Following our first story from Concours de Machines 2024, French photographer Nicolas Joly is back with his second report, featuring six more stunning bikes from the event. Dig into his gallery here...The post Brilliant Bikes of Concours de Machines 2024 (Part Two) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

The first Stumpjumper debuted 43 years ago in 1981, and this is the 15th full-suspension iteration of the bike. After three years of development, Specialized has taken possibly their most proven bike and made thoughtful refinements to make it even better. The new Stumpy is an efficient pedaling trail bike, but through its adjustments and clever suspension tech, it can handle a lot more than your average 145mm travel MTB. Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Frame Features:The Stumpjumper 15s front and rear triangles are constructed from FACT 11m carbon fiber. One noticeable update is how there is no more asymmetrical sidearm support bridging from the seat mast to the top tube. Specialized said they were very happy with the previous design, but realized they could move the material from the sidearm into the Stumpy 15s beefed-up shock link and achieve the same strength and stiffness with a cleaner look. Sticking with Specializeds long-standing FSR suspension linkage, the 2025 Stumpy has been bumped to 145mm of rear travel. All models come with 150mm forks on frame sizes S2-6 and 140mm forks on the smallest S1 size. The Ohlins Coil model is another exception, which has a 160mm fork on all frame sizes.Like many brands these days, Specialized is going with MX wheels on smaller sizes (S1 and S2) and stocking all larger sizes (S3 S6) with 29 wheels. However, the larger frame sizes are mullet compatible by swapping to aftermarket shock links. The links keep the Stumpys geometry and suspension characteristics the same between either wheel size.Photo: Steve FisherAnother key addition to the Stumpjumper 15 is its adjustable head tube angle. By swapping the headset cups, you can choose between neutral or +/- 1 cups. Between the cups and BB height flip-chip, the steering angle can vary from 65.5 to a very slack 63.Fitments and Frame Protection:Photo: Steve FisherIf you like the new Stumpy, I hope you like wireless shifting too because there is no routing for a derailleur cable on this frame! The routing for the brake hose and dropper post cable is sleek and tidy. Straight entry holes on the head tube keep the hose/cable from rattling or rubbing on the frame.As for frame protection, the Stumpjumper 15 comes with chainstay and seatstay guards plus a mudflap behind the BB to keep rocks out of your linkage. It also gets a lower down tube protector, and a clear protective sticker covering the underside of the down tube. Specialized also includes Foxs front fender on the Stumpy Pro and S-Works models.Frame fitments include 148mm Boost rear axles, BSA 73mm threaded BBs, and SRAM UDH derailleur hangers. Specialized specs several dropper post brands on different Stumpy models, so check out their website for the travel numbers. The frames accept 34.9mm seat posts.SWAT 4.0 Frame Storage:Specialized has redesigned its SWAT storage door and latch system, which now has a clean flush-mounted look. The latch now grabs directly onto the frame. If that sounds questionable to you, rest assured Specialized extensively tested it to ensure mud, dust, snow, etc, does not hamper its operation or damage the bike at all.The down tube offers ample space inside for ride essentials. My test bike (S3 frame) easily fit a large c02 canister, inflator, plug tool, spare plugs, a spare battery for the AXS shifter, and a multi-tool, with room for more. Specialized supplies a zippered tool bag for in-frame storage.I was happy to find the S3 frame easily accepts a large water bottle, with ample room to access it.Genie Rear Shock:The Stumpjumper 15 features a new Fox Float X Genie rear shock, which is a patent-pending technology developed by Specialized. While the Genie shock was developed for this bike, the new Stumpjumper can run any rear shock including coils. Thats partly why Specialized specs one model with Ohlins coil suspension.Now heres whats special about the Genie shock: It features an outer positive air chamber and an inner positive air chamber. They work together while you ride, as the outer chamber closes off when you hit about 70% travel. This causes the shock to essentially shrink its air chamber and create a ramp-up effect