By blackmountaincycles,
Filed under: 650B, Black Mountain Cycles frames
Nineteen years in and, wait, hold on, Nineteen years!?! How the hell did that happen? Guess it just did. Can’t stop time and can’t stop doing what I love. So, nineteen years in and I’m looking at an order of Mod Zero and Monstercross frames in progress. The Road frames that came in last year have sold out. Right now I don’t have any production plans in place for more Road frames. I can only manage a few models at a time and with the Mod Zero and Monstercross frames arriving by the end of spring, there’s not room for any more frames.
La Cabra frames are in stock (17″ frames are sold out) and on sale. I’ve got a lot and need to move some out to make room for Mod Zero and Monstercross frames. Take advantage of $200 off and get yourself one. They’re really fun riding frames that are capable of taking you on adventures. It seems like SRAM is discontinuing the Rival 11 speed with post mount hydraulic calipers that I used on many builds after converting the shifter to 12 speed with the Ratio Technologies conversion kit, so I’ll be limiting the complete La Cabras to Shimano GRX or Cues builds. There is one already built 20″ La Cabra SRAM Rival 1×12 in stock and on sale. Last one with that build.
So, what’s coming in June? Monstercross. Pretty much the same frame as the previous V6.1. No changes, except there will be a new smaller size. Blue Lug in Japan asked for a smaller size and I came up with a 46cm frame size designed around 650b wheels. Same 50mm tire clearance. No toe overlap, unless you commute to work in your clown costume, complete with clown shoes. Colors for the incoming Monstercross frames will be black and Sage. I saw a vintage Land Rover posted on IG in a similar color and thought “hey, that would make a great bike color.” Here’s Sage (Pantone 2457). You know what black looks like. The black frames will have a new downtube decal that has a white main body, so it should pop nicely on a black frame. This run of frames will also include 62cm sizes. I don’t anticipate a change in price from the current $895 unless shipping costs and/or tariffs go through the roof.
Mod Zero. Got some changes coming for the Mod Zero frame. Only for the better. The main change is to the dropout. Dropouts will be UDH compatible. Which means SRAM’s Full Mount derailleurs or any derailleur that mounts to the age-old hanger type will be compatible. It seems this is the way to go that allows folks to run those fancy e-lec-tronic robot derailleurs that you can step on (I think SRAM’s backed away from that early claim – because, really, who steps on their derailleur?). The fork will also have internal dynamo wire routing and will include both rubber plugs and grommets for a clean look. No change to geometry and sizing. There are no 59cm sizes coming with this run of frames as I’m loaded to the gills with current 59cm frames in Go Green. As of this writing, frame prices on the Mod Zero V2 will probably be $1195 ($50 more). This could change depending on shipping costs and tariffs.
Mod Zero colors: Chili Flake and Banana Slug. I have a note book that I keep and write down bits and pieces of interesting (to me) stuff. Quotes, thoughts, vinyl albums to track down, and colors. I’ve had Chili Flake and Banana Slug noted for quite a while and now’s the time to attach them to a frame color. Red chili flakes (aka crushed red pepper) is a spice I probably use more of than anything. Add it to eggs, pizza, pasta, steamed veggies, steak…pretty much works on anything. Banana slugs are ubiquitous out here up on the ridges and even on the roads. They’re kinda gross, but do a good job eating the detritus on the forest floor. Just don’t run over one and leave the smushed part to dry on your bike because it dries harder than cement.
Just a few things happening. The frames have been produced and they should be in paint soon. I expect to receive frames by mid-June. Once they’re in stock, they’ll be available for purchase. Anyone wanting a complete build should reach out to me so we can start the process of collecting parts. The complete bike builds shown on the respective product pages should be fairly accurate. Price may fluctuate slightly, but it’s pretty close.
(What’s playing: Ten Years After One of These Days)
Never Say Never
9 responses to “An Update For 2026”
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Glad things are still chugging along for you, Mike.
May be in for a Sage MC if I decide to swap/sell my pink.
ISO 53cm Pink’ …if anyone decides to swap?
Loved that color.
Exciting news.
I had a phase when I really wanted to get the Mod Zero too, but recently falling in love again with my Monstercross v6 in a more sporty set-up (drop bars and thin tires) which is I guess how it is supposed to be… Really fast, really agile and nothing to complain about… nothing to desire except some rain-proof disc brakes but that’s a luxury…
Looking forward to seeing the new frames though.
Mod.Zero: two promising colors, especially the 1027.
I am contemplating a Banana Slug in my future.
Do you plan to offer the Mod Zero with a carbon fork and headset combo option like last year?
Not currently.
Hey Mike. Great news on the Land Rover color. You might not believe me when I tell you I actually imagined my ( Cranberry V6 ) Monstercross in that exact colour about a month ago. I’m just the sort of tinkerer who will likely buy the new frame and love building it up. Cheers on keeping it the same because it’s perfect as is.
Hey Mike, these colors look great! Looking forward to getting my hands on an orange one. Is mid June early July still the expected timeline?
Early July.