It works!!!

During the last months, I welded a custom  steel Enduro bike. I used an old Giant hardtail frame and welded / brazed the rest.

The bike has 160/160mm travel and weights 16kg.

Last week, I finally got the chance to make a longer ride. Here is the video of riding it on my local trails:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=defT4baMbUo

I can tell you, I works very well. To create something new, I chose the wheel distance very short, and the fork angle rather flat. I expect to get great riding performance on slow steep and difficult descents.

Here are some pictures of the frame building process:

I have to say although everything looks improvised, I spent a long time figuring out how to build it.

Defining the amount of rear travel

Adapting the fork angle - and yes I thrust this connection ;)

I made the bearing for the rear suspension out of an hold front hub. Used a stationary drilling machine and an angle-grinder as lathe.

The finished bearing

The bearing in my "jig" - Ready to get brazed into the frame

The frame nearly finished

I want to thank the Fahrradküche Graz, a local self service workshop to let me use their facility.