Balfa News!!

[scottishmark]

this is a bit vague at the moment, but have a little look here: http://www.descent-world.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=21703.0

I'm assuming there'll be a fair bit more info to follow

[mandown]

this is a bit vague at the moment, but have a little look here: http://www.descent-world.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=21703.0

I'm assuming there'll be a fair bit more info to follow

long live the BB7 (and other fine Balfa legends).

[Swine]

fo sho!

[zedro]

so i guess this means all replacement and warranty parts have just been flown over the ocean. Who knew the little quebec company would be exported to another continent.

btw if anyones interested, 2 riding buddies are selling their (2004?) BB7s, long size, in white team color.

[CreeP]

finally, something!

[Lex]

this is a bit vague at the moment, but have a little look here: http://www.descent-world.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=21703.0

I'm assuming there'll be a fair bit more info to follow

With the US dollar being so low right now compared to the British pound (1 pound = $1.913 US), I'll be curious to see what pricing is like. As a dealer, their website shows a BB7 with a 5th and floating brake being 1599 pound ($3058 US). That's a lot of money if there are also import duties coming into the US.

[Transcend]

Ha, just made a post about this a few minutes ago. The email i received stated that these guys were the UK distributor before procycle bought balfa? is that right?

[Tenacious Doug]

The email i received stated that these guys were the UK distributor before procycle bought balfa? is that right?
Correct!

[HRDTLBRO]

Sweet Ass!
I've always liked the Balfa stuff, especially the bb7.

[Acadian]

yeah I had some e-mail echange with Jamie over at Balfa UK - there should be some official press release later.

[S.G.D]

good for balfa!

thats awesome.

[MMcG]

so what does this really mean?

Did they just buy up the remaining Balfa inventory?

I mean all the designers etc. etc. are gone onto other ventures or are now out at Rocky Mountain, so what is Balfa UK going to do once the stock they bought out is sold off??

[bballe336]

if they keep making bikes i hope they can get a north america distributor. those are nices bikes and buying overseas is just not worth it.

[sirbikealot]

Ha, just made a post about this a few minutes ago. The email i received stated that these guys were the UK distributor before procycle bought balfa? is that right?

yep procycle has been shopping their foreign distributors for a while, apparently the german distributor was close to buying too

[Transcend]

Good for them I guess...only now they will have a constact flow of parcels to quebec for warranties seeing as i think 90% of them were sold here!

Oh crap - who is gonna reweld bobonums now??? :sneaky:

[zedro]

so what does this really mean?

Did they just buy up the remaining Balfa inventory?

I mean all the designers etc. etc. are gone onto other ventures or are now out at Rocky Mountain, so what is Balfa UK going to do once the stock they bought out is sold off??

well, i'm guessing they get any jigs and plans as well, and of course the name. Huh, doesnt seem all that worth it really, not like it'd be hard to design a variation of it.

[Rik]

I'd like to know the full story, sounds like they've just bought the brand name, as any "handmade in xyz, designed by pqr, superfantasticness bikes" sales pitch they had is out the window.

[jamie@balfa]

Hi guys,
Jamie from Balfa UK here.
Just to put an end to all of the speculation - we have not bought the Balfa name as it was not for sale. We will therefore not be producing anymore frames under the Balfa name.
We have been working over the last year with the original Balfa owners and designers on a totally new brand. Due to hit the shops in 2006. They will be built in Canada and distributed to the USA and Canada from over there, the rest of the world will be dealt with by us in the UK.
This is huge for us and im so happy we have been able to save Balfa - if just a small portion of it. Amongst our sale is all the remaining frames and stuff so these frames are still available to buy guys.
Id like to say thanks for all of the support we have recieved. Im not on here too often so please visit our site www.balfa.co.uk for updates or email me at jamie@balfa.co.uk
Thanks
Jamie

[Instigator]

Jamie,

thanks for the info. I hope that all goes well in your new business.

[ChrisRobin]

btw if anyones interested, 2 riding buddies are selling their (2004?) BB7s, long size, in white team color.