to increase bottom-out resistance.During the initial stroke, the Genies two air chambers are both open and provide a large volume of air, offering a flatter spring curve for the first 70% of the stroke. This ensures sensitive, coil-like bump management throughout smaller and mid-sized impacts.When you reach 70% travel, a sleeve inside the shock called the Genie Band slides up and closes off the Genie Air Port holes leading to the outer air chamber. The air volume in the shock is reduced to the inner chamber only, creating a highly progressive spring curve. Photo: Steve FisherControlling the first 70% of the stroke, the outer air chambers spring rate can be adjusted separately from the inner air chamber with up to four clip-on volume spacers. This allows riders to choose between maximum bump sensitivity or a more supportive ride feel. Adding or removing these volume spacers is a pretty easy job most riders could handle without a shops assistance. The inner air chambers bottom-out resistance can be independently tuned with eyelet volume spacers.In addition to the unique aspects of the Genie rear shock, it also comes equipped with a two position switch (with a pretty firm climb mode) and a three position open mode adjustment (on all but the Comp model).Suspension Characteristics:Photo: Steve FisherSpecialized designed the new Stumpjumper to capably handle rough terrain and big impacts, yet maintain the poppy ride and efficient pedaling of a shorter travel bike. The Stumpy aims to offer sensitivity to small and mid-sized bumps, the ability to eat up square edged hits, and a bottomless feel on big drops.By the numbers, Specialized says the Stumpjumper 15 offers 16.3% better bump force management and 57% better traction than the Stumpjumper EVO (meaning 57% less traction loss time between impacts). Due to the rising rate in the last 30% of the Genie shocks stroke, Specialized reports 39% fewer severe bottom outs than a traditional air spring.The softer initial stroke of the Genie shock requires less force to move the rear wheel than the Specialized Enduro or Stumpy EVO. This means the new Stumpy is more willing to use initial/mid-travel to suck up impacts and provide a smooth ride. The numbers show when the Genie-equipped Stumpy 15 is hit with a 1,080 Newton impact, the bike will use 100mm of travel to absorb it, while the Stumpy EVO will use 86mm of travel. This eagerness to use its initial and mid-stroke helps the Stumpjumper 15 achieve its feeling of having more travel than it actually does.Of course, pedaling efficiency is of key importance for a trail bike. The Stumpy 15s anti-squat was tuned to sit between the previous Stumpjumper and Stumpy EVO.Geometry:*Please note the above geo chart shows all figures for the Stumpjumper 15 in its neutral headset setting and High BB position. Read below to find out how those settings affect the frame geometry. Also, please note the geo for the Ohlins model is a bit different due to the longer 160mm fork. See the Specialized website for that models geometry.The Stumpjumper 15 will be available in five frame sizes S1 to S6. Specialized keeps the head tube lengths and standover heights somewhat close across the size range so riders can choose the reach/wheelbase that suits their style best. You can opt to go shorter for nimbler handling, or longer for more stability.With the Stumpys adjustable headset angle and BB height flip-chip, there are six different geo configurations possible. The swappable headset cups offer a neutral setting or +/ 1. Combined with the BB height chip the Stumpys steering angles can vary from 63 to 65.5. Thats an excellent range for a modern do-it-all trail bike.Photo: Steve FisherThe BB is fairly low in either setting at 337mm in High position or 330mm in Low. Moving from High to Low also slacks the bike out by 0.5.Reach numbers are up-to-date but not crazy, and given the S sizing scheme, youre not stuck with a certain size based on your height or inseam. At 510 I find myself in the middle of the S3 and S4 frames. At 450mm the S3 (which Im testing) is on the short side for me, but at 475mm the S4 would be lengthy. Both, however, are perfectly within reason for someone my height. As a consumer, Id definitely want to test ride both before making a decision.Seat masts angles vary slightly between frame sizes, but range from 76.5 to 77.6 (in neutral/High position). The Stumpy 15 sticks with shorter chainstays across the board. Specialized offers three different rear end lengths ranging from 430mm (S1) to 445mm (S5 and S6).Build Notes/Components:Photo: Steve FisherI noticed something about the Stumpjumpers build specs; Specialized doesnt want anyone thinking they have to limit themselves on this bike. For a competitive bike in the trail category (my Pro model test bike is under 32lbs), its got some beefy touches.First of those would be the SRAM Maven brakes, with 200mm rotors front and 200/180mm rears (size dependent) for incredible stopping power. Note the Ohlins model comes with TRP DH-R EVO brakes on 220/203mm rotors. Specialized also equips the Stumpys with wide bars, at 780mms on S1 and S2s and 800mms on all larger sizes. The higher-end models SRAM XO and XX cranksets also include bash guards, but one thing not included is a chain guide. The Stumpy 15 Pro and S-Works models roll on pinch flat-resistant Roval Traverse SL II wheels. These rims Flat Top bead profile requires 85% more force to pinch a tire vs. standard round bead rims. The front and rear rims are specific, and the wheels offer vertical compliance. The rims are also designed to ankle side-to-side to improve traction on uneven surfaces. Specialized specs all the new Stumpys with their Butcher (front) and Eliminator (rear) tires. Grid Trail casings and 2.3 widths come stock.Model Lineup:There will be five builds of the Stumpjumper 15 and an S-Works frameset available. Visit Specializeds website for full build specs on each model.S-Works Stumpjumper 15 $12,000Stumpjumper 15 Pro $9,000Stumpjumper 15 Ohlins Coil $8,500Stumpjumper Expert $6,500Stumpjumper 15 Comp $5,500S-Works Stumpjumper 15 Frameset $3,500All images c. Specialized Bicycles unless noted otherwise. Rider: Austin Hackett-Klaube.Ive been riding the Stumpjumper 15 Pro for a month. Be sure to check out my review article to see how it performed on-trail.specialized.comThe post Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Redefines Trail Bike Capability w/ Genie Rear Shocks & Adjustable Geo appeared first on Bikerumor.

Specialized claims the new 15th iteration of the full-suspension Stumpjumper is the one bike to rule all trails.The updated bikes silhouette looks familiar, clearly taking design cues from the electrified Levo SL, which had a makeover in 2023. Like that bike, the new Stumpjumper does away with the sidearm in the front triangle, but theres far more at play here.Take a closer look at the in-line shock and youll see things are a little different. Thats because Specialized has co-developed a shock with Fox, dubbed the GENIE.Specialized says this shock, along with other changes to the frame, enabled it to create the most versatile, capable Stumpjumper yet. In fact, it has gone as far as ditching the EVO version of the bike, which Im sure we can all agree, is a bold move.Robin Weaver has ridden the new Stumpjumper 15 and you can read his first ride review.Five things you need to know about the new Specialized Stumpjumper 15New GENIE shock uses two positive air-volume chambers, which are both tuneable, enabling you to dial in how the 145mm of rear-wheel travel is deliveredThe latest Stumpjumper offers three headset cups, enabling you to alter the head angle from 63 to 65.5 degreesA chip in the Horst-pivots enables you to alter the bottom bracket height by 7mmAll sizes have taller stack heightsLargest S5 and S6 size frames get 445mm chainstaysSpecialized Stumpjumper 15 frame and suspension detailsA revised SWAT compartment is apparently easier to use and offers better sealing against the elements. - Justin Sullivan / Our MediaSpecialized is initially only offering the Stumpjumper 15 with its FACT 11M carbon fibre.According to the spec sheet, its only the S-Works model thats treated to a carbon link, though.At the bikes heart sits the new GENIE shock. This is a big part of what promises to make the new Stumpjumper more capable than its predecessor.GENIE in a bottleTwo positive air chambers are connected to increase overall air volume. - SpecializedWhen Specialized set out to design a new Stumpjumper, one of the goals was to create a bike with a longer-travel feel, yet one that still feels poppy and lively on the trail.To achieve this, the brand considered the level of progression designed into the frame and created by the rear shock. In a bid to limit compromise along the way, the ride dynamics team at the Big S set about experimenting with rear shocks, ultimately creating a mutant design of its own.The end result is the GENIE, which has a