BMX UNION

The latest BMX Videos, Products and News!

  • BMX Videos & News
  • BMX Color App
  • Submissions
  • Home
  • Spoke Calculator
  • Products
    • BMX Frames
    • BMX Bars
    • BMX Fork
    • BMX Stem
    • BMX Grips
    • BMX Headset
    • BMX Cranks
    • BMX Pedals
    • BMX Sprocket
    • BMX Chain
    • BMX Bottom Bracket
    • BMX Seat
    • BMX Seat Post
    • BMX Hubs
    • BMX Rims
    • BMX Tires
    • BMX Pegs
    • BMX Hub Guard
  • Featured
    • Interviews
    • Bike Check
    • BMX Videos
    • Photogalleries
    • BMX Reviews
    • On the Horizon
    • Through The Lens

Review: Subrosa Pandora DTT

10 Comments


(Fact: It’s hard holding and focusing a Canon T1i while holding a flashlight)

After close to a year of knowing about Subrosa‘s Double Top Tube Pandora in the works, it was finally sitting in my garage waiting to be put together. I had been drooling over it since I rode Kyle Hart’s prototype a while back, and really wanted to get some solid time on it. I’ve had the chance to ride it for a few weeks now and here is what I thought of it.

Now days it is hard to tell the difference between frames unless you were to build it up and ride it. The number one thing about this frame is that you can tell the difference between frames because of the two top tubes. Sure, this isn’t the first frame to do it, but it is the first legit one in at least 8 years (at least that I can remember). This has been the biggest attention getter for people when they see it. It has also been the biggest factor for deciding if it is “sick” or “gay”. The results are mixed when people look at it. Either it hits them with this need to talk about how badass it is, or it rubs them the wrong way and before you know it they are talking about how they would never ride it because of the two top tubes. The only problem with this is that Ryan Sher got exactly what he wanted. The frame doesn’t need stickers and you already know what it is.

Alright, so here’s the deal. I went from a 20.5″ Federal Hamilton to this frame. I opted to go with a 20.75″ due to wanting to try a little longer of a frame and just give myself something that would probably be better fit for the usual riding I’m doing. The frame also features a full 4130 Sanko Chromoly frame with a double butted down tube. 75 degree, CNC machined, and heat treated head tube. A 71 degree, internally and externally butted seat tube, with an 8.5″ stand over height and a integrated pivotal post. Internally and externally CNC machined, heat treated mid bottom bracket that has a height of 11.6″. Along with a 13.75″ chain stay, that has 5 mm thick drop outs, CNC machined details, that are also heat treated. It has low profile removable mounts, with removable cable guides. It comes in at just around 5 lbs even.

Upon the first few “adjustment” sessions I snapped my chain, and did a turndown that knocked my seat loose. The chain snapped due to me hustling to put it back together and bending a plate. I knew it was coming. The seat came loose because it wasn’t tightened down right and was sitting on the ridges of the pivotal seat. Both my fault. Otherwise, I didn’t really have to adjust much else besides my chain coming loose after a few ice picks and stuff. That was a good sign. I’ve never really had much luck with the removable brake mounts, or headsets staying tight after the first go for some reason.

What I noticed right off the bat was the rear end was longer than the Hamilton (obviously.. that thing is TIGHT). I was stoked on the longer back end because it allowed me to be a little more stable while jumping and everything. I also noticed my bike felt more balanced. The front and back ends were spread out more so it allowed everything to be more even. I like that too. In general I was a fan of the geometry. That doesn’t apply for everyone either. Some people might prefer a shorter top tube, shorter or longer back end. I think I was mostly just ready to change it up a bit and longer geometry just ended up being what I was looking for.

So lets point out a few of the features of the frame. The twin top tubes is clearly the biggest feature. I’ve been asked what the point of it is and if it changes anything a bunch. The answer is.. it’s all cosmetic and really doesn’t act as anything more than a regular top tube… except for surfers. Those are definitely easier. The weight of the frame doesn’t seem to get hurt too much by having two tubes and gussets to keep it stiff. I figure there is probably about the same metal in the two tubes as there would be one since they are smaller. When riding the frame, you don’t notice the two tubes at all either. I basically forget I have that the second I start pedaling.
Built in integrated seat post. Alright, I’m all for pivotal seats and posts… but this is something I could do without. I’m a fan of having my seat a bit higher (maybe another inch tops) than the set spot on this frame. Then again, I’m sure there are tons of kids who prefer their seat slammed. etc. etc. Shit, Ryan Nyquist wouldn’t know where his seat went on this frame.
The seat stay brace is badass. If you just glance at it, you don’t really know what it is.. but if you look closely you can see a skull in there. That is pretty rad. Take a look…

I should also mention that since the top tubes are separate, it allows for them to go all the way down to the drop outs. It’s a smooth look, and a couple less welds to worry about. It’s not a big deal to me. I could do with or without it, but if you are into looks then yeah it’s a feature.