So what's Mike going to get next??

[rockwool]

Best of luck to you guys! The Quebec cru seemed to be really nice people.

[zedro]

So what's Mike going to get next??

well he wasent intending on selling it, but 'ti-patate almost found a buyer so he was thinkin a Demo8....not sure if he's into it anymore

[MMcG]

Best of luck to you - so if you didn't buy the BAlfa name, what will you be calling your company into the future???

I used to rep for Balfa in New England so I'm highly interested to stay in the loop as to what's happening.

Here's wishing you tons of success!!!

[Rik]

So instead of "we bought balfa", we replace "bought" with "are employing" and "balfa" with "people who used to work for balfa", it sounds a bit better now.

[eastcoastzigzag]

AMAZING! :love: :love: :love: :love:

[Broke1]

This is the best damn news I've heard in a long time. Will they still be making replacement parts?

[krazydher1]

can i get a floating brake system for my 02? and how much?

[jamie@balfa]

What ever you want to call it, its still the same in principle.
If you are still interested in repping in NZ drop me an email to jamie@balfa.co.uk
For all updates and info please visit www.balfa.co.uk
As for the 2002 Floater, im not sure what 'parts' are coming so there may well be one, if not i'll get some made up. Either way drop me an email so we have your details on file dude
Cheers
Jamie

[MMcG]

What ever you want to call it, its still the same in principle.
If you are still interested in repping in NZ drop me an email to jamie@balfa.co.uk
For all updates and info please visit www.balfa.co.uk

Cheers
Jamie

I was a Balfa rep for Connecticut, Western Massachusetts and parts of Vermont for Balfa. New England, USA not New Zealand. I'll shoot you an email just the same.

Take care,

Mark

[jamie@balfa]

Oh and we will be making new improved, lighter pulleys and 1 piece plates for the 2002-2004 BB7's.
So yeah spares will be readily available.
J

[mandown]

Oh and we will be making new improved, lighter pulleys and 1 piece plates for the 2002-2004 BB7's.
So yeah spares will be readily available.
J

have you figured out what causes the bb7 drivetrain to lockup in mid pedal stroke? there is some speculation that it is pulley related. i also get an clicking noise when i move into the lower gear range (probably the lowest 4 or 5 cogs on my 9spd cassette). i have wondered if it is related to a combination of chainline and the pulley design. just thought you might have an idea.

best wishes with your efforts. i am happy to see balfa staying alive.

[GeoffW]

Great News!! Best of luck to you guys, I'm still on a 02 2Step, I hope you handle warranty issues better than the former

[zedro]

have you figured out what causes the bb7 drivetrain to lockup in mid pedal stroke? there is some speculation that it is pulley related. i also get an clicking noise when i move into the lower gear range (probably the lowest 4 or 5 cogs on my 9spd cassette). i have wondered if it is related to a combination of chainline and the pulley design. just thought you might have an idea.

best wishes with your efforts. i am happy to see balfa staying alive.

take the pulley apart, and grind out the ramps on the sprocket and grind the tooth height down. Also bench test the alignment to see whats interfering.

[mandown]

take the pulley apart, and grind out the ramps on the sprocket and grind the tooth height down. Also bench test the alignment to see whats interfering.

have taken the pulley off the frame, but it looks like a bitch to get the sprocket off, so i have not tried too hard (for fear that i won't be able to get it back on). i did not see any ramps on the sprocket either. i can see how the grind down idea should help. i'll give that a shot.

thanks z.

[zedro]

have taken the pulley off the frame, but it looks like a bitch to get the sprocket off, so i have not tried too hard (for fear that i won't be able to get it back on). i did not see any ramps on the sprocket either. i can see how the grind down idea should help. i'll give that a shot.

thanks z.

maybe its different with the year? i know my buddies 2003 he had to go through all that because it would try to "shift"

also on my bike i found a worn sprocket caused lots of issues

[krazydher1]

yeah...when u compress the suspension the pully hits the mrp...just grind it down..i had to do that.

