Imlach's Sweaty Hippie Funk Collection, adventure bikes, rusty rats, cruisers and other alt bastardisations of bicyclery

MattiThundrrr said:
Dunno, does this guy also belong in the Bikefluencer thread?
26+ tires, classic-ish geo
View attachment 812764
https://theradavist.com/stridsland-beachcomber-origin-story/
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I like their stuff, but it is definitely wheel reinvented at a huge premium. But, them making stuff that is designed specifically for retro bits and bobs is a positive. And they do push a trend of using vintage frames and componentry.

That said a lot of the stuff I see is leaning more towards saving the frames and retro modding. That is my own personal approach too, I see less and less of people using full vintage components within those spheres. And it's almost a novelty if they do, which I think is a bit silly. "Wow imagine this old 7 speed derailleur doing the job!". I do see that a 1x11 or 1x12 is an exciting retro upgrade, but I want to see more of the old bits used - 3x7 is still reliable and cheap, and most bikes of the time were fitted with such, so it'd be less of a dramatic overhaul for a beginner, if they didn't constantly push that every knackered frame had to be tarted up with boutique extravagance and modern groupsets/wheelsets. That's my main gripe.
 
MattiThundrrr said:
I'd be interested to see if those 26*2.8 tires would fit on my Brodie. That's my "modern" bike, thinking about 1x drivetrain as well
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Doubt it, 2007 mode, no? Kitted with 2.3s in the catalogue, so my guess would be 2.5s with a bit of mud clearance is a max. 2.8 would probably rub or have barely any clearance. Even my modern KM (2013) will not fit above 2.5s in 700c. And with the clearance I prefer, even 2.5s are a stretch.

But let us see a pic of the clearance with a 2.3 fitted.
 
MattiThundrrr said:
I'd be interested to see if those 26*2.8 tires would fit on my Brodie. That's my "modern" bike, thinking about 1x drivetrain as well
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There's some talent in the article, but fully prepared to get an angry. This daft fashion of ramming oversized tyres with gnats todger clearance is driving me to look for the sick bucket over and over again and not even going via the fridge. I really don't see the need.

This caught my eye " My go-to tire is the 26×2.8 WTB Ranger Light / Fast Rolling, which weighs a mere 783 g. " and I had to read it over about three times. Well for gravel and hard-pack, these were my go to (actual weight for a pair):

1705675543076.jpeg

I admit they are a rather specific tyre set - on gravel at a slightly lower pressure and on hard-pack with more pressure the ride was nothing short of thrilling with just the right amount of grip, and I will certainly guarantee they do what they say on the tin light and fast rolling. Almost as fast as a 33C CX tyre and provided ample comfort even with uber stiff wheels. My preferred mud tyre was 1.75" and also very light - again, no reason to go wider for "comfort" - especially on sodden surfaces.
 
Fair enough horses for courses and all of that. These bigger and fatter tyres in my mind are absolutely pointless for most people and riding - if you are launching yourself down a rock garden, of course you need something solid, beefed up and run at low pressure, but the whole thing has become the worst type of trickle down technology fashion seeking for the same tyre type to be used on commuters or unpaved roads or a bit of mix.

A more sensible width and lighter tyre does wonders for handling, accelerating, decelerating, climbing, descending and ride enjoyment.
 
I agree, for my riding I discovered that even 2.5s were overkill. I like a 2.3 for most rooty off road riding with lower pressures but most of my bikes are 2.0 to 2.1
 
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