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2003 KGB Psychonnecta PROTOTYPE

Martti Kuoppa's personal KGB Psychonnecta prototype frame from 2003 with US-bottom bracket. Out of total two prototypes made for Martti and Viki, this is the one that has survived. Talking about rare piece!

I was told the name "Psychonnecta" was Viki's idea. It derives from hiphop group Psycho Realm's lyrics on their song Moving Through Streets - 'Psycho realm that's my connecta...'
This frame launched the KGB (short for Kuoppa-Gomez-Bikes) saga back in 2003 when Martti and Viki (not "VIKKI") joined forces to form their own company, the KGB. The Psychonnecta prototype's world premiere took place in 2003 at Carhartt flatland Jam at Köln Jugendpark (Cologne, Germany) where Martti placed 8th due to getting flat tire at the beginning of his run.
The frame was then used in couple other occations and ultimately left in storage at his father's workplace until august 9th 2010 when Martti decided it was time to find a new home for it. Soon after the 2010 Ground Tactics finals in august here in Helsinki, he called on his way to drop Toon at airport and we hooked up. The only thing i knew beforehand was a call that went something like, "i got the frame for you, you home"? Next thing i know he pulls the frame out of his car's trunk, while i'm gasping in awe and excitement, and next we're heading my place. There had been talk about the frame in the past but i never thought i'd one day actually have it! I made sure he was serious about his decision with the option to have it back anytime if he should ever need it for anything. It goes without saying that i am very stoked about this frame!

The Psychonnecta prototype is by far the rarest frame in my collection and i strongly believe it is the rarest of all KGBs there is, so i can't emphasize enough the sole importance of this frame in modern flatland. You will not find another because out of the total two prototypes made exclusively for Viki and Martti, this is the one that survived. As i write this on february 2011, almost eight years after the frame's premiere, it doesn't feel that far away. But when comparing the flatland specific frame designs of 2003 and 2011, most of them were still using traditional triangle design with straight tubing with the usual elevated downtube for foot clearance. However, the Psychonnecta was among (if not THE) first modern era flatland specific frame design to use radically curved top and bottom tubes, elevated chainstays with compact overall size and sleek, futuristic appearance.

The original colour of this prototype (which is almost fully covered with Martti's infamous hasty white rattlecan paint job) is fluorescent "Martti-green". Viki's prototype was red. The outlines of the original KGB logo can be seen on the headtube. In other words, it is "instant art" created with the die-cut KGB decal stuck under the white paint and peeled off.

KGB frames suffered of unfortunate strength and whatever issues in their final years. Thanks to the obsessive global fad of weight watching and the constant efforts to re-design a frame with maximum amount of space around it caused the frames get so delicate they were bound to break when ridden hard. Ask yourself, how is anyone supposed to maintain strength against all the bizarre stress factors and variables subjected to a flatland frame if you are constantly using less and less material without adding anything? It's a paradox. Well, years have passed and the trend in flatland frame designs seems to be going towards the proven straight-tubed diamond frame, once again. What goes around comes around. I guess it's endless cycle, just like with humanity as generations pass people tend forget what they've done in the past and repeat mistakes. Then comes someone with this great new idea and the process starts all over again.
Martti said the obvious flaw with this 2003 design was the unique "pocket" between the top and bottom tubes created for lower gyro cable junction to fit nicely between them. Unfortunately that's where a lot of stress was subjected and eventually cracks would form around the "pocket". However, this model was briefly in production with slightly different specs compared to this prototype. To my knowledge it was available in blue, red and Martti-green with the choice of either US or Euro bottom bracket. If you see one, grab it because they are rare. What sets the prototype apart from the production model is the protoype has shorter wishbone, the top tubes are 1.5" diameter instead of 1.3/8" and there is no serial number. Then, what sets the prototype apart from the 2004 model including the above, is the seat stays and the chainstays are flattened on the insides. The seatstays are set higher and in slightly steeper angle, there is just a single rear brake adjuster tab instead of adjuster plate for dual cables, no serial number and obviously, the welds aren't perfect. Hence the prototype status.


Martti's been my friend since 1992 or so, and throughout the years i have watched from the side how he's kept on progressing in his riding while being involved in their bike company, doing demos and competing. With the public fame set aside, most importantly he has preserved faith in flatland and his impulsive, excentric personality to this day. Given the privilege to now have this frame in collection was by far the humblest act of trust and friendhip which i hold in very high regard. As a grateful new owner of this piece of flatland history, i will say again that this will remain the rarest and the most precious frame in my collection, without a doubt. By saying "holding on to it until last breath" will not be an understatement i guess.
His latest venture in the realm of flatland is called Jungle Rider and it is currently in full effect with frames, handlebars, forks and whatnot. So make sure to check it out!
Martti, thank You again bro.
Peace,
-Timo
Frame specs:

* Frame: 2003 KGB Psychonnecta prototype, Martti's actual frame. Only two made in the world.
* Original colour: "Martti-Green"

* Material: 100% Chro-Moly, made in taiwan
* Weight: 2,579 kg
* Top Tube Length: 19"
* Serial: none
* Headset type: regular 1.1/8" for press-on cups
* Bottom Bracket Type: US
* Rear Brake Mounts: yes
* Drop Outs: 6mm, with 10mm (3/8") axle slots

* Seat Tube Diameter: 1"