[krazydher1]

hey jamie, just sent u an email.

[mandown]

yeah...when u compress the suspension the pully hits the mrp...just grind it down..i had to do that.

not running an mrp, using an evil. also, the problem is present pedaling on flat even stuff too. i am leaning toward z's comment that the thing is trying to shift the chain because the chainline is at too much of an angle.

[jamie@balfa]

The problem with the BB7 is that it was developed around certain parts - i.e Boxxers that were lower than most other forks out there and the MRP WC1.
Whilst other devices do fit and work, there are some problems as you describe, they pulley hitting the Evil.
We have got to evaluate all of the problems which is why ive decided to put it out to the owners to get some feedback so we can improve the new version some more.
Its all well and good us sitting in the boardroom painting pretty pictures on new designs but if its not what you guys want it wont sell, so send me your preferences and thoughts.
On the 2004 BB7 we have found the chain can loop over the top pulley but havent found any evidence suggesting chain lock mid stroke. It really could be several things - stretched chain sitting on top of the ring rather than in it, mech at full stretch on compression, faulty guide ring, faulty cassette tooth, faulty chain. Its gonna be different every time but we'll look into it. The pulley comes apart fairly easily for servicing. Just make sure the bearing isnt knackered and that the teeth on the ring are fine.
Any thoughts and or problems please send them to jamie@balfa.co.uk

[ChrisRobin]

knackered [/email]

hehehe...you'll never hear a french guy say "knackered" ;)

[ChrisRobin]

not running an mrp, using an evil. also, the problem is present pedaling on flat even stuff too. i am leaning toward z's comment that the thing is trying to shift the chain because the chainline is at too much of an angle.

I remember building up 2003 BB7 and I was paranoid about the chainline. My buddy was having issues so I made sure everything was lined up perfectly. He had grinded down the ramps on the pulley, re-aligned everything and that seemed to work. He was running an MRP and XTR cranks...a stock setup.

On my side, I used an E13 SRS and I was just really careful about the spacing and everything worked fine. I guess my pulley was ok. Plus I was using an XT bb and XT cranks.

[rockwool]

I was a Balfa rep for Connecticut, Western Massachusetts and parts of Vermont for Balfa. New England, USA not New Zealand.

So dude, what language do you speak in Indonesia? ;)

[mandown]

The problem with the BB7 is that it was developed around certain parts - i.e Boxxers that were lower than most other forks out there and the MRP WC1.
Whilst other devices do fit and work, there are some problems as you describe, they pulley hitting the Evil.
We have got to evaluate all of the problems which is why ive decided to put it out to the owners to get some feedback so we can improve the new version some more.
Its all well and good us sitting in the boardroom painting pretty pictures on new designs but if its not what you guys want it wont sell, so send me your preferences and thoughts.
On the 2004 BB7 we have found the chain can loop over the top pulley but havent found any evidence suggesting chain lock mid stroke. It really could be several things - stretched chain sitting on top of the ring rather than in it, mech at full stretch on compression, faulty guide ring, faulty cassette tooth, faulty chain. Its gonna be different every time but we'll look into it. The pulley comes apart fairly easily for servicing. Just make sure the bearing isnt knackered and that the teeth on the ring are fine.
Any thoughts and or problems please send them to jamie@balfa.co.uk


i will continue to comment on this topic, as this is a weak part of the design and would love to be able to help in the refinement.

first, there is no problem with the pulley hitting any part of the evil SRS chainguide. ever. if this is a problem that other owners are having, i was unaware of it befoe now.

second, the mid-stroke pedal lock happens on random occasions on all different types of terrain (smooth or bumpy), at various speeds (slow and fast). a quick back pedal fixes this. this point was made in the review of the BB7 two years ago in an MBAction article (covering the 2003 model BB7). i have noticed some chain marks on my chainguide plates, but that may have been from the chaing coming off once in a while, and not alignment related.

