Hot (or should I say cool) on the heels of their lightweight Habanero Delta Jersey launch, San Franciscos Ornot is continuing to ramp up for riding in warmer weather. This time, with the launch of their new pro-cut n racey Park Jersey. And, complementing that, is a new Lightweight Wind Vest. And, these new items are available in both mens and womens cuts, while being chock full of stylish performance.(Photos / Ornot)Lets check em out. Park JerseyRetail: $168Ornots Park Jersey is their most fitted cycling jersey, with a very intentional race-fit. The Park Jersey also stays with Ornots ethos of wearing a performance jersey without feeling like a billboard.The pro-cut Park Jersey is a tight-fitting performance jersey thats aerodynamic, compressive, and cut for riders who want to go fast. Every component is made from recycled materials, and the fabric provides UPF 30 sun protection. Sporting three rear pockets plus a zippered side pocket, you can bring all the carbs you can fit in it, Ornot.Features:Recycled Italian-engineered fabricCertified OEKO-TEX 100Performance race-fit. Size up if youre between sizes3 rear pockets plus one rear side zipper pocketRear side zipper pocket for keys and credit cardsMoisture-wicking fabric that keeps up with youRear reflective detailing for low-light visibilityTemp range: 72 and up30+ UPF sun protectionLightweight Wind VestRetail: $118Ornot says their Lightweight Wind Vest is built to keep you warm when you need it, while disappearing when you dont. Its made from ultralight 40 gsm ripstop. And sports Oeko-Tex certified recycled fibers. Its designed for compact performance.Its super breathable with an open-knit back panel that ensures a great fit, while contouring around anything that may be shoved in your back pockets. With a C0 DWR finish on the front, riders will stay dry in case a light rain tries to ruin their ride. The two-way zipper allows for easy venting as well. Riders will be easy to spot in low-light conditions with the vests reflective details. And when the temperature rises, the vest packs down to fit in the palm of your hand, in its own tiny internal pocket. At just 75 grams for a size medium, its pretty dang light. That way, its easy to take on all of your rides, Ornot.Features: Lightweight, packable wind protection.2-way zipper for venting and pocket access.75 grams (size Med).Built-in stash pocket.Reflective details on the shoulder and back.Breathable stretch knit back.Made using Oeko-Tex approved fabric.Check out all of the wicked stuff Ornot has to offer at the link below, Ornot. Ornotbike.comThe post Ornot Drops Park Jerseys and Lightweight Vest to Keep you Cool this Summer appeared first on Bikerumor.

Restrap has two fresh racing-oriented products: the Lightweight Race Hydration Vest and an Aero Top Tube bag. Made in Leeds, England, both are small and focused on packability in situations where speed is paramount. Dive in below for more on these new pieces of gearThe post The Restrap Lightweight Race Hydration Vest and Aero Top Tube Bag Are Built for Speed appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

The all-new 2027 Orbea Oiz made a stealth appearance at the Nove Mesto World Cup race, and now its official their top-level XC race bike gets a complete refresh, making a pretty good bike into a great one. It all comes down to little design details that add up in a big way, and we were at the launch for a first-hand look.The Necessary BackgroundOrbeas new global MTB category managers prior job was focused only on their longer-travel bikes. Now in charge of everything fat tired, he thought it would be fun to apply that line of thinking to a shorter travel XC bike.To put things in context, heres a quick history of the Oiz model, which, Orbea being a Basque company in Spain, its pronounced -th.The 2005 model introduced carbon flex stays to remove the rear-most pivot. It also introduced the I-Line rear shock layout, which Fox helped develop. Orbea patented the design and now licenses it to other brands, using proceeds from that to support regional trail-building efforts.In 2022, they were one of the earliest brands to commit to 120mm travel on a World Cup XC platform, a suspension layout thats now basically standard for cross country race bikes.But the XC Category is Still ChangingIts not just that racing has changed, with World Cup races now being shorter and faster (and more exciting). The market is shifting, too. While XC is one of the last categories to be completely crushed by e-bikes, riders also have more choices than ever from more brands than ever, with gravel bikes also eating into the category.So, whos left wanting an analog XC bike? And what would make one stand out in todays market of so many really, really good bikes? Orbeas answer was toFocus on Pure RacersLets get this out of the way. Yes, theyre looking at 32 wheels, but for now, they say the ecosystem just doesnt have the level of component quality and choice to justify launching a product. Also, this new Oiz has been in development for three years, long