 lever :2 brakes
One brake lever to operate a front and rear brake at the same time. The idea has been tried before, from some cheap dual pull levers, to doubling up standard single levers on top of each other on one side, or custom fabricating old gyro cables to pull two brakes. I’ve never paid much attention to the crap people have come up with to get two brake calipers actuated by one lever but this seems to be the best. Mostly because it simply solves the problem, and does so BETWEEN the lever and calipers. Meaning you can use the components you chose. Just add this to the cables.
Ben’s Cycle has them for $39.99
For more info visit Ben’s Cycle
BMW "Clusterfork" announcement
Oct 7th
I stopped by the Brooklyn Machine Works shop and noticed a grip of new forks about to go to paint. Talking with Ken the welder he said they should be ready to ship orders next week.
I know one bike polo player already has one. I ran into Max Knight last night at Second Chance and got a look at one hot off the welding table. It was raw metal and looked good on his Gangsta Track.
Here is a small bit of what can be seen on Brooklyn’s Blog.
The first batch of the Brooklyn Machine Works “Clusterfork” is finally heading off to paint and will be ready to ship next week.
Specs are as follows:
Axle-to-crown height – 410mm
Axle offset – 31.75mm
Axle slot – 9mm
Weight – 1360 grams
Handmade right here in our shop in Brooklyn, NY.
$175The legs have a slight two degree taper so that the average fixed tire isn’t swimming in space, but still has clearance for just about any tire currently available.
Odyssey Monolevers
Oct 4th
Your brake levers are weak. Get one of these. ZACH likes the trigger one.