third, my chainline is pretty well aligned. not perfect but good. i have no ramps on the pulley sprocket. the teeth look to be in good shape. the high 3 or 4 gears on my 9spd cassette work flawlessly. the remaining low gears generate the problem. the chainline looks relatively good for a single ring set up. however i get a clicking noise which repeats at regular intervals when pedaling in the low gears. it is as if the chain is trying to jump from the pulley, then slipping back onto the pulley.

hope this helps with future mods. looking forward to seeing what the future holds.

edit - my drivetrain rig is as follows
SRAM 8 spd cassette
SRAM PC 58 chain
34 tooth blackspire 8/9 spd ring
truvative hussefelt cranks and truvative 113mm bb (not sure of model)
deore rear der.
evil srs

[jamie@balfa]

If its happening like that what it may do is as you hit the terrain the chain jumps slightly and when its in the smaller gears just catches on the black outer edge of the pulley.
The chain could then rub and occasionally get hooked up and lock.
There are several ways to try and get around it - new pulley wheel and or move it forward say 5mm which we will look at. The pivot has been lowered on the new one slightly to increase small bump sensitivity and to get the weight even lower. It will also create less pedal bob in the new version.
The pulley is, if you have ever taken it off, very heavy for what it is. Im gonna look to Carbon or tough plastic ones as they will be cheaper and half the weight.
J

[jamie@balfa]

Guys ive been asked by Procycle to make this a little clearer.
We have bought 139 Balfa frames and some parts - what was left basically. We will not be producing any frames under the Balfa name, nor will the deigns be the same as the Balfas (for legal reasons). We are using this as a basis for our new brand and to bridge the gap until its out in 2006.
We will however make replacement Balfa linkages and linkage upgrades - just not full frames.
Thanks
Jamie

[lovebunny]

so your selling a 1 peice linkage? im interested. i have an 03. i was also thinking something that could be nice is to have an option for a 150x12mm rear spacing. it could probably help with some clearance issues too

[krazydher1]

what will the new linkage designs do for us?

[rockwool]

so your selling a 1 peice linkage? im interested. i have an 03. i was also thinking something that could be nice is to have an option for a 150x12mm rear spacing. it could probably help with some clearance issues too

Yea that would be nice.

Jamie, could you make a shortened rear triangle, and if, what would it cost?
There was a bike for sale here on RM about a year ago that had been built for a factory rider that was shortened 3/4".
Shorter chainstays and travel would be nice for most tracks here in sweden.

[WheelieMan]

Yeah, I'd say that creating a 150mmX12mm swingarm would make the BB7 perfect. Would solve the tire clearance/chainline issues which are my only complaints with the frame.

How about you make a new swingarm to keep us BB7 owners happy until your new models come out in 06!

[zedro]

There are several ways to try and get around it - new pulley wheel and or move it forward say 5mm which we will look at. The pivot has been lowered on the new one slightly to increase small bump sensitivity and to get the weight even lower. It will also create less pedal bob in the new version.
The pulley is, if you have ever taken it off, very heavy for what it is. Im gonna look to Carbon or tough plastic ones as they will be cheaper and half the weight.
J

you might want to try a bigger pulley (like 14-15T), this is what i've been using and it works well; i believe larger diameters keep things from getting tempermental.

Also i dont think you need to look beyond aluminum, just change the design; use more appropriate bearings (like maybe a single needle) and narrow the profile, and of course, speedholes or pockets. I'd be careful with plastic because unless theres metal transfering the load from the cog to bearing, it'll eat right through; i would only use it as guide plates (i made an embarrassing discovery which i hope no one repeats :D)

[Sir Happypants]

its just as we all speculated, not balfa at all....

[Lexx D]

its just as we all speculated, not balfa at all....
Actually if the original balfa guys are involved it will be more the "real" balfa than procycle could have made it.

[mandown]

you might want to try a bigger pulley (like 14-15T), this is what i've been using and it works well; i believe larger diameters keep things from getting tempermental.

