Hump Bike-Only One Thing Wrong With This Bike

My friend PS generally grades his efforts at a B-; it's part of a psycho-projection strategy to keep him striving for more.  Today's Hump Bike is a stealthy middle weight with almost nothing wrong. In the shop to replace the broken bullet-style LX R. Derailleur, that is about the only thing wrong with this obviously carefully considered daily driver. Look closely and you will find the perfect value package of efficient, adjustable near- vint goodness. Plus, it's like, how much more black could this be? And the answer is none: 

Oury grips, "relaxed" stem and Hell Bent Bars:

Poison Spider sticker, xtra long Surly steerer tube fork, I'm not makin' this up:

LX Hollowgram crank (octalink) and rad, Shimano, super-commuter all metal A530 pedals (DHers?):

Parallel push brakes, Avid and Shimano both made 'em, these were the burliest ; reflectorized Maxxis tires that do not get flats:

LX brake levers with multiple leverage ratio positions and, part of that near perfect, integrated shifters:

One of three QRs that actually work: Salsa; DT RWS; and, real Shimano camming QRs, alloy. Again, the best value:

Full wrap fenders, two cages (probably from days gone by), who needs a QR seatpost on a townie? Okay, here comes the tricky part, what make is it?  All the clues are here (see answer at bottom of page):

 I'm down with Old Man Mountain, hand brazed racks:

 Crazy cowgirl sticker, see!:

Chainstay protector made of inner tube and ice and water shield sealant tape, black, natch:

So consensus opinion is that this is a murdered, vint '94 Schwinn Homegrown. Those S bend stays. So as not to miss the opportunity for improvement/upgrade, Fahzure will give this bike a B-, at least until one correction is made.  Did you spot it's only other short coming? Let Fahzure know.

Hump Bike-Like a Nightmare Before Trail Riding

You've probably seen Nightmare Before Christmas with its cast of cast-offs, each one with a bit of extra "character." You've probably also seen some Ferraris, Lambroghinis, Maseratis or Porsches (hmmm, maybe an exception there) in red or black, rarely yellow. Those of you old enough, will remember when every bike was made of steel.  Enter today's Hump Bike: Sunny Whale:

This one, the color of caution, I can't describe the waves that this Whale created when it debuted in 1984. While the velophilia had become accustomed to the Cannondale name through its introduction of bike trailers (its first product), a few years earlier, and, more recently a road frame, big aluminum tubes, differently sized wheels and that yellow color made the bike a showroom floor standout. Rolled aluminum tubes for any bicycle purposes were rare, limited to handlebars and BMX seatposts (road seatposts were still mostly cast), until Gary Klien welded up a frame as grad project. Cannondale quickly appropriated the aesthetic (Klien's were sooooo hot), and dropped this trials/mtb/bmx hybrid. The first bikes had Dia Compe caliper brakes; judging from the roller cams (metal rollers!) on this bike (one of the rare instances where V2 is more valuable than V1), it is an '86:

Rolling Hall, a pedalling misfit of a most unique nature, is the perfect owner for this bike.  Usually a townie, Sunny Whale gets laps on the Shoreline, Broniel's or even Glenwild. Some of that Nightmare character: Schwinn Approved Speedo, cup holder, Oury ("the cult") grips:

Of course Rolling and Fahzure share an affection for 24/26 combo, both of us former Killing Machine owners. Hey, it works for motos and Travis Brown likes his 69er. This 46er has mint vint 24 in goodness with a real spoke guard, Suntour XC Pro hubs and derail:

 Hite Rite, and Nitto/Suntour seatpost, natch:

Sugino AT crank was the working man's option, a price point pick over the more expensive XC Pro:

For $1,600, Fish On.

By: Rolling Hall

Two Hump Bikes ago we asked if you'd kick down the coin to ride a vintage Giant; and 'Friends with Benefits' took the majority vote. Sufficient for careless socializing or a good romping when the SO's being a crazy ass bitch, the Red Sled would make a legit addition to any two-wheeled horde. Today's Hump Bike keeps the rigid and Taiwan-built theme rolling, but is its asking price too fishy?

