Lynskey lands in UK
Titanium craftspersons of many years standing team up with UK distributor
Lynskey Performance Designs hasn't been around for all that long, but the Lynskey family itself has a history in titanium bikes as long as anyone's - they started Litespeed in 1986 and sold it in 1999. Clearly they couldn't stay away from building bikes, though, and Lynskey Performance Designs came into being.
You may already have seen Lynskey-built frames in the UK - the company manufactures On-One's titanium frames - but now Lynskey's own designs will be available on these shores thanks to Hotlines.
"We're very excited about this relationship," says Ed Ibbetson of Hotlines UK. "There's a strong demand for performance oriented titanium bikes in our market and the Lynskey brand certainly meets this need."
"We're so very pleased to be a part of the Hotlines family," states Mark Lynskey. "Over the years I've always enjoyed the cycling culture in the UK and am now honored to have the opportunity to be a part of it."
Lynskey has two mountain bike frames in its lineup. Pictured is the M230, which claims "predictable handling, superb agility, explosive sprinting and a proven racing geometry". It's notable for the oversized front end and more tubing manipulation than typical Ti frames. There's also a 29er frame, which has even more funky tube shaping going on.
UK prices and availability are TBA, but in the meantime you can find out more about the bikes at www.lynskeyperformance.com.
So they were  Just imagine it says "more widely available" where appropriate 
Posted: 24/11/2008 14:28
I wonder how much Hotlines are going to try and sell the frames for? They'll have an uphill task though convincing folk to spend much more than a grand when they can buy a Lynskey built frame from Brant for £1000.
Posted: 24/11/2008 20:35
It does look sort of odd. Here they are with a link with On-One and producing a small range of 29ers in SS and geared (they're taking orders) at just over a grand and now they have a distributor in the UK for 2 of their own frames. Maybe I'm missing something here or have been working too hard and not paying attention! I bought an 18inch geared On-One Ti29er on line from them at the w/end, so I hope it lives up to all the expectations I have heaped upon it! Tim
Posted: 24/11/2008 21:43
DISCLAIMER: Brant, if you're reading this, I'M NOT DOING DOWN On-One! AFAIK Lynskey take in a lot of work for other companies and make frames & components to their design but using Lynskey construction. It's leaving off some of the 'little touches' that trim the price of the frame from the full custom cost to the kind of price that On-One charge. It's still built to the usual Lynskey high standards just costs a bit less. Which is nice. I'd be really interested to hear how you get on with the Ti456 Tim
Posted: 24/11/2008 22:12
Ti29er. With a 100mm front end. But I have yet to spec it, and I'm not sure I'll be doing it either. Got to look at the funds "v" work coming in. I've had my name down from the time the Ti29 was first muted, so I had to buy the frame (well, not actually, legally had-to!) first, then I can decide what funds I have and what I want to do with the frame. Tim
Posted: 24/11/2008 22:17
Yes, sorry Tim, Ti29er not the 456.
Posted: 24/11/2008 22:41
The frame arrived and it's labelled up as both Lynskey an On-One. That's what I like, a Gemini of a frame. The back end's doing one thing whilst the front's doing another. Should prove interesting! Tim
Posted: 01/12/2008 00:18
That, I can't comment upon. All I know is that I tested the non-Ti 29er a few times and liked the whole experience and ethos and it both suited my riding style and the short-coming I have had with getting a good riding position on a bike. When I was ready to spend, they announced a Ti version, which clearly I had to have. I'll post up some images if you'd like. I have noticed that every mark and scratch mark remains on the frame - even something as innocuous as finger marks. This calls for some Helicopter Tape! Tim
Posted: 01/12/2008 08:21
No Mystery so no need for the Scooby Gang? Dammit I just wanted to see what they'd decided for the finish and the graphics. If it's an On-One with Lynskey graphics I might be very tempted assuming they're still at the special price, otherwise it'll be much more likely I look at the ZeroFour frames.
Posted: 01/12/2008 10:23
an On-One with Lynskey graphics From On-One: I assume there's a small "Built by Lynskey" badge on the seat tube or something.
Posted: 01/12/2008 10:28
I imagine the attention to detail of the Lynskey will much higher ie the drop outs That seems a little unfair. In as much as the Lynskey dropouts appear to be more time-consuming (and hence expensive) to put together, what with the separate brake mount, extra strut and all, that's not the same as more attention to detail. To my mind, the On-One ones are actually better thought out in all sorts of ways, as well as (probably) being cheaper to make. Double win
Posted: 01/12/2008 11:14
It's all on the site Daftpunk, my "maybe" was a Micky take that wasn't lost on one sensentive forum member. Giant has made bikes for Bianchi, Renault, Spesh, Schwinn, Trek and no doubt others most (if not all) of which have cost more than the equivalent Giant so it's not quite the same.
