Twenty Nine Inches has recieved a Siren Bicycles Song single speed to demo for a bit. This is a new model for Siren Bicycles and it is their version of a “soft tail” design that utilizes a titanium flex plate as a “pivot” point instead of a pivot or flexing chainstay design.
The design features a Cane Creek AD 5 damper which yeilds approximately 1.5″ of air sprung travel. We have covered the flex plate before here and it looks fantastic “in the flesh”.
The rear tire clearance is pretty generous with the Continental Mountain King 2.4″ tires mounted on Stan’s Flow rims.
This rig is finished out with King hubs, Reba fork, Magura “Louise” hydraulic brakes, Thomson seat post, WTB saddle, Syntace bar and stem, and Ergon grips.
Look for a first impressions post next week.
I’m interested in seeing how this bike rides. I’d also be curious to find out how different or similar it is to any of the other soft-tails on the market (i.e. Salsa, Dean, Moots, etc.). I love the color and the flex-plate idea is interesting.
I’d like to know how it compares to the DOS. Also, seeing that it can accomodate a 2.4″ tire in the rear is very appealing.
wunnspeed: Well, I can tell you one major difference already. It is customizeable aluminum. By that I meant that you can get the Song built specifically for you, your riding style, and terrain. Sure, Moots and Dean can do the same, but Siren is working with aluminum and the turn around time is phenomenal. (I was told 8 weeks or less!)
Look for my impressions of this particular Song coming soon. 🙂
Mark: See my response above. I will also be detailing performance differences, as I realize this bike is going to be compared to the Dos Niner by most people.
GT, thanks. Love that color, too. If possible could you add a shot of the DOS and the Song side by side, or wheel to wheel to see what the difference in Geometry is like.
I’d like to see some pics of that flex plate as well…
A 29er soft-tail is probably all most people need. just enough to sit and keep pedaling over the roots.
I’d be interested in the lateral rigidity of the rear end. Maybe you guys could do some semi-scientific tests to measure the actual flex of frames (forks, and wheels)?
Mark, Steve: Keep in mind that the Song is a totally “custom” bike. Every tube is chosen specifically for an individual rider. The Dos is a production frame. Kinda apples and oranges, if you catch my drift. Want a stiff Song? Want it geared? Whatever, Siren can accomodate.
Tim: I’ll get those flex plate pics up soon. 😉
I took a look at the frame down at Old Pueblo last month. It felt good just pushing on the saddle but I didn’t put any actual ride time in on it. I as well am interested in seeing how she spins out. Seems like a good ride for going the distance.
When this Song was at my house the other day I have the Racing Ralphs 2.4’s mounted and there was about a 1/4 in of tire clearance on each side of the tire and about 1/2 to 3/4 in in the front part near the bottom bracket side.
Sice looking rig, can’t wait to ride it.
I need spell check…..
Looks Beautious 🙂
a possible 4th choice for my next bike!
Cool bike.
Visually – I think a slightly different top tube seat tube configuration might make it look a little “cleaner” for lack of a better word.
I’m thinking a sloping top tube with no bend to the seat tube, coupled with a seat tube to top tube brace rather than the bent top tube and tiny little brace. But I’m sure there is a rhyme and a reason for the design that Brendan opted for.
Looking forward to the ride reports.
Curious – but since these are custom built – was there a particular “sized” rider in mind for this particular orange bike?
Cheers,
Mark
I am very interested in seeing the ride report on this bike. I’ve ridden a YBB for years and I race singlespeed so this combination really intrigues me. Siren has put a lot of engineering into their design and also has the experience in working with aluminum from the days Brendan spent at Intense.
What is the Cane Creek shock like? Is there some sort of lockout or dampening system?
MMcG: You just perfectly described a Dos Niner! 😉
Matt: Here’s the link to Cane Creek’s site and the page on the AD 5: http://www.canecreek.com/ad-5-shock.html
No lockout, but they claim it is the lightest damper in the world “weighing as little as 160 grams.”
I’ve got the AD-5 on my Curtlo 26er Epic Mountaineer.
It’s an OK shock, but it certainly has a small pogo factor to it. To be honest, a nice (custom) steel frame with a tubeless setup and fat tires, a bling Ti seatpost and great saddle will give you a more comfortable ride IMHO.
BTW – I’ve had this same shock replaced once. At that time (about a year ago) the tech at Cane Creek wasn’t too sure thy had the bodies in stock to build a new one, or if they even would in the future. I think it’s great Siren is offering it, because that tells me Cane Creek will continue to make it.
I’ve been watching this company for awhile and like their stuff. have considered a custon aluminum hardtail built up but now thats clouded cause I want to see how this bike turns out. GT let us know soon on this one so I can arrange my purchasing plans soon! One big complaint I have with FS 29ers is the long CS included. THis bike may have the best of both worlds (three if its as light as it looks).
Will you be testing any other Siren products??
While I’m on the topic, can you let us know what the CS measures out to? THX
motor machine BRRRAAAAAAAAAAPPP!
Hey all: I’ve got updates coming, but a few quickies here: Remember, Siren is a custom company. You want a straight top tube? No problema’! Cane Creek shock- I hear this will morph into being named a Cloud 9 and that the platform will be supported into the future.
I’ll have some pics up of the flex plate and some riding impressions yet this week.
I am thinking very seriously about my next bike being a Song. I’ve contacted Brendan for a test ride, but you got this bike instead. Please don’t break it cause I wanna ride it next! 😉
I’m very eager to hear your ride reports.
OhNooo: Don’t worry! Brendan did his work well and I highly doubt I’ll wreck it before I send it back. 🙂 Check out the latest post for my initial thoughts.