Smoothie SS

The Smoothie SS uses the same efficient semi-compact geometry developed for the original Smoothie. We chose U.S.-made KVA MS2 stainless for the tubing. The strength and anti-corrosion characteristics of MS2 is really more in the league of titanium than other steel micro-alloys. With MS2 you get the road connected feel that steel is famous for, plus but with noticeably crisper power transfer than you come to expect with steel.

- Fillet brazed KVA MS2 double butted stainless steel tubing
- Downtube shifter bosses
- Breezer-style dropouts with fender eyelets
- Two sets of water bottle bosses
- 1-1/8" headtube
- 68mm English BB shell
- 28.6mm seat collar and front derailleur not included
- 27.2mm seatpost not included
- Max. tire width: 700x28c
- Mirror polished finish (Yes it is more expensive to do, but we like 'shiney')
Sizes: 52, 54, 56, 58, 60cm (virtual sizing not based on seat tube)
- Wt: 3.75 lbs (58cm)
- Limited run: 100 frames for 2013 (actually with the scarcity of MS2 tubing we will be lucky to make 100 frames this year)

purchase!

Smoothie SS

  • What is KVA MS2 stainless steel?

    MS2™ is an air-hardenable, martensitic stainless steel with amazing tensile strength, offering excellent properties, including specific strength and stiffness, toughness and fatigue performance, in addition to corrosion-resistance.

    MS2™ stainless steel bike tubing is produced with patented technologies and exhibits:
    tensile strength > 200 ksi (1400 MPa)
    elongation > 14%
    hardness ~ 38-42 HRC

    Learn more

  • Why should I get this frame? It costs as much as some bargain titanium frames. And more than a custom TrueTemper OXPlatinum frame.

    Depends on what you are looking for in a bike...

    Bike Snobbery: First off having a stainless steel puts in a pretty small crowd. It is probably the material used the least after magnesium. That is because the material is expensive, hard to get, and difficult to weld. If you own a stainless steel frame, you know it was built by a skilled craftsman, not a robot. Don't get this mixed up with 304 stainless steel use in kitchen utensils. These are state-of-art alloys.

    Custom bike: You got us there. Nothing is as having something custom made for, especially if you are hard to fit. Though we have to admit OXPlatimum and 853 are nice riding steel, MS2 is superior in durability and longevity.

    Value: Yes if you look hard enough you can find a titanium frame is about the same price. But it usually isn't the nicer tubes and it'll be a bead blasted finish which is notorious for showing scuffs and nicks very easily. We mirror polish our frames, because we like the "shiney". Some custom makers will charge $1000 to polish a ti frame. If you don't need custom sizing, a mirror polish finish and fillet brazed frame for about $2K is not good deal.

    Artistry: We can probably look at the lovely stack of dimes welds of a Moots all day long, but we think skinny tubed fillet brazed steel frame has a charm all its own. You can't fillet braze titanium. You can do a skinny tube ti bike, but you wouldn't like the ride.

  • How do you care for a KVA MS2 stainless steel frame?

    General Care Instructions:

    - Wipe down dirt, mud, saltwater & grime after long rides with clean cloth.
    - A mild soap solution can be used for stubborn road grime; rinse and dry thoroughly.
    Unpainted frames:

    - After cleaning, to protect luster & finish, apply hi-quality automotive wax or stainless polish with soft, dry cloth and buff out.
    - Alternatively, an anti-corrosion surface treatment spray or liquid can be used, Boeshield ® T-9 or equivalent.
    Should Any Staining/Spotting Occur:

    - Lightly buff with a synthetic textured (Scotchbrite ®) pad or sponge while following the grain direction.
    - Use Boeshield® T-9 or similar lubricant while removing stain.
    - Use caution if tubes are mirror polished. Use Boeshield® T-9 or another lubricant soaked in a soft cloth and work in small circles.
    - Reapply wax, polish or protective coating like Boeshield® T-9 when finished.
    Do not use steel wool on MS2™. More detailed info at http://www.kvastainless.com/care-maintenance.html