Fishers have a rich history of clever marketing and bold claims, and today's fully customized, used Trek Bicycle Corporation Gary Fisher Collection Sawyer (really Trek, really?) embodies just that. Fisher once claimed to have invented the mountain bike and pushed hard for acceptance, even going so far as to falsify a build:

"…Gary Fisher paraded a bike that he claimed was the first mountain bike, but it was easy for Frank Berto to show that many of the components were not yet available when the bike supposedly was built. Gary Fisher admitted that it was a replica loosely based on the long-lost original…"

He did start a company called MountainBikes, and he was part of an off-road cycling movement during the late 70's, but he did not invent the mountain bike.

A similar story goes for his brands marketing of 29er wheels. They were an early adopter, but by no means the first company to use 29in wheels. Their early marketing, however, would lead one to think otherwise. They did, in fact, ride the 29er wave like pros. Aside from failed, I'm-first claims, the Tweed Tool has contributed to putting mountain bikes into the hands of countless riders. For that we're forever grateful and today's Hump Bike continues to do just that.

Looking to cash in on niche styles, the Sawyer sports the clean lines of a NAHBS piece and early mountain bikes, but forgoes the progressive, passionate, and hard work of custom builders in favor of cheap Taiwan labor. Like mainstream fixters, the Sawyer looks to prey on PBR-fanboys. Tatt's? Check. Cool facial hair? Check. Custom, hand-built mountain bike … no? Well, check off that box with this 'custom' Sawyer!

 

So, what makes this mass produced mountain bike custom? It appears this Fisher's been the fine recipient of some bolt-on upgrades -- qualifying it as custom. (We were hoping for some custom, trippy paint … but, we'll have to keep wishing.) According to our seller, Bontrager-branded DT Swiss wheels, XT drivetrain components, and a Ti Brooks saddle make this Sawyer custom.

It's pretty apparent the seller fell victim to the shiny bits under the glass counter at the Bike Shoppe, like a large mouth falls victim to a spinner. The seller doesn't state why the Sawyer's being returned to the pond -- only that it has about 50 miles on it. Maybe the missus didn't like the tatt's and soul patch, or the sleeveless flannel and cut-off jeans rubbed him the wrong way on the first ride.

Either way you can purchase a Trek Bicycle Corporation Gary Fisher Collection Sawyer with a warranty for $1540 from a Trek Concept Store or catch this 'custom' Sawyer for $1600. So, what do you think, is the seller a master baiter? Or, is this a fish that's worth riding?

Let us know if you think:

 something's fishy … I'm not going down on that.

or

Reel it in, she's a keeper.

Hump Bike- Sled Sled

You may have seen this bike out on the Utah DH race series, or maybe up at the Canyons, or over in Boulder City doin' some preseason tuning but, you were probably most likely to see this bike on the Bobsled.  It's owner, Demi, is an Aves local who likes to send it. Look for this aqua and white flash as you carve the sled this spring.

So this sled is a Yeti 303 DH v1, I have to put the v1 there because v2, in carbon, even, is due out soon.  The v2 bike is totally different. This 303 is a sled with its shock rate entirely linear. No rocker arm, swing link, or arcing frame member controls the shock:

Rather, the shock is driven by this shuttle and rail system in line with the spring. Pure linear.  Want to know what a coil spring feels like? Ride this bike:

BB and head angle are adjustable via the lower shock mount.  Lots of hydroformed and machined aluminum. Interesting mounting blocks that connect the swingarm to the shock driver:

Triangulated swingarm and shock driver assembly. Code brake and DT Swiss wheel are strong and reliable:

Lookin at the cockpit, it is wide and low, kids these days.  The Fox 40 in white nicely compliments the white rear triangle:

This sticker says something about all-moutain use only:  Being the favored child, Demi gets special stickers and mods:

Sram, DT Swiss hubs, corncob cassette and giant rotor, must be a DH bike:

Hump Bike- Taking a Giant Hump or Dump

For $95, is this Old Skool Giant Too Cool?   