two-stage tuneable air spring thats said to improve traction without sacrificing any of the big-hit control later into the travel.Inside, youll find two connected positive air chambers, which increase overall spring volume.The idea was to create a flatter, less progressive spring curve for the first 70 per cent of the Stumpjumpers travel. This is said to provide a suppler, smoother coil-like shock feel, enabling the bike to find greater traction and provide a more comfortable ride.However, as you close in on the final 30 per cent of the travel, air ports to the outer air chamber (the XL shock sleeve) are closed off (by the GENIE band, which is designed to slide over and blank them off).At the heart of the new bike is the new Fox GENIE shock. - Justin Sullivan / Our MediaThis reduces the spring volume (youre now relying on the smaller, inner positive air chamber) and effectively ups the spring rate, creating a smooth, progressive ramp-up as you close in on the final part of the Stumpjumpers 145mm of travel.Both the positive air chambers are tuneable. The outer sleeve accepts snap-together band spacers, similar to those that fit the Fox Float X2 shock, while the second chamber uses eyelet spacers as youd find inside a Float X shock.Both sets of spacers are unique to the Stumpjumper/Fox GENIE shock and a full complement will come with each bike.That sounds good, but youre expecting us to tell you the new GENIE shock is some quirky, proprietary size thatll be a headache down the line, right?Thankfully, Specialized has kept things as simple as possible, opting for a standard shock size (210x55mm), along with a standard Fox damper to help with ease of maintenance. Alternatively, you can easily replace the shock with an alternative of your choosing.This shock, designed to limit compromise and be the best of both worlds, uses an in-line design and forgoes a piggyback reservoir.In back-to-back testing, although the in-line GENIE shock got hotter than its piggyback equivalent, despite this additional heat build-up, the GENIE didnt lose out in terms of performance, according to Specialized. This is why the brand chose to use it.Compare and contrastThe GENIE began life thanks to Specialized's Ride Dynamics team, who were looking for a more coil-like suspension feel. - Justin Sullivan / Our MediaSpecialized was keen to share some comparative stats with us to highlight why the new GENIE shock is better than the standard equivalent.First up, it claims the GENIE shock provides 16.3 per cent better bump-force management. But what does that mean?According to Specialized, if you smash the rear wheel of the old Stumpjumper EVO, equipped with a Fox Float X shock, and the new Stumpjumper 15 with the GENIE shock into the same-size bump with the same amount of force, the Stumpjumper 15 will use more of its travel and behave more like the long-travel Enduro.This graph illustrates that during the same level of impact force, the new Stumpjumper will use more travel to absorb the bump, but still offer enough support and ramp-up later in the travel to ensure you're not blowing through it and bottoming out continuously. - SpecializedYou could achieve a similar result by running a lower pressure in the shock on the older bike, but it couldnt then match the support or end-stroke ramp-up of the new bike in quite the same way.Next, Specialized says when comparing the new GENIE shock to a standard shock designed to be as progressive, theres 57 per cent less traction loss time. This is measured using the rotational speeds of the front and rear wheels under braking. That means the overall amount of time the rear wheel slips relative to the front, taken from 82 runs down the hill.Then theres traction loss intensity, which highlights the differences in wheel speed between the front and rear when a slip occurs. Specialized says the GENIE shock helps reduce traction loss intensity by 27 per cent.Revised Roval Travese SL II rims are reported to provide better comfort and resist pinch flats more effectively. - Justin Sullivan / Our MediaIn simple terms, this should mean the supple nature of the GENIE shock enables the rear wheel to move freely enough to keep the tyre in contact with the dirt more consistently through the bumps, preventing it from sliding out.Another metric Specialized was keen to share was based around severe bottom-out events when you use all of the available travel during a big impact. With the GENIE and standard shock set to the same sag level