before 32 was a thing. So, theyre testing them, but are also quite happy to not be first.Besides, 29ers kinematics and geometry have gotten so well dialed. But that becomes the challenge what can be made better? Should it be lighter? Stiffer? Something else?They started in the lab, with lots of prototypes, of course. But bikes arent ridden in the lab. Orbea has long focused on total efficiency, but realized that climbing efficiency isnt everything (even though its often where races are won). They wanted to make the bike better overall, improve ride quality, and, dare I say, fun.Admittedly, these days, gains are marginal. But they are there if you look hard enough.It Starts with StiffnessOrbea started with stiffness, particularly in the rear triangle. With courses becoming more technical and descents getting rougher, a laterally and torsionally stiffer rear end paid dividends in handling and rider confidence. It also keeps all of the pivot points in tighter alignment throughout the range of motion, letting the suspension move more smoothly and efficiently.But, how to add stiffness in the pivot and linkage areas without adding weight? It came down to design and the manufacturing process.The bonus is that it also has a lower standover height and center of gravity.Notice that both the seat tube and now the top tube are both straight. Gone is the bent top tube, which required more material both for the shape and to maintain its stiffness.The new top tube looks flat, but around the shock, it actually uses a hollow winged shape to add a lot of stiffness.A common method for increasing lateral stiffness is to add a bridge to the seatstays, behind the seat tube. But Orbea says this adds stiffness at the top of the wheel, not so much at the axle or upper linkage.So, they created an aluminum bridge that sits in front of the seat tube and connects the seatstays.This added a tiny bit of weight, but made it a lot stiffer where it matters and kept the seatstays pushing forward in perfect alignment, driving the shock straight forward to prevent any binding that would add friction.The other big change is the switch to a smaller linkage thats now alloy. The prior version was carbon fiber, but much larger. This new linkage is just 44g, down from 77g with the much larger carbon fiber linkage.As a system, its a slight gain, adding up to 100g total for the new link and bridge, but its way, way stiffer.The main pivot is also updated to eliminate static load on the rear triangle. Specifically, they switched to a pinch bolt to secure the chainstays to the pivot axle.This means theyre not pinching the stays around the seat tube, which creates tension that can create friction. Now, everything rotates freely for improved suspension performance.The front triangle is now made in just two pieces. The top, head, and down tubes are all one piece, and the seat tube and bottom bracket junction are one piece, then its bonded together.The rear triangle is done in five pieces the front 2/3 of the chainstays and yoke are one piece, letting them optimize for strength and stiffness with the least material around the yoke and pivot area. Each seatstay is molded separately, as are the dropouts, which include the dropout and brake mounts.Compared to the 2023 Oiz OMX, the 2027 Oiz OMX is 36% stiffer, and the rear triangle is 22% stiffer.Worth noting that the rear brake mount is also contributes to the suspensions performance. Its a separate alloy mount that slides over the axle, then attaches only to the chainstay. This lets Orbea make perfectly symmetrical seatstays, with the same layup, so that they flex the same on both sides which is important, because theres no pivot near the rear axle, so the design relies on seatstay flex.The rear brake mount switches back to post mount (from flat mount), so you have more caliper options, and its a bit easier to work on.The Lightest Oiz Ever 2027 Orbea Oiz Actual WeightsClick any image in this post to enlarge.Combined, front and rear carbon frame parts are 48g lighter than the prior model. Altogether, the hardware is about the same weight despite looking different. Put it all together, and they say this is the lightest Oiz theyve ever made.The two top OMX models are shown above, one with full XX SL and Rockshox Flight Attendant (9.63kg / 21.23lb, on left), and one with full Shimano XTR with Fox Factory suspension (9.86kg / 21.74lb, center). Theres also an OMR-level bike with XO AXS (10.86kg / 23.94lb, on right).Claimed weight is 1473g for a painted frame (size M) with hardware, but no shock (this one came in at 1484g, well within expected variance).Its worth noting that there is a lower-level OMR series, too, which gets all of the same design updates, but a less-expensive tier of carbon fiber. The OMR is 160-180g heavier than OMX.They offer a variety of paint options, including a lighter-weight tinted carbon, like whats shown on the bike throughout this post. Its a nice option if you like seeing hints of carbon layup and a hint of color. Drop another 20+ grams off that by going with a raw