By: Rolling Hall


Enter Your Vote>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

What's dressed in red, sports a perky rack, and shifts smoothly?  Up for purchase is a Giant MTB that appears to have seen little use in its hometown of Sprawlsville, UT.:

Its manila-mo owner probably rode it around the cul-de-sac once, explaining why this ferrous frame hasn't returned to base elements. It's an LBS-notch above 80's-department store quality, and for close to the same price, after taxes, you could buy this four-and-a-quarter star POS. So, with that monstrosity as a gauge, would you hump this Giant, or dump it?:

At first glance, the NICE NICE NICE upright riding position might look tempting. It'd provide a lucky cyclist with a commanding view of populated streets. But, unfortunately upon further inspection, the quill stem is mounted at a ready-to-snap height. We'd advise lowering it a bit, unless you'd prefer an impromptu introduction to Terra Firma (no, not the exotic dancer you perv). That's a quick, costless fix, and the rest of this red-sled doesn't appear to need any more coin tossed at it to get going on your first Giant adventure.

Inside the ad's beehive-edjumacated listing, the seller claims this bicycle is 'weighting' for a person who loves 'out doors adventures.' We're pretty sure he intended to type outdoor adventures. And given the undeniable reliability and serviceability of thumb shifters, a Shimano drivetrain, and cup n' cone hubs, we wouldn't hesitate weighting the rack with camping gear to spend a weekend exploring the White Rim.:

On the stopping end things, (my God, he didn't mention breaks!) this Giant pile piles on mediocre power with a canti front brake and rear U-brake. While it's adequate stopping power to cruise rail trails with your most precious possession rolling along in a child seat, that stealthy U brake hidden under the chainstays wasn't a high point of slowing ATB's. Early mountain bikes favored this brake and location because its low-profile shape provided ankle clearance with a shorter actuation cable. Unfortunately, the more powerful, easier-to-adjust, and less affected-by-mud canti's would hang out too far from the seat stays. They'd snag stone-washed jeans and hit rider's calfs and ankles when getting rad -- not cool.

The seller of this particular 'smooth shifting' 21-speed beast (we're willing to bet he hasn't shifted a modern drivetrain yet) claims that massive saddle is brand-spanking new and 'confy' – by which we are assuming he means comfy. And that's a good thing when the only filter between you and your Giant adventures is foam grips and pinner 2in-wide tires.

The price is 'fi,' whatever the fu that means. So, for 19 five-spots do you see yourself leaning this retro-ride outside Alta's Peruvian? (A pair of Black Widow tele skis strapped with used tubes to the rack, of course.) Or is this 'classic' better off donated to the SLC Bicycle Collective to fulfill its two-wheeled talent fetchin' forties and blunts from a corner mart?

You decide!

Hump it: That's a NICE NICE NICE price!

Or

Dump it: That price is Fu…

---

See the poll on right sidebar

Hump Bike-The Daily Bird

 With M.I.A. and Adele flipping the bird at everyone, Fahzure decided to jump on the bandwagon and flips this bird at you. This bird is almost as utilitarian as the gesture but, leaves you with a totally different vibe. It's a warm, fuzzy, knowing feel. Deep love and appreciation for being a daily servant, hardly the impetuousness of those other flippin' birds. I present a magnificent bird, a Heron, crafted in the great lakes and ridden daily (yes that is a perfect duct tape light battery mount):

 

This bike is a crusher, designed for comfort and convenience.  Wide crown fork and seat stays make room for fat tires and fenders.  The seat stays are noticeably spread at the cluster:

 
Ultegra triple, and Molly Hatchet MKS pedals, why not:

Said fork crown, IRD cantis and American Classic Wheels which were, both, remarkably, hammered and remarkably, true; pretty light and smooth rolling, too:

Cloisonne style headtube badge, the pic doesn't do justice:

Fat tires: why would anyone, other than a racer, ride less than 25C? For Fahzure, 28C makes the road feel newly paved and eliminates pinch flats; turns are dreamy, too.  According to the owner, this Panaracer Ruffy-Tuffy ,like many others, went years without flatting:

The Heron brand is back, though now out of the Waterford stable and with Bicycle Classics, where you can get the original Bennotto "Cello" tape in pink for just $6.

