Framebuilders - Sanko Tubing & Powdercoating

I am working on a new project right now and I am wondering if anyone has ever worked with Sanko tubing before? It seems to be getting a lot of positive feedback lately with ratios of weight and strength. Where is it available in North America?

Secondly, can someone help me with (powdercoating) estimated weight values once applied to a frame?

And how do these values differ from, let say, raw/clearcoat or frame anodizing?

I think I solved the second question: I callled a local powdercoating distributor and worked out this formula. I kinda laughed when he'd told me, in all his years, no one ever called to ask this question before. :o

1. Density of coating (wet) = (typical specific gravity of substate [dry]) 1.3 x (material loss after curing) .01%

2. Weight = (calculated surface area) x (density of coating) x (application thickness) 2.5mm


I think it would be easier to ask if someone could please weigh a frame before and after powdercoating it.
I'll estimate the values from there.

I've heard of Sanko, particularly in BMX applications. I think FORT made a track bike out of Sanko cromo too.

redline monocog flight and one of the 1x9 redline 29ers are made of sanko. i got a frame. seems like decent stuff, but it ain't light. of course, that may be a good thing, depending on your project.

hth,
-rob