Very Disappointed :(

[grnamin]

I sent my frame back to Lynskey 5 weeks ago to have the downtube repaired or the frame replaced (their discretion) after the downtube cracked during the Darkhorse 40 race. While they had the frame less than a week, I decided to have them retrofit the frame with the ISCG tabs for a Hammerschmidt drive system. They said the initial 3 week wait to repair the frame would turn into 5 weeks (two weeks additional for the Hammerschmidt retrofit). The Hammerschmidt add-on entailed welding an ISCG tab bracket and cable routing braze-ons.

I purchased a Hammerschmidt kit (drive train, bottom bracket, and shifter) from Speedgoat on sale for almost $200 less.

Five weeks went by and I went back to the authorized dealer LBS where I purchased the frame yesterday to pickup my frame. I was getting really excited. I opened up the box, pulled out the frame, and then focused on the bottom bracket. What?!!! No ISCG tabs!!! WTF???!!! The LBS guys called Lynskey and was told that they couldn't install the Hammerschimdt retrofit because the drive train wouldn't fit properly. The bottom bracket wasn't the right width (68mm). Truvativ specifically states that Hammerschmidt will fit in a 68mm BB.

So I waited for 5 weeks only to find out that Lynskey didn't even install the Hammerschmidt add-ons.

In their defense, the frame came back like it was brand new. New decals, new finish (same as original), new slider dropouts.

Meanwhile, my mind raced while I was at the LBS. My heart sank because I couldn't install the Hammerschmidt. I asked the mechanic if he had an ISCG adaptor. He handed me one. I was able to install the Hammerschmidt myself using the adaptor!!! WTF, again, Lynskey!!! I'm a total amateur and I was able to install the Hammerschmidt you said wouldn't fit on my frame!!!

Ugh!!!

[jusluv2bike]

isn't the hammerschmidt heavy? the one that my boy has is pretty heavy...unless they come in different models that are lighter. but nice system!!! ;D

[grnamin]

Yep, heavier than a Shimano XT triple crank set. The AM version is slightly lighter than the FR one.

[jeprox]

Happy ending after all!

[grnamin]

Yes, Bong. I just have to figure out how to keep the adaptor from slipping. The bottom bracket retaining rings are weird because they tighten the "wrong" way. Any force applied to the ISCG adaptor plate via the Hammerschmidt collar assembly may cause the BB retaining ring to rotate and loosen. I'm experimenting on some possible solutions.

[jontotman]

yap shame on Lynskey but I'm glad you were able to install it yourself.

[grnamin]

Thank you, Jon. I'm looking for a more permanent solution. I didn't tighten the bottom bracket drive side retaining ring enough and the ISCG adaptor plate slipped. I had a puzzled look on my face wondering why the Hammerschmidt wouldn't shift into overdrive.

[merlin]

Congrats for getting your frame replaced under warranty. If my memory servers me right, isn't the Hammerschmidt cranks are for all-mountain? They are heavy and durable but perhaps your Lynskey Ridgeline is not made for all-mountain terrain. Just a thought.

Even if you are not doing All-Mountain, Lynskey might not feel comfortable putting Hammerschmidt ISCG 03 or ISCG 05 tabs in there. Anyway, congrats and all working great again.

[grnamin]

Thank you, Levi. What bothered me most is the fact that Lynskey added 2 weeks to the frame return because they were going to install the ISCG tabs, then shipped my frame back to me without the tabs after 5 weeks without even letting me know they couldn't/wouldn't do it. Oh well.