Hump Bike-Punkbike, so fun

Some bikes and bike-like devices are so novel that one can't help but want to try one.  At Interbike each year all sorts of freaky inventions are lurking in the New Exhibitors Pavilion (aka Basement).  If only there was a pool, I would have tried this one for sure:

Inventist, the company marketing this device, has several alternate conveyance devices: swerver skates,  Segway-type unicycles and Stepsters (The Revy's "Striderbike" inexpensive cousin).  This type of company is great, making fun inexpensive consumer goods that keep folks active.  Repeat that mantra as we progress.

You can imagine my joy, when I discovered this gem sitting in a corner at the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective:

Total hooey handlebar but, dual suspendy with trick band brake on cast aluminum wheels:

Handlebar replaced for greater stability:

With Fahzure on injured reserve, it was up to Tyson to send it (nice!):

Flo was turning in fast laps on a tight course:

Riding different bikes is fun!

Hump Bike-Getting back on the horse

Sometimes when a big event happens it can be disruptive to the normal routine.  Here at Spoke(n) the routine was interrupted by the loss of a great friend.  But, it's important to keep on riding no matter what the present and future seem to hold. I imagine that's about the same sentiment going around the Klien (by then Trek) offices when they introduced the model that is today's Humpbike.

You might remember the Mantra, a high pivot URT, with a high failure rate and rear suspension that only worked while in the saddle and raked out the front end under compression.  Maybe you'd like to forget it.  Klien certainly wanted to forget and jumped on board with Maverick's (yep, they're still around...did Spot know what kind of warranty shit pile they were stepping into when they assumed operations?) semi-URT, semi-Idrive design with the Palamino. Not as burly as a Maverick, the Palomino was meant to appeal to the marathon rider types:

 Cockpit with dual control levers, a nightmare just a few years out when everything gets worn and sticky, especially when combined with that low-normal derailleur?  

Turner-esque stamped and curved gussets:

Oops, forgot about that pesky disc brake mount; we'll just drill the dropout and bolt something on (unbraced for maximum flex):

There it is, the Monolink, upgradeable fro Maverick if you still ride one of these.  Seattube angle? Who cares?:

Headtube wide in the center...because?:

I have mixed emotions about this "Bicyclebungee," basically a dog leash in a carbon fiber box.  Yes, I see it's utility: uphill tandem for differently abled riders; downhill solo.  Light, retractable, nice hooked end and elastomeric action.  On sale for $100 off regular price; now only $220 (US)!:

Get on your horse and ride!

Outdoor Retailer New Products Report 1-Bicycles (?) of the show;Transalp, Brah

The Outdoor Retailer show is a good opportunity to guage the health of the industry, get a few fashion cues, and find a few wacky bikes.

What do Euro Randonee types do in the summer time?  According to the folks at Ortovox, rather than ride up, they prefer to backpack up and scooter down on these:

The whole shebang fits into this goofy looking backpack (hydration provisions, anyone, cause you're gonna need it with 10+ Kilos (euro!) on your back):

 Adjustable length footpeg support, two different size wheels (shown with 20/16 in wheels... Bighit, anyone), single pivot suspension:

24 in wheel fork and 100mm spacing hubs front and rear mean you can upgrade it to the "extreme" version by putting a 24 in wheel up front and the 20in. in the back:

Yes, Fahzure rode it, and while riding anything in the trade show aisles is fun, my ankles scuffed on the sharp edges of the foot peg extension, the stance was quite narrow and this shock with an MCU (see last week's Humpbike) spring/damper left much to be desired. In a word Jibskate:

 

This Swiss Army bike is more form than function:

A nice Ti bike with S&S couplers:

Big rear cogs mean big front chainrings.  The Timbuktu booth, of course...Jordan you copping to this bike?:

Fillet brazed and clear coated Bromptom provided by our local Saturday Cycles in the Po Campo booth (more on them later):

Bikes on racks:

Why are these bikes so popular? Is it a coastal thing? Custom in the Keen booth, love the rear disc...solid:

This Nirve (the only bike company with an indoor presence at the show) bike had classic lines and colors: