The Kibo Dirt Drop frame is hand built in the UK using the strongest gauge of the quality air-hardened British Reynolds 631 steel for the main triangle and chainstays, the seatstays are Reynolds 725, and the fork blades Reynolds 631.

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Over the last 20 years steel has progressed from cheaper steel such as chromoly and base level Reynolds 525 and 531. Reynolds 631 is significantly stronger which is essential for an an expedition bike such as the Kibo.

 

We also heat treat the steerer tube from the fork - in fact Reynolds do this for us and noone else - we do this as we know from frame testing that the steerer tube undergoes a lot of stress, particularly on rough ground with loaded panniers. It's this attention to detail that sets us apart.

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We also use lugs, proven to be the strongest form of frame join. In terms of looks, nothing quite compares to lugs for that handmade frame aesthetic.

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The frame is also double butted for extra strength. 

 

As well as being hand built in the UK, our frame and forks are lugged for increased durability. We can also build fillet brazed versions of the Kibo Dirt Drop, again just email us on info@stanforthbikes.co.uk to discuss. Please note we don't tig weld as tests have shown joins to be weaker using this process, we braze only with either lugs or by fillet brazing.

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The frames are double powder coated in Ash Green, or in any of our stock colours. There are a range of custom colours also available.

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We do two frame versions, one for an ahead stem with a 1 1/8" threadless steerer and the other with a 1" threaded steerer for a quill stem. As all of our frames are made to order we can have sloping or horizontal top tubes on either. We also do a step through version.

 

The frame and forks have bosses for three bottle cages, a front low rider rack and rear pannier rack, as well as mudguards.

 

Why steel? This is an expedition bike so there's only one material suitable for the frame and forks and that's steel. Wherever you are in the world steel frames can be fixed more easily (in the unlikely event that it needs welding...) and on a rigid bike the steel provides a more comfortable ride.

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As all of our frames are made to order we will customise the seat tube and top tube lengths to best fit you, either visit us for a fitting or send us your measurements - click here for more info

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For heavier riders we can tweak the tube diameters/thicknesses, please get in touch if you'd like to discuss this click here for more info

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All of our frames are supplied with vertical dropouts. Horizontal dropouts can be fitted if preferred.

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Bottom Bracket - 68mm British Thread (BS).

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For sizing click here

 

N.B. The Kibo is only available to purchase as a complete bike