he paint jobs coming across the Specialized mountain bike line seem to be getting worse with every release. For me, it all started with the “candy corn” SX Trail. A fellow riding friend, APPBLING, sent his off to the powder coater straight out of the box to get stripped and re-coated silver.
I have a true soft spot in my heart for custom steel frame builders. The amount of care and craftsmanship that goes into every single one of their frames is unlike any other build in the industry. These guys have a true love for the sport, and most of the time…they make next to nothing on their works of art.
Dirt jumping and street are the main form of riding for many riders. Whether you live in the city, countryside or mountains, there are always great opportunities to build your skills and bag of tricks. The Ducat has been designed to be both durable and agile.
With the increasing cost of raw materials, specifically steel and aluminum, frame producers are having to find ways to cut costs. The larger companies like Trek, Cannondale and Giant have been outsourcing for years, but now we are seeing more “boutique” brands like Titus and Santa Cruz doing the same thing.