carbon finish.Cockpit and Small PartsOrbeas housebrand components make up the wheels and handlebar, and the one-piece bar-stem combo comes on all models. It has a -18 stem, is 760mm wide, and comes in 75mm and 90mm reach options. If that sounds long by todays standards, keep in mind that this entire bike and its build are designed to put you in a race-ready position.The bike shown throughout this post is the one I rode, too, and I asked for a few spacers so I could run a top tube bag (youll see it in the review I think it looks good, some folks disagreed). Even with 20mm of spacers, the shape of the stem and its sleek cable integration make it look low. Remove all spacers and the stem, all but tucks into the frame for an extremely aggressive look.Orbea offers both wireless and mechanical shifting builds, and the AXS and mechanical lockout builds, with cable port covers for each so that youre not left with extra holes under the stem, no matter what parts you run. Along with the integrated, removable computer mount (includes Garmin & Wahoo compatible pucks), they keep this bike looking super tidy with every build.Their Oquo wheels come standard, with the top models getting the 1350g LTD series. Rims are all carbon, with a 30mm wide internal, hookless, and front- and rear-specific asymmetric designs. They get DT Swiss 36-tooth internals with upsized bearings.Other than the two pinch bolts on the chainstays and bottle cage bolts, theres not much metal on the frame.A rubberized chain guard keeps things quiet and protected, and a small chain catcher sits just over the chainring for insurance.GeometryNumbers are with a 120mm fork, but you can opt for a 130mm fork in their MyO custom configurator.Wheelbase is the same as before, so the main changes from the prior model are 430mm chainstays (2mm shorter) and a 66.8 head angle (0.2 slacker).They experimented with 65 but found that it wasnt tracking well on the climbs. A slacker head angle might be worth that tradeoff on trail and enduro bikes, but its not a compromise you can make on an XC bike.It has an extremely low stack height and, combined with a slightly steeper seat angle, puts the rider just a bit further forward for a more powerful pedaling position. This combo balances rider weight on the bike with the slightly shorter chainstays, and helps keep enough weight on the front of the bike on climbs.Larger sizes have shorter seat tubes than before, too, which lets you run longer-travel dropper seat posts. Combine that with a 130mm fork and the new Oiz becomes a great downcountry or light trail bike, too.All frame sizes fit two bottles, 650ml on the seat tube, and up to 1000ml on the downtube, depending on frame size and whether youre running an e-shock like the Flight Attendant.Suspension Kinematics & OptionsThe suspension curve is regressive, built around a small volume shock that gets easier to compress once youre into the travel. So, its firmer and more supportive early in the stroke, good for hammering through a race, but with a supple mid-stroke so its active when you need it to be. Then, it firms up at the end of travel because of the small volume shock ramping up, so no harsh bottom out.Orbea recommends 24-30mm sag, which is about 20-25% of the shocks stroke.You have two suspension options, Fox and Rockshox. While Orbea develops the bike alongside Fox, with specially developed rear shocks and tunes, they noticed more and more customers swapping to Rockshox Flight Attendant through their MyO customization program. So, now there are stock bikes with both options.For Fox-equipped bikes, Orbeas own Squidlock dual-lever lockout can simultaneously lock out the fork and shock with one lever, and drop your seatpost with the other.For Rockshox-equipped bikes, you get a Rockshox mechanical dropper seatpost lever, and thats because ALL builds come with the Fox Transfer SL dropper post. Why? Because its lighter than a Reverb AXS or Transfer, and this is a race bike.Which is better? I rode both, and Ill cover that in my review.2027 Orbea Oiz Pricing, Options & ExtrasFour standard builds will be available for both OMR and OMX models. OMR bike prices range from 3,799 to 6,999.OMX bikes range from 7,299 to 11,499 and are available through their MyO custom program. This lets you swap parts, including options like Trickstuff brakes and Maxxis Tires. A cool bonus MyO includes no-cost paint customization so you can pick the colors for every part of the bike, even customizing paint on the one-piece handlebar and LTD wheels.An optional new 77g mini tool and mount fits directly in front of the rear shock. The sleeve bolts into the frame, and a strong magnet keeps the tool in placeits really cool.Overall, the new Oiz is a very smart and smart-looking upgrade from the prior model. Check my review (with video) for all the reasons why its not just better on paper, its also a ripper on the trail that eliminated any shortcomings its predecessors may have had.Orbea.comThe post 2027 Orbea Oiz XC Race Bike Debuts, Better Than Ever appeared first on Bikerumor.

Mica Cycles, the creator of the minimal Rat Tail Rack, just released some nifty custom cam lock straps made by ARNO in Sweden. The Mica Mini Cam Straps look like an ideal option for any rack or cargo cage setup. Check them out here...The post Micas Mini Cam Straps Look Perfect for Racks appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

The Orbea Oiz has a long history of trying new things, and not all of them worked out. But, a few years back, the brand decided to recalibrate, stop chasing trends, and focus on making the bikes they wanted to ride. They also seem to learn from mistakes, because this new, 8th generation Oiz is not only the best version of it theyve ever made, its also one of the best XC bikes Ive ever ridden.Check out my launch post for all the technical details. Here, Ill focus on ride quality, suspension choices, and the nuances that make it a winner. Pics and words below, or just enjoy this videoBased purely on aesthetics, the new Oiz wins. Honestly, I havent always loved the brands designs, but this one is a looker. Low slung, sleeker, and cleanly integrated from tip to tail.Plus, the tinted clear coat options let you add color without hiding the carbon underneath. The fact that you can customize all paint colors across the frame, handlebars, and wheels at no extra charge on the OMX models is also a big win.Speaking of their MyO custom program, the invitation to this launch included an impressive number of options we could choose from multiple tire brands and widths, drivetrains, brakes (including Trickstuff!), and more. All of which you can choose from when ordering your own bike, too.The big one, though, is suspension. So before I dive into how it rides, we need to talk aboutSuspension Choice Rockshox vs FoxYou may notice that the bike here features Rockshox suspension with Flight Attendant. Prior to the launch, Orbea gave us the choice between Fox and Rockshox. Since its a race bike, I opted for Flight Attendant.But, honestly, I was torn, so on day 2, I switched to Fox. Same bike, same everything, their tech crew graciously swapped the fork, shock, and lockout so I could compare them back to back. And heres why:Orbea uses its MyO custom program not only to give you a choice in your paint and build spec, but its also great data, letting them see what people want. While most opt for a standard build, which previously only had Fox spec, they say about 10% of the bikes headed out the door with Flight Attendant. People wanted it, so theyre offering it on standard builds with this new model. So, I figured I should test both.For pure racing, Flight Attendant is the jam. Locked out when youre hammering, and open when you need it, and somewhere in between for the rest no thinking required. Traditionally, its racers that have bought the Oiz, which is why all of the Fox bikes come with their Squidlock dual (three-way) lockout, and Flight Attendant honestly provides a much better experience here.But, for riders like me who want a fast bike but dont care about a lockout, its an expensive option that also gives you two more batteries to worry about.More than that, though, Orbea works directly with Fox when tuning the Oiz. So I wanted to ride the bike on the suspension it was designed around, despite my well-known dislike for lockout levers.Credit where its due, Orbeas custom I-Line shock provides the cleanest possible routing for a mechanical lockout. And the Squidlock is an admirable attempt at minimizing a combination dropper remote and lockout lever, using one lever for the seatpost and one to control both fork and shock, cycling through Open, Trail, and Firm modes on Fox suspension.Heres the conundrumI liked the Fox suspension better, but the Flight Attendant is a better user interface.Granted, Flight Attendant is adjustable. It also learns your patterns and adapts to your riding style, power output, and preferences over time. But out of the box, the bike just felt far more alive and fun on the Fox 34 SL and custom-tuned rear shock.Both setups were running 120mm forks, so its apples to apples there. But with Fox, the default is Open, whereas with Rockshox Flight Attendant, the default is Firm. For me, that made a huge difference in the all-day ride quality, favoring Fox. Also, the 34 SL is an absolutely amazing fork; its what Im currently riding on home trails, albeit with 130mm travel.But I really didnt like the Squidlock remote. Its a stretch getting to the bottom lever, and the position cant be adjusted as much as some third-party dropper levers. I also had to move it pretty far inboard to prevent it from rubbing the top of my thumb while holding the bar.So, heres my take: If youre mainly racing and want the most intuitive, efficient system, get the Flight Attendant. If youre rallying the bike all day, consider the Fox build and swap the Squidlock for the more compact Fox Twin Stick dual remote. Or maybe wait and see if Fox brings their Live Valve Neo to XC, which seems like a logical next step for them, no?2027 Orbea Oiz Ride ReviewIts a race bike, so yes, it absolutely hammers when your legs give it the juice. Thats the bar any XC bike needs to hit, and the new Oiz meets that minimum standard quickly and easily.With the suspension set to Open, or even Trail, I did notice enough pedal-induced movement that racers will still want a lockout. It wasnt excessive, especially in Trail mode, and it certainly made the bike more comfortable, but worth noting for the racers here.It also climbs very well, with a lot of credit going to excellent weight balance. The geometry had me in the sweet spot of rear tire traction without letting the front end wander or lift, even on really steep inclines. I never felt the need to shuffle on the saddle as terrain undulated beneath me, and thats a big energy saver when racing.When fully locked out, I did notice that it would skip a bit over rough climbs, especially when standing. Putting the suspension in Trail mode eliminated this issue and kept the rear tire stuck to the ground.Where the bike really starts to shine is when things get rough. Some ultralight XC bikes can feeldainty. The Oiz doesnt.Thats not to say it feels heavy, but it feels planted and solid. That instills a lot of confidence ripping through rocks and roots, or bombing down chunky terrain youve never ridden before. Its an XC race bike, but it bombs downhill like a trail bike, and that makes it a lot more fun.Our test days were on the tail end of a lot of rain in the Basque region of Spain. While the ground did its best to soak it up or shake it off, there were spots that were slick.The Oiz felt solid throughout, even when it got knocked about, slipping between roots. As long as I kept the front wheel rolling, it did an admirable job of going where I pointed. Orbea admits that geometry has gotten so well dialed across most major bike brands that its hard to differentiate there, but Id say theyre setting a good example nonetheless.Days were wet and overcast, but dang if that didnt create great photo conditions and this sweet rainbow.Despite the mud, the rear tire never got bogged down. Theres a small flap covering the gap between the seat tube and chainstay yoke (shown in the video) that keeps crud from getting between them, too. It seems to work, and while it may look like it would create a shelf for mud to sit on, that never happened during our two full (long!) days of testing.Where many modern XC bikes advertise themselves as fast downcountry bikes that you can also race, the Oiz feels exactly like the pure race bike they built it to be, but one you can also rip like a light trail bike. Its a fun combination that makes for a great all-around short travel performer that makes no compromises when the start gun fires.Small Details Add UpBeing able to fit two water bottles on all frame sizes is a big bonus, with Medium, Large, and XL bikes able to fit larger/taller bottles on the downtube. Youll want side-entry cages, but they fit well and are easy to reach while riding.I ride with top tube bags on virtually every bike I own. And for press trips, its where I stick my action camera and phone for quick access. So, I asked Orbea to build the bike with a few spacers, and found out what color the bike was, so I could match it.Even with 20mm of spacers under the stem, the bike still looks sharp with the bag removed. But theres also just enough room for a Velcro strap to wrap around and stabilize a bag. For marathon and epic events, bento bags are perfect for snacks, so for me, being able to add one here without killing the bikes aesthetics is a big win. Also, that Oveja Negra Snack Pack matches the gold bike logos perfectly. I mean, cmon. Sick.I also really like that the tinted clear coat lets the carbon fiber show through. When the sun hits it just right, its quite pretty.Lastly, the bike is easy to carry when needed. Theres room to grab around the shock area and lift or hoist, or slide your arm through to carry it cyclocross-style.The Wrap UpYou never know what race day may bring. But after two days of riding the Oiz in challenging conditions with tons of climbing, fast descending, and a technical mix of flow and natural trails, I think the bike is ready for anything you throw at it.Its not just fast, its fun. Handling is dialed, fit, and weight balance is excellent. Other than making a hard decision about which suspension and lockout I want to live with, nothing about the bike felt like a compromise. This is a race bike I could live with year-round and love every day on it.Orbea.comThe post First Rides! New Orbea Oiz Favors Bold Lines, Strong Legs appeared first on Bikerumor.

