I had originally intended to attend NAHBS on the final day, but more important matters came up last minute – customers who wanted to pick up a new bike and a fun single-speed conversion that got picked up. And I heard that the show was actually sold out. Really? Maybe it’s a fire code thing. Oh well. Plenty of photos on the web. Maybe I’ll have time to view some of them. I did see one photo of a bike I really liked. It was a nice medium blue 650b mountain bike that looked like it could have come right out of 1983 with its horizontal top tube. It just looked like it would be right fun to ride.
I saw a couple other photos of different bikes and the components that get my critical juices flowing. Now, I don’t claim to be the expert on matters of bike aesthetics, but I think I know when things look “right” and when they don’t. A couple things that I am a stickler on if you want to make a positive impression with the aesthetic of your bike are: a horizontal seat position, the seat positioned on the post with the shaft of the post bisecting the seat at about the mid-point, brake levers on drop bars that are not too high up and not too far down, cable housing length just long enough so the bars can be spun until they hit the top tube or where they would hit the top tube if the bar set is higher, and finally cables that are exposed past the anchor point trimmed to just such a length. While most bikes on display were dialed in to these parameters that I set for myself, I did see a few bikes that were outside the range where I feel distracts from the look of the bike. But then, maybe that’s just me.
So while I may get an occasional glimpse of the bikes of NAHBS through those who actually did go to the show, took photos, and, more importantly, took time to upload them for viewing, I am going to have to put off scouring the internet for those photos because I am going get out on my fat tired road bike for a ride through the country and then get to the shop later to use my day off to catch up. I hope everyone who did attend the show had a great time.
Gallus Cycles Adventure Bike I like the use of the vintage parts for this bike. Sure wish some of these parts were still available today. Photo is from Bicycle Times’ Facebook page.
(What’s playing: Sean Wheeler & Zander Schloss Spiritual)
That Gallus stood out to me, too. Makes me wonder if old-school mountain bike styling will experience renewed interest, much like lugged steel rando and sport-touring bikes have. I sure hope so; I love what Gallus, Rawland, and a few other designers/builders are doing.
Hey Mike, Thanks for the kind words, the 650b Gallus is mine. Your decription nailed to a tee. Jeremy and I designed a'la 80's Ritchey constructon meets 92 Bridgestone numbers, adapted to the 650b wheel. I have two other wheelsets in the works for it using n.o.s. Suntour XC Pro Grease Guard hubs and 7 speed cassettes. I have a few tweaks yet to do on it, but it rides great. It may have been to NAHBS, but rest assured, it's no "show" bike. It will see dirt as soon as it's back in Fort Worth. Thanks again, I contniue to absorb your blog most mornings with coffee-Rick
I agree, that is a gorgeous bike! My two favorite "looks" are the French Randonneur and the level top-tube MTB's, with a slight edge going to the MTB's. I hope this style makes a serious comeback! All this bike needs is a set of Bullmoose handlebars!
Gallus Cycles Adventure Bike I like the use of the vintage parts for this bike. Sure wish some of these parts were still available today. Photo is from Bicycle Times’ Facebook page.
The "Gallus Cycles Adventure Bike" is probably what 99% of "mountain bikers" should be riding if they cut through all the marketing BS 🙂
Why have to look for "gnarlier" trails when a rigid MTB with cantis makes everything sick-to-the-power-of-rad!
YMMV (and I may be bitter and twisted)
SSP
That Gallus stood out to me, too. Makes me wonder if old-school mountain bike styling will experience renewed interest, much like lugged steel rando and sport-touring bikes have. I sure hope so; I love what Gallus, Rawland, and a few other designers/builders are doing.
Hey Mike, Thanks for the kind words, the 650b Gallus is mine. Your decription nailed to a tee. Jeremy and I designed a'la 80's Ritchey constructon meets 92 Bridgestone numbers, adapted to the 650b wheel. I have two other wheelsets in the works for it using n.o.s. Suntour XC Pro Grease Guard hubs and 7 speed cassettes. I have a few tweaks yet to do on it, but it rides great. It may have been to NAHBS, but rest assured, it's no "show" bike. It will see dirt as soon as it's back in Fort Worth. Thanks again, I contniue to absorb your blog most mornings with coffee-Rick
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Rick. And congratulations on a great looking rider. It really is a sweet looking bike.
I agree, that is a gorgeous bike! My two favorite "looks" are the French Randonneur and the level top-tube MTB's, with a slight edge going to the MTB's. I hope this style makes a serious comeback! All this bike needs is a set of Bullmoose handlebars!