using the same-sized volume spacer, Specialized claims the GENIE suffered 39 per cent fewer severe bottom-out events over 41 laps.It also says there was 11.3 per cent less bottom-out event time, suggesting that when the GENIE does bottom out, its not as intense as it might be on a regular shock.Of course, bottoming out a shock is common and not the end of the world, but do it time and time again aggressively and youll likely damage the shock, as well as throwing your control of the bike off when these events occur. Tighter control over this, while still having a sensitive initial part of the travel, is the goal here.Other stats include 10.5 per cent less chassis pitching with the GENIE shock and 11 per cent less uncomfortable vibration exposure.Goodbye EVO and sidearmThe Stumpy EVO (pictured) has been consigned to the history books. - Russell Burton / Our MediaAt present, the Stumpjumper 15 is only available in Specializeds FACT 11M carbon fibre.Theres also no Stumpjumper EVO available. In short, the EVO has been consigned to the history books, largely down to how capable and versatile the new Stumpjumper 15 is designed to be.Other frame news worth noting is Specialized has ditched the asymmetrical front-triangle design, which included a sidearm bridging between the top tube and seat tube on the driveside of the bike. Losing this freed up more space, buying the engineers valuable real estate to fit a chunkier shock and more space for a bottle, among other things.Specialized says that although the sidearm has gone, the new Stumpjumper 15 is stiffer and just as strong as its predecessor.The engineers have also worked hard to improve the amount of seatpost insertion available, so riders of all heights are able to run the longest-drop post possible. Depending on the frame size, the new Stumpjumper 15 features 50-70mm more post insertion, which is significant.Of course, we cant overlook the suspension platform. After trying a wide variety of suspension designs (were told just about every option was explored), Specialized settled on the tried-and-trusted FSR, four-bar Horst-link design. It opted for this approach because its simple, uses an efficient structure and could be tuned to the brand's requirements.The anti-squat has also been tweaked, leaving it lower than that of the Stumpjumper EVO and higher than the old Stumpjumper, all in a bid to balance suspension performance with efficiency. That means at around the sag point, anti-squat will be just over 100 per cent, dropping off steadily as the bike makes its way through its travel.And, if youre a fan of wedging kit, tools, clothing or even food inside your frame, the SWAT 4.0 down tube storage is designed to make your life easier. Its now apparently sleeker, using a short lever to open and lock it, as well as being better sealed against the elements.Specialized Stumpjumper 15 geometry detailsUpping the amount of adjustment on the frame, along with adopting similar geometry to the current Stumpjumper EVO model, means Specialized has killed off the EVO for 2025. - Justin Sullivan / Our MediaWhile the EVO might now be officially dead, the latest Stumpy inherits a lot of its adjustment as well as its angles. So, while the EVO isnt around anymore, it still sort of is.There are three different-angled headset cups to choose from, each offering one degree of adjustment (the middle setting is 64.5 degrees). Flip chips in the Horst pivot enable you to alter bottom-bracket height by 7mm (its 337mm in the high position). In the low bottom bracket setting with the slackest headset cup, the head angle is a highly relaxed 63 degrees.The inspiration from the outgoing EVO doesnt end there, though. While steeper than the current Stumpjumper, the latest bikes seat tube angle is pretty much identical to that of the EVO, at 77 degrees. This should help promote an efficient seated position from which to attack the climbs.A flip chip at the Horst-link pivot enables you to alter the bottom bracket height by 7mm. - Justin Sullivan / Our MediaSpecialized will only offer the S1 and S2 frames with mixed-wheel builds. Sizes S3-S6 use 29in wheels at the front and rear, but should you wish to downsize the back wheel, Specialized will have aftermarket links for sale that will enable this without disrupting the geometry.With the two smaller sizes rolling on a smaller rear wheel, chainstay lengths are a little more compact, at 430mm and 432mm. The S3 and S4 sizes (both on 29in wheels front and rear) use