German brand Rose Bikes' questionably named gravel bike now comes with a Shimano Cues build kit and a questionable color scheme to match. Find details on their latest integrated-rack, flat-bar bike here...The post The New Rose Hobo Cues Comes in Cotton Candy appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

After early-season teases at Traka and the Dales Divide, Restrap makes two new gravel & ultra-distance racing essentials official a tiny aerodynamic bikepacking bag and a hydration vest. The small Aero Race Top Tube Bag that tucks a few snacks in behind your stem. Plus, a new minimalist Lightweight Race Hydration Vest for those who need to carry extra fluids, but are looking for better breathability and to carry less gear. Its surprisingly about 2/3 lighter than their biggest hydration vest!Restrap Race adds Aero Top Tube Bag & Light Hydration Vest(All photos/Restrap)Restrap continues to refine their 100% UK-handmade bikepacking offerings, this time focusing on the lighter, faster side of things. They say these two new additions represent the increasing popularity in one-day endurance racing and the need to carry nutrition and water over longer distances, while still requiring a light, aerodynamic and ergonomic set up. More gear to go further, but without slowing you down. Lets call it fast-packing.Aero Race Top Tube BagThis one is simply a light and small zippered toptube bag, designed to tuck in out of the wind behind your stem. With just 0.6L of internal storage, this will be reserved for gels & bars mostly. Its just 8cm tall at the stem & 4cm tall at 22cm further at the back x 4.5cm wide, so all but the smallest phones will be too big to fit. You could probably fit a smaller powerbank or headlight battery in there to extend your long-distance ride further, though.One interesting thing about Restraps new Aero Race Top Tube Bag is that it is compatible with bolt-on and strap-based installation. The bag comes with two of Restraps simple, low-profile Fast Straps. And it also has two pairs of grommeted mounting holes under a padded foam insert, to get the bag exactly where you need it for those aerodynamic gains.The 110g bag (including straps) made from recycled ripstop features a newly-redesigned plastic internal stiffener so it doesnt need to attach to your stem, a waterproof YKK zipper, and a small external stretch mesh pocket to store quick-access flat/repair tools. It sells for $92 / 60 / 75 in just one size and shiny all-black color with reflective details. Lightweight Race Hydration VestThe new Restrap Lightweight Race Hydration Vest takes packing light to go fast even further.As a follow-up to their popular Race Hydration Vest at 380g with 7.5L of storage and its giant follow-up Rolltop Hydration Vest, which weighs 600g and carries up to 14L of gear inside, this new Lightweight iteration is said to weigh just 215g with a 4L total capacity (claimed L/XL weights, without a bladder).But even though it is lots lighter and much more breathable than either of its predecessors, the new Lightweight vest still comes with the same 2L hydration bladder inside. And it still has plenty of room for snacks and space to stash an extra layer.Whats new is an all-new minimalist air mesh construction and a lighter retention design that relies on a zig-zag of bungees with quick-release hooks. There are still 4 stretch pockets up front for fast access to a phone and snacks, plus stretchy underarm pockets on either side, and a big stretch rear pocket secured with a strap & buckle. It also features left or right hose routing, a magnetic clip for the hydration hose, and reflective detailing. The overarching idea was to use stretchy mesh construction to make it stable whether empty or full, suitable for small or large loads, and quick to refill at a feed station. The new Restrap Lightweight Race Hydration Vest sells for $237 / 150 / 180 and comes in two sizes S/M for chests 80-100cm (t-shirt size XS-M) and L/XL for 100-120cm chests (M-XXL tee size).Both the new Aero Race Top Tube Bag and Lightweight Race Hydration Vest are available now> Get them directly from Restrap or through your local dealer bikeshop.Restrap.comThe post Restrap Preps For Racing with Aero Race Top Tube Bag & Lightweight Race Hydration Vest appeared first on Bikerumor.