This doesn’t effect any of the brakeless kids out there, but I was bummed when I realized they didn’t have drilled tabs on the head tube. I was really looking forward to throwing my gyro back on. Given, it isn’t hard to have a shop do it, or even get the kit from Albe’s to do it myself… I’m just lazy and not into letting somebody probably mess up, or letting myself mess up like I did on an old frame.

So overall, I’d say this frame is good. If I was able to make a few changes like the seat post and gyro tabs being pre-drilled I would. Otherwise, I’m stoked to have the frame since I wanted something a little longer and everything. If you think the twin top tubes is sick, this might just be for you. If you think it’s gay and pointless… well, you don’t have to party like this. Subrosa still offers the Pandora frame with a single top tube.
If you are looking to pick one up, you might have to act quick. I heard that Subrosa is almost all sold out of the frame already. That doesn’t mean you can’t pick it up at a local shop that carries Subrosa or goes through Sparky’s, or on Dan’s Comp ($339).

SubrosaBrand.com





Posted: November 6, 2009 Tagged With: Pandora DTT, Subrosa Brand

Comments

  1. Cam says

    November 28, 2012 at 8:25 am

    be far the best frame i have ever hard its super strong and if anyone who wont ride it bc its 7 oz more then another frame get over it like my bike still is 23 ibs, its awesome i ride park and i have had it for a year and plan to ride it to the ground and then buy the same frame new again and ride it i love this frame and by far a must have

    Reply
  2. oscar says

    June 2, 2012 at 9:50 pm

    I need a frame, a subrosa frame or a premium guttershark frame i will pay $120. i dented my pandora v2 frame today. thnx

    Reply
  3. koichi says

    April 22, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    its the most beautiful frame for me. but its bit heavy.
    When ride do not feel so heavy. nice frame.

    Reply
  4. michael says

    September 26, 2010 at 3:16 pm

    its 5lbs 7oz according to dans comp, i think its a little bit heavy seeing as though my farside is 4lbs 12oz but thats just me….im a little bit of a weight whore

    Reply
  5. mike says

    August 26, 2010 at 8:59 am

    the salvodoer is the beast! very light

    Reply
  6. mike says

    August 26, 2010 at 8:59 am

    the salvodoer is the beast very light

    Reply
  7. JAY says

    July 18, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    Heavy ????? i ride this frame and its super light

    Reply
  8. aminal says

    December 2, 2009 at 9:47 am

    This is the first frame that i have called beautiful, but i would never buy it, it’s a little too much on the heavy side. :/

    Reply
  9. vincenwc says

    November 6, 2009 at 12:18 pm

    I rode the shit out of DTT one time!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.


On Youtube? Give us a follow!

Most Popular Today

  • BMX Color App BMX Union Bike Bicycle Color App BMX Color App
  • BMX Frame and Parts Guide
  • Rad Movie Full Video Heltlrack BMX movie RAD - Full Movie
  • Insight: BMX Frame Geometry
  • glow in the dark skatepark A Glow In The Dark Skatepark?
  • Cinema BMX Corey Martinez Signature Sessions BMX video Cinema BMX - Corey Martinez Signature Sessions
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Brant Moore BMX Bike Terminology Explained video BMX Bike Terminology - Explained

SUPPORTERS

Kink Bikes
Cinema BMX
The Shadow Conspiracy
Subrosa Brand
Vans
Flybikes
Source BMX

VISIT: FRONT PAGE // DAILY SECTION // BMX COLOR APP // BMX VIDEOS // RANDOM // BMX GAMES // SHOP
You are here: Home / Reviews / Review: Subrosa Pandora DTT
NAVIGATE
  • BMX Union - Home
  • Daily BMX Videos & News
  • BMX Color App
  • BMX Reviews
  • BMX How-To's
  • Advertise
  • BMX Spoke Calculator
  • Contribute

  • What Does A Warranty Cover?
  • BMX Frame Geometry Guide
  • BMX Handlebar Geometry Guide
  • BMX Tool Guide
  • BMX Multi-Tool Guide
  • BMX Spoke Calculator
  • BMX Frame and Parts Guide
  • 5 Keys To Keeping Your Bike Dialed
  • Random Page

SOCIAL
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • E-Mail List
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Shop

Copyright © 2019 · BMX UNION - All Rights Are Reserved.