my Koga SkyExpension

Yo Eddy!

Yo Eddy!

Member
Hi all,

This is my SkyExpension, here photographed together with my Yo =>

[URL="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2238764699_081869ff70_b.jpg"][URL="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2238764699_081869ff70_b.jpg"][URL="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2238764699_081869ff70_b.jpg"] [/URL][/URL][/URL]

The SkyExpension's US counterpart was sold as Miyata Elevation 12,000. It is the model Greg Herbold raced downhill in the final years of his pro carreer. My SkyEx is of the 1995 model year, the same year as the Yo btw.

I initially wanted a H-Ball replica, but I soon changed direction. No Judy, a bit less Ringle, a bit more ti. What stayed is the wealth of colors :)

[URL="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2404/2239572872_386fa41b10_b.jpg"][URL="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2404/2239572872_386fa41b10_b.jpg"][URL="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2404/2239572872_386fa41b10_b.jpg"] [/URL][/URL][/URL]

The SkyExpension uses carbon tubing in the front triangle and aluminium for the rear. Lugs are aluminium. Shock is special design for this bike, I believe by Yamaha. The bike is a impressive piece of engineering!


2238828303_031be5afac.jpg


After a few riders I can tell the SkyExpension is much more efficient than my Verlicchi.


Cockpit of the two =>

[URL="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2137/2238767937_cf92b0a219_b.jpg"][URL="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2137/2238767937_cf92b0a219_b.jpg"][URL="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2137/2238767937_cf92b0a219_b.jpg"] [/URL][/URL][/URL]
Cockpit for the Koga with Onza bar ends, ti Syncors bar, ti Race Face EX and XTR rapidfire units. The later operates XTR mechs and Grafton Speed Controllers. Imagine what this all must have cost back in the day :rolleyes: I could only dream ...BUT time went by and my dreambike came within reach :)

Closer look at the RaceFace EX stem =>

[URL="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2025/2238824493_528310540f_b.jpg"][URL="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2025/2238824493_528310540f_b.jpg"] [/URL][/URL]
It features an interesting clamping/headset adjusting concept.
 
settemarche

settemarche

New member
interesting indeed. quite the odd bike. not sure if i have ever seen or heard of this frame. excellent array of colors. in looking at it today the suspension and geometry look pretty much in line with many current production bikes. horst link and all.

Sette
 
settemarche

settemarche

New member
colker said:
btw..what's an "expension"? :kissyface
Click to expand...


"Expension" - it really means nothing, or was supposed to mean something. but really it is just Japlish and should be enjoyed.

i used to work for Toyota in there racing division. we would bring Japan Dosmestic Market parts in from Japan. the catalogs were great. "Seems fine turning" "Feeling Rockstar power". i am not really sure how this came about. i think it has to do with the strangeness of English and the lack of native "American" speakers in Japan at the time.

Sette
 
Yo Eddy!

Yo Eddy!

Member
Sette,

Maybe a little explanation required: SkyExpension is a brand name of Koga Miyata. Koga Miyata is from Heerenveen, Friesland, The Netherlands. They made use of Miyata (Japanese indeed) frames.

I think SkyExpension is a fantasy name that should give the association of:

1) Sky => high, the top (more or less alike 'Elevation 12,000' for the Miyata equivilent)
2) Ex- => exclusive?, exceptional?
3) -pension => suspension

Where Expension is an substraction of 2 and 3.

On your Japan story: I think I know a bit what you mean. Who doesn't remember the vague ads by several far eastern companies in early 90s MTB mags? :D It is funny and weird at the same time.

See below decal on a Japanese Miyata RidgeRunner =>

RidgeRunner.jpg


RidgeRanner :rolleyes: Yeah, right. The for Japanese so typical strive for perfection and eye for detail does apparently not apply to the use of English...
 
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