Those who have ridden it will know: the classic Peru Great Divide leaves Huaraz and the white-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca to head due south, dropping to a dry, []The post Conexion Oyon, Peru appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Further to Tuesdays post I have now done a proper ride on the repaired GT XCR 1000 from Classic Cycle:By proper ride I mean I rode to and from the trail instead of just throwing the bike on the car:And no, I dont mean a ride that you drive to isnt proper. I just mean this gave me ample time not only to confirm the rear shock is working properly and all that stuff, but it also allowed me to experience the bike not just on mountain bike trails but also on pavement and all that other stuff.This bike follows the AMP Research B3, which I finally returned to Classic Cycle over the winter:Along with the Plimpton Bike, which is not relevant here (or, arguably, anywhere):I really enjoyed the AMP. It is a very light bicycle, and it feels very fast, even on the stretches of pavement Id ride to and from the trail. Theres front and rear suspension, but not a lot of it, making it an easy transition for a rigid (both in the literal sense and the sense of being uptight) rider like me. I also like the way it looks, and the thumb shifters appeal to the retrogrouch in me:The GT is only five years younger than the AMP, but the suspension is considerably more plush. Mostly thats a good thing, and it still manages to feel reasonably fast on pavement, despite being both heavier and more squishy, maybe because of the i-Drive or something, what do I know? But more and better suspension is not entirely a good thing, because by 1999 bike companies had figured out how to make very good suspension components, but they hadnt updated the geometry to go with itthey were just making the same bikes they always had, only with better suspension. So I could see getting into trouble on the GT, particularly when descending, since even though the suspension really eats everything up and youre tempted to go a lot faster than you otherwise would, you probably shouldnt because its still liable to put you over the bars if youre not careful.Thats certainly not to say its scary to ride or anything like that. I mean Im used to it. This was what I rode for years:[Thats a photo of a photo in my book.]Also, fortunately the large frame size coupled with the riser stem and bars Paul was thoughtful enough to equip the GT with all mitigate this effect considerably. Still, you do need to keep in mind when riding it that even though youre floating over roots and rocks youre still on a bike with a steep front end, small wheels, and narrow tires.As for the bikes appearance, itsyou know, a fin de sicle mountain bike, and I dont think anyone would argue that those are in any way elegant. Im tempted to say I would have thought the bike was really cool-looking back in 1999 when it was new, but the truth is I wouldnt have, and didnt, because in fact I found mountain bikes quite aesthetically objectionable at the time. But now that its basically a museum piece I can appreciate it more, and in a way its kind of the bicycle equivalent of Mtley Cre. When I was in high school they represented everything I was against, but when I hear them now I think, You know, thats not a bad riff All of which is to say so far Im having lots of guilty pleasure-type fun on the Mtley Cre bike so far.And speaking of cool, obviously you cant beat those Suntour thumbies in that department, but 8-speed XT shifters are pretty damn good:Im old enough that these still seem thoroughly modern to me, but now that were well into the electronic era theyre much closer to those thumbies than to what people are using today.Speaking of being old, as an erstwhile BMX kid the name GT has great significance for me, and while I never owned a Performer:[From here]Or a Mach One:[From here]I still remember them intimately from poring over magazines, and I did have various GT components, including the tires, which had the letters GT in the tread, and which I color-coordinated with my GT brakes.I did eventually get a GT, though I was (technically) an adult by then, and the bike was a GTB:[Photo from here]These bikes are now highly coveted by the fixerati, but at the time they were wholly unremarkable apart from being pretty much the only complete off-the-shelf track bike you could buy, and I bought it because I was a bike racer and at the time there was still this idea you should train on a fixed-gear bicycle during the winter to improve your spin or something. (Now youre just supposed to plug your bike into a computer and ride inside unless the weather is absolutely perfect.) I do wish I kept it, not because it was particularly enjoyable to ride (even as a young racer I found it extremely harsh), but only because its one of the very few bicycles which has appreciated in value over the years, which is ironic because, as I say, theres absolutely nothing remarkable about them except the triple triangle.So yeah, I dont miss itthough even I am not immune to the allure of the triple triangle:[Via Classic Cycle]Now thats a cool bike.Alas, now GT is just another defunct brand owned by PON Holdings, though their website is still there, and you can browse their generic bikes with their sad vestigial triple triangles:Oh well, they had a good run.