Posted: 01/12/2008 11:14
I imagine the attention to detail of the Lynskey will much higher ie the drop outs and also the tubes would be butted etc. hence the higher price over the On One. From the On-One site "Titanium 456 frame - features include double butted tubeset - including thick/thin/thick/thin toptube reinforced in the centre where your bars spin around and bash the top tube. Curved top tube - for increased standover, better ride qualities and a stronger front end due to cold working of the tube. Hand made by the Lynskey family in Tennessee from genuine certified 3/2.5 titanium." John are you sure all the head tubes are the same length?
Posted: 01/12/2008 11:24
That seems a little unfair. In as much as the Lynskey dropouts appear to be more time-consuming (and hence expensive) to put together, what with the separate brake mount, extra strut and all, that's not the same as more attention to detail. To my mind, the On-One ones are actually better thought out in all sorts of ways, as well as (probably) being cheaper to make. Double win Sorry I was talking from a purely manufacturing point of view not design.
Posted: 01/12/2008 11:39
Just going on the figures for the Scandals on On-Ones's site Nigel. Most other manufacturers use a head tube between 20 and 50mm longer on their biggest frame than the smallest. I've never quite understood the enthusiasm on British forums for On-One frames particularly the 456. The Dialled Prince Albert would be my choice in the category. #waits for predictable backlash#
Posted: 01/12/2008 11:56
You're not on stw now John Although I do actually like how my 456 rides.
Posted: 01/12/2008 12:13
In theory that flattened tube makes a lot of sense, it makes even more sense if they've done the same thing at the BB junction as it'd get past one of my major bugbears with Ti frames which has always been the amount of side to side flex through that area. I wasn't hugely impressed with the look of the Ti456 but I do like the look of the Ti29er and I can't put my finger on why.
Posted: 01/12/2008 12:28
Think I might have to change my name here to Tigger in respect of the Ti29er. Mike - I assume you bought one too? TimTiggerToo
Posted: 01/12/2008 13:49
I wasn't hugely impressed with the look of the Ti456 but I do like the look of the Ti29er and I can't put my finger on why. Probably because the Top Tube hasn't been bent?
Posted: 01/12/2008 14:03
if i actually had the money, i'd have been tempted by the ti29er. the inbred 29er was fantastic... however, i really dislike that type of dropout. sliding or EBB may be slightly more expensive and look clumsier, but they're so much more versatile, and a lot less faff for removing wheels. other than trying to source a monkeybone from the states, they're impossible to use a rohloff with (which is what i would have been doing), there are wheels slipping issues (unless QR is decent and tight, or bolts are used, which needs a spanner to be taken on rides), and getting wheels out is more time consuming as the chain needs de-railling (which may involve adjusting chain tugs etc), and it all needs to be repeated backwards when the wheel goes back in. oh well...
Posted: 01/12/2008 14:04
Just going on the figures for the Scandals on On-Ones's site Nigel. Most other manufacturers use a head tube between 20 and 50mm longer on their biggest frame than the smallest. I've never quite understood the enthusiasm on British forums for On-One frames particularly the 456. The Dialled Prince Albert would be my choice in the category. #waits for predictable backlash#
I think the main enthusiasm is price John? I tried a PA and a 456, I bought a 456! My 20" 456 has a longer head tube than a friends 16" 456 so it might only be the Scandel that has the one size fits all head tube? I have the Prototype Scandel in 19" and it does have a very short head tube
Posted: 01/12/2008 14:07
Mike - I assume you bought one too? No. I haven't bought a new bike since 1998, and I doubt that the next one I buy will be a 29er. however, i really dislike that type of dropout. sliding or EBB may be slightly more expensive and look clumsier All of your issues are valid (although fast wheel removal is really only a concern for racers), but the simplicity of the good old track end has much to recommend it.
Posted: 01/12/2008 14:28
I haven't bought a new bike since 1998  You're shattering my personal illusion of a Bike Journalist with an outbuilding dedicated to an expansive fleet of bikes, Mike. Please, tell me it isn't so!
Roger, I actually got used to the curved toptube, I don't think that's it. *wanders off for a ponder*
Posted: 01/12/2008 14:33
"I haven't bought a new bike since 1998" Nor would I if I got the freebies journo's must get
Posted: 01/12/2008 14:37
I haven't bought a new bike since 1998 he has to appear neutral in all things bike, his rep depends on it .
Posted: 01/12/2008 14:49
When are you planning a review on it? There seems some genuine interest in it, not just the Lynskey connection (with them now having a new dealer network / link-up) but the fact that as a bike it looks good and it's clearly a format that's gaining both fans and generating real interest. I've not built mine up yet. XT all 'round I guess. I think it'd be a God-send over the Red Route at Dalby Forest , which is where I'll be spending my week over the Xmas holidays. Tim
Posted: 01/12/2008 14:54
I'll ask Brant if he wants to send out a demo. He may not - with limited numbers they'll probably sell through anyway, so not much point getting one all dirty and scuffed You're shattering my personal illusion of a Bike Journalist with an outbuilding dedicated to an expansive fleet of bikes, Mike. Please, tell me it isn't so! Oh, there's an expansive fleet all right, it's just not generally very new. And "new" doesn't preclude "second hand" or "ex-demo" That said, I've only got about seven I think.
Posted: 01/12/2008 15:08
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