First Ride on the Siren John Henry 02/23/2010
After a spritzing of Framesaver on the insides of the John Henry frame's tubes, it was time to build her up. Carried over most of the parts from the Zaka, but installed a Chris King BB and a Syntace cockpit. A Syntace seatpost is in transit as well and will join its other German brethren on the John Henry (aka Manila Vanilla). Inaugural ride was during a dawn patrol at the Camp Aguinaldo trail. So, here are initial impressions: The bike feels low and long, not sure why, but this to me is a good thing. Will compare geometries with my former ride and see. The JH goes where it's pointed and there's no unwanted flex from the rear end. Seems what little leg power I have goes to driving the bike forward. The Syntace goodies also help with steering precision - it felt like I was taking corners faster. Especially switchbacks. The JH was nimble, yet stable. Contradictory I know but that's the best way I could describe it. While not as supple as the ride of titanium, I personally dig the smooth all the time, stiff when needed qualities of steel. Can't wait to get more saddle time!  Hanging out with some heavy metal. Photo by Gary  Hammer time. Siren John Henry style. Photo by Gary.  Lean in, carve, then power through the corner. Buttah. Photo by Gary.  Managed to get some air too. Photo by Gary.  Back at the home base. Dirt matches the vanilla powdercoat job perfectly. Meet the 2010 VooDoo Soukri 12/13/2009
What's crafted out of Reynolds 631 tubing, is singlespeed or geared capable, runs 29" tires, has the legendary, mystical VooDoo ride? Well. the 2010 VooDoo Soukri of course! Other details include: - under the top tube cable routing - accommodates a 100-125mm fork - downtube reinforcing gussets - v or disc brake ready - white-hot paint job with red panels, and human spine details - "soukri" means "sacred temple", and this frame will be your new place of worship in 2010!  The John Henry Files 10/18/2009
Almost there! Everything's coming together nicely. Our frames are scheduled to go to the powdercoater later this week, can't wait to see them in our custom colors too! Details on the John Henry frame include: Paragon Machine Works sliding dropouts AND bottom bracket, True Temper top tube and Brendan's own proprietary, size-specific mix of steel tubing for the rest of the frame. Thanks to Brendan@Siren for the photos and updates regarding the build process! |