Post by: mtnbkr on November 02, 2006, 05:51:19 AM
Last night, I installed a NIB scandium handlebar I picked up on ebay for $41 shipped. Just switching from my heavy steel bar to this one will cut a bit over 6oz from my bike. Once again, it doesn't sound like a lot, but in a sport where people spend hundreds of dollars to lose a few ounces, 6oz for $41 is a steal. I find out tonight if it's durable.
Chris
Post by: StopTheGrays on November 02, 2006, 06:01:30 AM
Post by: mtnbkr on November 02, 2006, 06:07:40 AM
Chris
Post by: AJ Dual on November 02, 2006, 06:29:19 AM
People gripe about it, however it makes sense, considering that Safe-T-Lock, a maker of gun locks is the entity that bought out and saved S&W in the first place.
Given my druthers, I'd prefer no locks, but, I'm a fan of watching what people actualy do, not just what they say, and the new ginormous X-frame .500 and .460's seem to be a big middle-finger aimed right at the "PC crowd"...
Post by: StopTheGrays on November 02, 2006, 06:44:07 AM
I believe the majority of the scandium Smiths have the lock in the side. At least I don't recall seeing scandium guns in their lineup prior to the addition of the lock.
Chris
Chris
Ah, makes sense now. Thanks for the reply.
Post by: ilbob on November 02, 2006, 07:18:03 AM
Given my druthers, I'd prefer no locks, but, I'm a fan of watching what people actualy do, not just what they say, and the new enormous X-frame .500 and .460's seem to be a big middle-finger aimed right at the "PC crowd"...
I think it is more likely a response to a perceived niche in the marketplace where they can make some money. This is a business after all. They are not going to spend millions of dollars to develop and market a new gun just to piss off a few people who are not gun owners anyway.
Post by: Headless Thompson Gunner on November 02, 2006, 07:29:51 AM
Given my druthers, I'd prefer no locks, but, I'm a fan of watching what people actualy do, not just what they say, and the new enormous X-frame .500 and .460's seem to be a big middle-finger aimed right at the "PC crowd"...
I think it is more likely a response to a perceived niche in the marketplace where they can make some money. This is a business after all. They are not going to spend millions of dollars to develop and market a new gun just to piss off a few people who are not gun owners anyway.
I, for one, have passed up on a SW revo that had a lock, primarily because of the lock. It was offered to me at a gunshow at a really good price. I didn't really want a revolver but I would have bought it if not for the sour taste that lock put in my mouth.
Post by: AJ Dual on November 02, 2006, 07:45:37 AM
I think it is more likely a response to a perceived niche in the marketplace where they can make some money. This is a business after all. They are not going to spend millions of dollars to develop and market a new gun just to piss off a few people who are not gun owners anyway.
Oh I agree, the primary motive was to develop a new products/markets. However, it did indeed have that effect, intended or not, and S&W didn't back down an inch...
As I said, the locks aren't my favorite, but if people hate them that much, they should have formed a consortium and out-bid Safe-T-Lock when S&W was on the auction block. A gun-lock company isn't going to just up and abandon what was thier main product "just because"...
Post by: Perd Hapley on November 02, 2006, 08:16:48 AM
What is scandium, anyway? Element? Alloy?
Post by: mtnbkr on November 02, 2006, 08:36:05 AM
What is scandium, anyway? Element? Alloy?
I'm pretty sure it's an element. Whatever it is, when alloyed with aluminum in small amounts, the resulting alloy is much stronger than plain aluminum. Therefore, you can use less material and maintain the same strength.For example, my bars weigh 170grams. The same bars in plain aluminum, from the same company, weigh over 200grams. For frames, the weights tend to be something like 2.9lbs vs 3.5lbs for the same frame design. Though, some builders have been building sub 3lb frames with standard aluminum for over 10 years now, but they're not meant for long term use.
Off the top of my head, the S&W j-frames in scandium weigh in about 12oz, while their plain alloy counterparts weigh about 14oz.
Chris
Post by: MillCreek on November 02, 2006, 10:33:13 AM
PS: I have two roadbikes, one with a 7005 frame with carbon seatstays and the other is all titanium. I am quite certain that each frame will outlive me.
Post by: mtnbkr on November 02, 2006, 10:53:49 AM
There's also a lot of wiggle room. Like I said, you can make a lighter aluminum frame, it just won't have the lifespan. I imagine you could make a heavier scandium frame for more durability or other reasons. On mountain bikes, once the frame gets below 5lbs, you're not talking about much of a difference. The component spec makes a bigger difference in weight and "feel".
Oh, and my current 3.5lb aluminum frame is going strong after 8 years of use.
Chris
Post by: The Rabbi on November 02, 2006, 12:36:48 PM
Given my druthers, I'd prefer no locks, but, I'm a fan of watching what people actualy do, not just what they say, and the new enormous X-frame .500 and .460's seem to be a big middle-finger aimed right at the "PC crowd"...
I think it is more likely a response to a perceived niche in the marketplace where they can make some money. This is a business after all. They are not going to spend millions of dollars to develop and market a new gun just to piss off a few people who are not gun owners anyway.
Oh, yeah. To keep it on topic.
Scandium is a rare element found mainly in Russia. A tiny bit added to aluminum produces a more durable alloy.
Post by: MillCreek on November 02, 2006, 12:53:06 PM
Honesty compels me to add that with my style of essentially recreational riding these days, a few ounces plus or minus on the frame makes no difference to me. If I was racing for money, it no doubt would.
Post by: mtnbkr on November 02, 2006, 06:10:31 PM
Quote
Honesty compels me to add that with my style of essentially recreational riding these days, a few ounces plus or minus on the frame makes no difference to me. If I was racing for money, it no doubt would.
A few ounces here, a few ounces there and soon you have a pound. Between my new bar and the new seat I bought to replace my well worn one, I'll have shaved nearly a pound off the bike. This offsets the pound it gained when I added disk brakes to the front end.Chris
Post by: mtnbkr on November 02, 2006, 06:35:00 PM
I put in nearly 20 miles offroad tonight. The bars held up fine.
Chris