Also i dont think you need to look beyond aluminum, just change the design; use more appropriate bearings (like maybe a single needle) and narrow the profile, and of course, speedholes or pockets. I'd be careful with plastic because unless theres metal transfering the load from the cog to bearing, it'll eat right through; i would only use it as guide plates (i made an embarrassing discovery which i hope no one repeats :D)

Z - based on your tech wizard background, would you think that a pulley that had some lateral mobility would reduce the chainline issues? something along the lines of a fixed axle for the pulley to slide left-to-right on as the chain moves from cog to cog, with the pulley "centering" itself from the chain tesnion. the way i see it (if it worked the way i see it in my head), it would help with the chainline from the rear cog to the pulley. however i don't know if it would be enough of a benefit to offset the fact that it would angle the chainline from the big ring to the pulley. school me, wise one :thumb:

[zedro]

Z - based on your tech wizard background, would you think that a pulley that had some lateral mobility would reduce the chainline issues? something along the lines of a fixed axle for the pulley to slide left-to-right on as the chain moves from cog to cog, with the pulley "centering" itself from the chain tesnion. the way i see it (if it worked the way i see it in my head), it would help with the chainline from the rear cog to the pulley. however i don't know if it would be enough of a benefit to offset the fact that it would angle the chainline from the big ring to the pulley. school me, wise one :thumb:

well you just need to design in the proper chailine in the first place. I use a 58mm chainline (i think, been awhile) with a 150mm rear hub, which has a bias to the smaller cogs where its needed most and have no pulley problems (well, exept when the pulley screws are vibrating loose creating havoc :rolleyes: ). I think a lateral shift would cause too many problems, especially since that already is a setup problem on the Balfa. I believe a larger pulley tho with shallow teeth run smoother since theres less of an angle of attack, so less chance of jamming (its like how spur gears need to be with a certain size or else the teeth will just jam).

The original pulley i experimented with was 11t (Balfa uses a 12 i think) and it ran really rough, very loud. I ended up with a 15 and 16 which run very smoothly and quiet. Of course i have the benefit of a greater distance between idler and hub.

[lovebunny]

any news?

[Transcend]

any news?

I saw jerome last sunday at bromont, forgot to ask what was up and if the original guys were going ot be involved. oops.

[TeeDee]

Hi guys,
Jamie from Balfa UK here.
Just to put an end to all of the speculation - we have not bought the Balfa name as it was not for sale. We will therefore not be producing anymore frames under the Balfa name.
We have been working over the last year with the original Balfa owners and designers on a totally new brand. Due to hit the shops in 2006. They will be built in Canada and distributed to the USA and Canada from over there, the rest of the world will be dealt with by us in the UK.
This is huge for us and im so happy we have been able to save Balfa - if just a small portion of it. Amongst our sale is all the remaining frames and stuff so these frames are still available to buy guys.
Id like to say thanks for all of the support we have recieved. Im not on here too often so please visit our site www.balfa.co.uk for updates or email me at jamie@balfa.co.uk
Thanks
Jamie

So how soon can we get parts for frames? Like the gear wheel on the BB7?

[lovebunny]

So how soon can we get parts for frames? Like the gear wheel on the BB7?
damn you! you got my hopes up for more new news! :nono: :mumble:

[blt2ride]

so i guess this means all replacement and warranty parts have just been flown over the ocean. Who knew the little quebec company would be exported to another continent.

btw if anyones interested, 2 riding buddies are selling their (2004?) BB7s, long size, in white team color.

How much do they want to sell them for? I have a friend who has always liked that frame, and is in the market for a new bike...

[skyst3alth]

I want shortened chainstays and a one piece rear end!! WAAAAAH!!!

-Adam

[lovebunny]

and 150mm spacing. :drool:

[WheelieMan]

And the ability to run a 9.5 X 3.0 shock, but keeping the travel and geometry the same! (maybe a little slacker and lower)

[skyst3alth]

Slacker and lower????? GAH!

-Adam