Dropout // - Snakedriver Development 401: Next up is the drive side dropout. The most notable change is gone are the days of in-fill. According to my supplier, @ram3dprinting in-fills create more potential issues long term than they solve and internal structures like ribs or struts are more effective. So the new parts were designed with an internal beam that runs the length of the part which has been relieved in specific locations to remove weight. The overall profile is more compact and svelte. It’s also designed around a UDH hanger for maximum compatibility. This *might ultimately be a CNC part but for this next update, it’s 3D printed from 15-5 stainless steel. More updates on the way as I process parts. - Post Script: How am I floating these parts you may ask? Quite literally.. a .25” chainsaw file, magnetism and yours truly: Photoshop. And none of that AI assist B.S. Just a good old fashioned manual clipping mask and the clone stamp toolery. You heard it here first.

REFINEMENTS // - First up on the 3D print part count that was redesigned from the ground up is the main pivot assembly. This iteration retains the snap ring as a bearing stop element but I refined where the bend is in the body along with the radius to reduce tube overlap and allow for more room the weld the DT/ST overlap along with making tube ferment much easier/quicker (which has a lot to do with that bend radius I mentioned). Along with additional internal structure I’ve full integrated the dropper routing so there’s no need for the previous Salsa dropper grommet part. Combined with a few other features, this just gives more room for the dropper line, encapsulates it so it no longer can touch the main pivot shaft and provides a smoother entrance/exit. Nice proofed, I can begin assessing what material I can remove to lighten up the part, reduce cost and speed up manufacturing time on my end. This parts real close to being production ready I think. - Also: I’ve been sketching more as of late after too long of a hiatus. Mostly landscapes for now. These are relatively small and fast sketches with basic water color blocking. But I’ve included a few for all to see. I build bikes but I do enjoy all things art & design. Going to make a point of drawing more frequently as I’ve always found it incredibly relaxing and I get lost for a bit.. enjoy!

Moment of Silence // - As some of you already know from my story, late last week I got some pretty sad news that my powder coater of nearly 20 years, Garrett Hall, passed at the age of 56 suddenly. Garrett was extremely talented and had a keen eye for meticulous details. He powder coated every single 44 steel Marauder, Huntsman, Snakedriver and countless prototypes. It’s a loss such that we’re just not even going to try and replace him. He was one of a kind, so I’m going to throw out his shoes and start anew. - I’ve assembled a gallery of just mountain bikes he coated for me over the years and this isn’t even scratching the surface. I’ve also included a few shots at the end of his beloved drag car he so meticulously maintained and modified. Just about every time I’d drop off work, he’d be all jazzed on something new he was working on and he’d say “Kris!! You gotta come back here and check out what I’ve got going on!” And then he’d lay out all the details and how his latest mod was gonna get him down the track or jump off the line that much quicker. - Short Story Time: One day, when I was dropping off a Snakedriver prototype, he was ribbing me about something and I stopped, looked him square in the eye and said “Garrett. THIS is my race car.” His eyes got wide and a twinkle developed followed by a big grin. He winked and said “Say no more. I understand!” Metal and wheels is where Garrett and I saw eye to eye. Garrett, your talent, excitement and meticulous nature will be greatly missed. Let’s all lay some thick lines down for Garrett next time we’re out stomping singletrack! - PS: My most sincere condolences go out to Garrett’s family, friends and young daughter. RIP.

MORE PARTS // - After a week of vacation and another week of house projects, I’m ready to get back to it. First up: Parts for the next round of Snakedriver prototyping have arrived. Now before we get ahead of ourselves, let me answer two questions…. First: I don’t know what the price will be on these bikes and Second: I officially do not have a release date set. Too many variables and shifting economic winds have thrown the whole development process into disarray. My one and only answer is and will always be: When it’s done, it will be ready but not before then. I’m really adamant about doing this the way I want to do it, not making compromises, not rushing anything and not cutting any corners. More updates as this comes together. And as always, Jake does Jake stuff photo bombs will abound.

Marauder Ti SS // This one’s a dedicated singlespeed. For the uninitiated: that means there’s no routing for a rear derailleur. Clean-N-Mean..

Titanium // - I was looking at my websites analytics, and guess what the most viewed page is when viewers arrive at the site? The Marauder. And then from there? Straight to the Marauder Ti. If that’s what the people want, that’s what I’m gonna give’em! So here’s you Saturday dose of Titanium served up hot like you like it: The Marauder with a slice of Singlespeed.