For efficient mass production of mountain bikes, a welded aluminum frame makes a lot of sense. However, the Psalm 150 full-suspension frame was designed with a different philosophy in mind as it is made from CNC-machined solid aluminum bonded sections.
Currently, the US$5,000(!) Psalm 150 was designed by Washington-based architect Chris Currie and is available for pre-order. Among other things, he previously founded a bespoke bike company, Speedgoat.com, and was responsible for branding Stan’s No Tubes. He now runs his own startup, Ministry Cycles.
Simply put, the front triangle of the Psalm 150 is made of two hollow pieces of CNC-machined 7075 aluminum that are pressed together to form a thin seam that runs transversely through the center of the frame. doing.
They are bonded together using aerospace-grade adhesive, using lap joints and a 360-degree bonding area to hold them together and align them perfectly. It consists of two machined parts of type aluminium, joined together via a bolted glue bridge.
ministry cycle
As you can see, the finished product looks better than the traditional aluminum frame, with big ugly welds. That said, aesthetics aren’t the primary reason for Curry’s unique production techniques.
“The basic frame manufacturing method is optimized for low-volume production, limited-edition production, and the freedom to explore a wide range of new ideas in niche markets,” he said. It is also designed to be, foreseeing a future in which the supply chain will be very different.”
He added that the Psalm 150 is designed primarily for durability and suspension performance in all-around trail conditions, and that its weight is similar to that of similar welded-aluminum frames. reported that it weighed 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg) and could be built into a complete bike tipping scale of about 34.5 lbs (15.6 kg).
ministry cycle
The Psalm 150 frame is offered with the purchaser’s choice of either Fox Float X2, DHX2, RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T, or Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate rear shocks, offering 150 mm of travel, hence the “150 ” is attached. Designed for use with 29” wheels and 160mm forks.
Currie initially has a limited run of 20 frames available only in medium/large sizes. It should reach the buyer by May 1st. Future production will offer other sizes.
We know where the number came from in the frame’s name, but what about the word “Psalm”?
“My goal is to create a bike that blends technology and craftsmanship, precision and soul,” Currie said on the company website. “Above all, it’s about creating something special that people want to own forever. Bicycles are my religion and that’s my mission.”
ministry cycle
Psalm 150 is definitely teeth Unconventional, it’s not the first “rugged” aluminum frame we’ve seen.
The Frace F160 consists of eight machined aluminum sections held together by titanium screws. Alutech’s CNC eFanes electric mountain bike frame consists of his two welded aluminum halves. Additionally, in a process similar to that used by Ministry Cycles, Pole Bicycles manufactures frames made from milled aluminum halves that are bonded together.
Source: Ministry Cycles via Pinkbike
