To build a high-performance road to frame set that the rear triangle disassembles from the main triangle to be able to fit in a suitcase to travel.
I have had this Columbus Metax tube-set lying around since 1997. Between 1993-1997 I had built over 15 frames using this special Nitronic Stainless steel. Being no longer manufactured as it is, I had to make sure that what I was going to build with the stainless was going to be as special as the tube-set itself. I have been looking at other foldable road frame designs, but have never been really happy overall at the engineering involved. It seems to me that performance is lost for 'convenience' in other people's designs for road frame-sets that brake-apart for travel.
The AMP Research suspension design for has been proven in the Desperado’s circle for over ten years now. I have basically taken the same idea and eliminated the shock and instead of connecting the seat stays to the top tube I have connected them to a ‘Mono-Strut’ off the back end of the seat tube. I have custom fabricated the entire bottom bracket attachment out of stainless to be both corrosion proof and to allow very tight tolerances for integrity.
Any of my frames listed can be modified for an additional $275 American, or as always I can create a total custom! My current project is with this adaptation is with a True Temper S-3 tube set I am hoping to get a sub-4lb. brake apart frame for a client that owns a plane and wants the performance of a state-of-the-art with the convenience of fitting in the cargo compartment.
The OS-Link (Open Source) kit -otherwise known as the "Travelight"- comes in 2 sizes: A 15 inch and a 17 inch seat tube running 26" rims and cantilever brakes. The advantage of the 17 is the ability to have Paul’s Motto brakes that allow the use of anywhere from 26” mountain rims to 700c with cantilevers or fit riders who's traditional size of 56cm on up. If you are using a set of road brakes, prefer a tight rear triangle and and ride a 54cm or smaller seat tube size, the 15” will more than fit the bill.
Please feel free to inquire.
(715) 484-7261
In my design of which I called the OS-Link (Open Source)
the seat cluster becomes a critical issue for high stressors caused from
a long seatpost
due to short seat tubes. When building a small frame for a tall riders,
the seatpost extends beyond what is normal for road frame. The seatpost
then acts as a leverage bar on the seat cluster causing the area of the
top tube to have issues with cracking at the join.
The issue of these stressors have been resolved with what we call at
the Desperado’s
ranch the StayTite© seat
cluster redefined for the OS-Link. Through design, the frame increases performance
due to shorter stays causing a stiffer rear triangle. The bottom bracket with
the ‘pin bracket’ increases the stiffness and in turn also increases
performance. The total weight gain for this convenience of disassembly is less
than 8oz.
. 
The overall ride can only be described as nimble. Tracking is incredible. I could possibly be making a statement that is a bit bias. I guess I could only say that the objective has been met. This frame design allows performance to be the key objective of all design considerations with the ease of being able to take a part, fit in a suitcase and be traveled with in various environments.
I have been riding this machine for the last two years. Parts have finally evolved to this current selection. Custom handlebars should be thought out this winter and built. I want to have the option of going to aero bars without much trouble. Currently the bike is used for road riding with the option to take a hard-pack trail when they arise as they do up here in the great north woods of Wisconsin.
