Jungle Rider / Holiday frame: bike build, notes, and photos.

I recently ordered a Jungle Rider frame; the 'Holiday', which is Martti Kuoppa's signature frame. The box was pretty nice. Some of the money from the sales of these frames go towards the Ground Tactics competition - which is a great thing for flatland. Be that as it may, a frame still needs to do it's job, regardless of it's pedigree.

My initial impression of the frame was that it was very well built. The welds were all very clean. It has gussets on the top- and down-tubes for added strength. It comes with (very clean) removable brake mounts, and all the hardware you'd need to attach them and run a brake on the back wheel.  Although I am personally not a fan of milling sections out of the tubing (see photos), the holes on my frame were neatly detailed, and I guess it gives the frame some distinction. The paint was even and shiny, no scratches, and very nice looking. The frame stickers look great, and even tho I'm generally not a fan of stickers, I am going to keep them on for a while.

Building the Holiday frame went very smoothly. There was no paint inside the bottom bracket tube, and so the Spanish bearings went in quickly and without a hassle. That is one part that can sometimes be a nightmare, so I was very happy it went so well.  Up front, no surpises. The rear of the frame has great little welded brackets on each side that hold a removable chain tensioning bolt. Although the bolts were extremely close to hitting the moving parts of the hub, they did not touch them. This is a feature I'd like to see standard on frames. It makes life a lot easier and is much more minimal than after-market chain tensioners.  The fit of the rear wheel in the triangle was dead on. No extra washers needed, no prying to fit the wheel. Perfection.

The feel of the frame was a bit surprising. It has a nimble, snappy feel that I'm not used to, but appreciate. I had heard rumors that the rear end was longer than expected, but I actually removed a half link when I built it. Both the front and back wheel tricks feel faster and more responsive, yet the balance and overall length of the frame have a sense of stability. I dig it.

Other than that, I'd like to say thanks to Martti for making a great frame. I've waited some time for a frame with these specs and features to be available. Very happy with my purchase.

Below are some pictures for reference: