flickr image by FelixvonPlaten1
It’s been a while since I’ve posted about bikes, but the Ostro “Torro” track frames have me intrigued. Handmade in Poland, they are rarely seen in the USA. Their design reminds me of Koichi Yamaguchi’s gorgeous Kilo / Pursuit bike, with the distinctive “triple triangle” seatstays of the GT Gutterball and curved seat tube of the mid-90’s KHS Aero track frames.
The welds and chunky rear fork ends make the Ostro look like it would be as at home on the streets as the track, though. Bike Mielec in Poland shows a similar frame in their gallery, I’m not 100% sure that they are the manufacturer of Ostro frames, or if they merely copied one. I am considering have a copy of this frame built in the USA by Gene Spicer, as it’s probably cheaper and faster than sourcing one from Poland.
Check out the gallery of Ostro’s after the jump. Note that the geometry differs between bikes – some have the very steep angles and saddle-to-bar drop associated with a pursuit frame, while others like the one pictured above have a horizontal top tube.
flickr image by user ersatzspeiche
flickr image by user saskathex
flickr image by user ersatzpeiche
I like this bike !!!!!!
I’m looking for a resaler
So did u manage to built this frame yet in USA? coz i wanna buy one! Cheers!
Hello,
I am the original designer of this frame,
the design was stolen by the frame maker,
and made without my permission,
but it appears we have reached a compromise.
I mean Im really happy they have become so popular n stuff.
There is a run of these frames in the mix, and they won’t be limited to alu.
Thats all I can say now,
The site http://www.tenfour.pl is still under cons…
but will go up soon..
keepem spinninnnnn
Maka
Warsaw Car Killers
Hi Maka! thanks so much for posting here. I know there’s a lot of interest in your designs here in the USA. Please post how people can buy one of your bikes as soon as they are available.
will do, very very soon.
Hi Maka,
I’m very interested in your frame.
hey Aime, feel free to drop me a line or two at frames@tenfour.pl
peace
Hello Maka,
No news about you ?????
…..what? that is obviously the same design as Yamaguchi’s Kilo frame. You’ve gotta be kidding me. If you really want one in the US just order from Koichi. At least then you’ll know you are getting hand built quality from a master frame builder with over 40 years of experience from here to Japan…
same design? you’ve gotta be kidding me :).
totally different angles, much steeper, shorter, taller, heavier, bulkier,
and not as nice as Koichi’s … im sure,hes a master… bent seat tube and triple triangle doesnt make it the same..
ps. we dont expect this frame racing in the olympics either 🙂
xoxox
@maka, signing a deal with mielec and prohibiting them from making frames based on your design is a very dick move.
dick move?
maka – send me some new pics of your bikes, as i’d love to do a follow-up article now that they’re in production. thanks!
let’s group our beloved ostro torro! 😀
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1455208@N24/
I am very interested in buy one frame.
How can I do that?
I am 1.80 tall.
What is the perfect size for me? L or M?
Write back soon .
Ibon
I’m still rolling on my Torro Maka 🙂 got it repainted, new headset and bb and looking sweet these days. Excellent frame my friend
Pingback: Schwinn Paramount P13-9 & Sprint with curved seat tube | djcatnap.com