Here at Twenty Nine Inches, we just never know what might show up in our inbox! Here are some images of what appears to be a very “production-like” looking Superfly single speed set up with a Gates Carbon Belt Drive.
These images are from a camera phone and were submitted by a reader, (Thanks!) Not much is known about this bike other than it is one of two examples and that there are no plans for production. From my past dealings with Fisher employees/engineers, I can say that they often do prototype “one offs” as test mules for ideas that may or may not be used in the future. I would venture a guess that this bike is such an example.
Looking closely at the frame, it seems to have a modified version of the original sliding drop out Fisher showed on the 2010 Superfly SS at the Fisher Press Camp in September 2009. It also appears that something from the ABP brake pivot design was employed here. Look closely at these images and you can see the keyed inner face of the QR, and it may be that the forward part of the drop out separates from the chainstay to allow the belt to be installed.
Here is a close up of that Superfly SS drop out as seen at the Fisher Press Camp. Frankly, I must say I like this mystery version better! If anymore information turns up on this, we’ll be sure to forward it on to you readers. Stay tuned!
looks like Jesse Lalonde’s rig. Either way, looks fast and light.
Ted – it looks like the rear dropout is split vertically, front-to-rear, with the outer half of the “plate” attached to the seatstay, and the inner half attached to the chainstay. So – you remove the QR, slip the belt back between the inner and outer plates, and then re-insert the QR to snug it all back up. If you look at the 4th picture carefully, you can see the vertical line of the “split” in the dropout (it passes down in front of the set screw) and there is also a small line that looks like a similar split in front of the dropout/behind the chainstay. Pretty slick if that is what they did…
@ATBScott: Yeah, I see that now. Good eye. I think that you have it correct and if so, it would be very trick.
Jesse raced this same bike at one of the WORS races last season if my memory serves me correctly and did quite well on it.
Embrace the belt drive. !!!
This bike could be produced – a year or so ago I never thought they’d make a carbon HiFi…Fisher just keeps pushing the envelope.
It would be awesomely light with what appears to be a pretty reliable dropout arrangement. No one better to wring an SS out than a Lalonde.
Anyone know what kind of grips those are? Maybe orange ESI….
@Jr. Looks like orange ESI grips to my eyes. I think you are right.
Close, they are red “cunky” ESI grips. And ATBScott is right about where it is split. The inside nuts of the “abp” are what tighten down the wheel and the QR is just a little extra…
Yeah, the one Jesse rode at the Fat Tire 40 that had “technical problems” up the Fire Tower? I suppose teeth slippage is a technical problem.
Tell me this will show up as 2011 single speed production bike…i have to wait and see…