a 435mm chainstay, while the S5 and S6 boast longer 445mm stays to better help position the rider between the wheels.Compared to the regular Stumpjumper and the Stumpjumper EVO, the new bike has taller stack heights, with the biggest jump up coming on the larger frame sizes. S1 S2S3S4S5S6 Seat tube angle (degrees)7776.57776.977.377.6 Head tube angle (degrees) mid-pos64.564.564.564.564.564.5 Chainstay (mm)430432435435445445 Front centre (mm)720751780812843879 Seat tube (mm)385385405425445465 Top tube (mm)541573595624647677 Head tube (mm)95100110125140155 Fork offset (mm)444444444444 Trail (mm)129130130130130130 Bottom bracket drop (mm)413838383838 Bottom bracket height (mm) - high334337337337337337 Wheelbase (mm)114911811213124412851322 Standover (mm)738751745745745751 Stack (mm)608618627640654667 Reach (mm)400425450475500530 Fork length (mm)551561561561561561 Seat post max insertion (mm)245245255255285285 Seat post min insertion (mm)808080808080 Edit Table Specialized Stumpjumper 15 range overviewIn a somewhat unusual move, Specialized has included SRAM Maven brakes of varying levels on all Stumpjumper models. - Justin Sullivan / Our MediaWhile Specialized has seemingly killed off the Stumpjumper EVO, there will be a coil-shock equipped version with a longer-travel 160mm fork up front. This uses a smaller 27.5in rear wheel across all frame sizes.All Stumpjumper 15 bikes will come with the Fox GENIE rear shock, along with SRAM Maven brakes (which certainly gives an indication of how capable the Stumpjumper is), with the exception of the hlins-equipped bike. This gets TRP DH-R EVO brakes instead.Key models also sport the new Roval Traverse SL II wheels. The new rims are reported to provide 21 per cent more vertical compliance thanks to their revised shape. Other stats include a 15 and 25 per cent jump in front and rear-wheel strength respectively, as well as being said to better resist pinch flats thanks to the new bead profile.Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15The S-Works Stumpjumper 15 headlines the five-bike line-up. - Justin Sullivan / Our MediaFrame: FACT 11m carbon, 145mm travelShock: Fox Float Factory Specialized GENIEFork: Fox 36 Factory, 150mm travelBrakes: SRAM Maven Ultimate (200mm rotors)Wheels: Roval Traverse SL rims on DT Swiss 240 hubsDrivetrain: SRAM XX Eagle SL TransmissionPrice: 9,000 / $12,000 / 13,000 / AU$19,500Specialized Stumpjumper 15 ProSecond in line is the Stumpjumper Pro, which comes equipped with Fox Factory suspension, SRAM's X0 Eagle Transmission gearing and Maven Silver brakes. - Justin Sullivan / Our MediaFrame: FACT 11m carbon, 145mm travelShock: Fox Float Factory Specialized GENIEFork: Fox 36 Factory, 150mm travelBrakes: SRAM Maven Silver (200mm rotors)Wheels: Roval Traverse SL rims on Industry 9 1/1 hubsDrivetrain: SRAM X0 Eagle TransmissionPrice: 7,000 / $9,000 / 9,500 / AU$14,500Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Ohlins CoilThe Specialized Stumpjumper 15 hlins Coil sits in the middle of the range. - SpecializedFrame: FACT 11m carbon, 145mm travelShock: hlins TTX 22 M coilFork: hlins RXF 38 M.2, 160mm travelBrakes: TRP DH-R EVO (220mm/203mm rotors)Wheels: Roval Traverse rims on DT Swiss 370 hubsDrivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle TransmissionPrice: 6,500 / $8,500 / 8,500 / AU$12,500Specialized Stumpjumper 15 ExpertThe Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Expert gets a Fox 36 Performance Elite fork and SRAM GX Eagle Transmission drivetrain. - SpecializedFrame: FACT 11m carbon, 145mm travelShock: Fox Float Performance Elite Specialized GENIEFork: Fox 36 Performance Elite, 150mm travelBrakes: SRAM Maven Bronze (200mm rotors)Wheels: Roval Traverse rims on DT Swiss 370 hubsDrivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle TransmissionPrice: 5,500 / $6,500 / 7,500 / AU$11,200Specialized Stumpjumper 15 CompThe Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Comp opens the range. - SpecializedFrame: FACT 11m carbon, 145mm travelShock: Fox Float Performance Specialized GENIEFork: Fox 36 Rhythm, 150mm travelBrakes: SRAM Maven Bronze (200mm rotors)Wheels: Specialized rims on alloy hubsDrivetrain: SRAM S1000 Eagle TransmissionPrice: 4,600 / $5,500Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 framePrice: 4,000 / $3,500 / 4,500 / AU$7,000

