I've been approached by Ben, the creative director of Minivation, about doing a group purchase on his freaking awesome hinges. The group order will only go through if there's a minimum of 10 orders. Right now, the hinges are about $110 shipped to the US, but with the group buy at 10, It looks like it will be closer to $85. And potentially even cheaper if we have more than 10 people in on the buy.
Here's the hinges, and a comparison of the original hinges vs the new hinges.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/998774_570629506328068_1926395347_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1000232_570644902993195_432929710_n.jpg)
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b59/minis84/Engine%20Steady%20FAQ/SiansMiniJuly05001.jpg)
(http://minivation.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Per-Avids-mini.jpg)
Just trying to get a rough idea of who will be interested in a group buy. Post on here if you are interested. And I don't mean "well... I might possibly maybe be interested". I mean, You should be able to say "Yes, I'll buy one if it's available at a good price." haha
Does not look like a bolt on swap. Needs some kind of side mount support. Need more information on how they mount. If it is close to a bolt on job then I would be up for a set.
Do they come with the carbon fiber hood? ;D
I got more info on the hinges from the designer. They aren't a "bolt-on" but close to it. You measure and drill a couple holes into the side panel under the drip rail. They are adjustable so you can get your panel gaps on just right, and will be a pretty quick job if you have a power drill and a couple wrenches. I'm definitely getting a set, no matter if I pay full price or group buy rate. They are awesome and different, and solve a major issue I have of not enough space. Plus I like that they hold themselves open with no need for a prop rod, but can still be used with a prop rod.
Biketesting, I'm not sure if it comes with the carbon hood, but mine will. :D