CyclistMeet the maker: Dominik Dominiak of Project DFor Dominik Dominiak, comfort is king when it comes to bikes. While most framebuilders are looking for ways to reduce weight and increase speed, Dominiak claims that all his efforts are focussed on making the ride as comfortable as possible.This quest has led him down some interesting avenues with his brand, Project D. The bike he showed at Bespoked 2023 was essentially the result of asking just how far frame flexibility could be pushed without sacrificing stiffness where its needed. And with no pesky UCI regulations hampering creativity, he was free to innovate, earning himself not one but two awards in the process. Related Posts Meet the maker: Driss Boucif of Boucif Custom Bikes Meet the maker: Bryce Gracey of No.22 Bicycle Company Meet the maker: Tore Juncher Jrgensen of Starfish Bicycles This fixation on comfort is unsurprising when you consider where Dominiak does most of his riding. A Polish native, he lives slap-bang in the middle of the country in a city called d. His local country lanes are lumpy, bumpy and often completely unpaved a far cry from the silky-smooth tarmac your average carbon superbike is geared up for.Patrik Lundin / CyclistIve been mountain biking most of my youth, says Dominiak. Now Ive moved to the western part of town, and its mostly what people these days like to call gravel. But thats just what our Polish country roads are like. Its all gravel so you need big tyres and low pressures you need comfort.A lifelong cycling fanatic, Dominiak has been tinkering with bikes since his youth. Over the decades, this has evolved from designing custom stickers for his childhood bicycles to making his first forays into frame design, but it was always his dream to create his own bike brand.I eventually met a guy from a Polish aircraft factory who could weld aluminium. He had his own downhill brand on the side. I asked him if he could build something for me if I gave him a design, and he said yeah, sure. I did the design with a pen and pencil. It was terrible. Thats when I realised I needed to learn CAD [computer-aided design]. It took me about a year, then the second one we built was actually quite good!Dominik Dominiak wanted to design a bike that pushed the boundaries of comfort yet was still fun to ride. The result won two awards at Bespoked.Patrik Lundin / CyclistIt was only around five or six years ago that I felt confident enough to start building with my own two hands. I dont know what it is I suppose sometimes you just need a few years to grow. Its not that hard, and I always had it in me, but I guess you just have to graduate to a certain level to be ready.These days, alongside his full-time job in environmental engineering, Dominiak is finally living his dream of owning and operating a bike brand. Everything is done out of his home, and he regularly works on commissions for customers as well as pushing boundaries with his more experimental frame designs.Double dropPatrik Lundin / CyclistOne example is this aforementioned multi award-winning machine, which as yet remains nameless. While looking for a way to maximise comfort in a drop-bar bike, Dominiak started fooling around with CAD, ran some simulations and came to a rather unconventional conclusion: perhaps in some cases, two tubes are better than one.First I decided to split the top tube into two, he explains. That way I could have more vertical movement of the head tube without the frame twisting or feeling too noodly when cornering. Meanwhile, the twin seat tubes allow for a bit of sideways twist and back-and-forth swing, all of which increases comfort. And the chainstays are completely 3D printed. They change profile along the length. Kind of like an ellipsis that travels around the middle, like DNA. But its not just to look cool the intention was to add flexibility, and it worked like a dream.Another interesting design touch that isnt immediately apparent is the choice of materials. The frame is actually a steel-carbon split. The down tube is Columbus XCr, and the head tube, chainstays and dropouts are 3D printed 17-4 stainless steel. But the top tubes, seat tubes and seatposts are all made with carbon fibre tubing.Patrik Lundin / CyclistWhat I love about carbon is that you can tailor it by changing wall thicknesses and diameters. So you can actually make it very comfortable, particularly for dealing with low-frequency vibrations. Unfortunately its not great for dealing with jarring high-frequency vibrations from the road, so I had the idea of making the bottom of the bike from steel to deal with these, while making the top of the frame from carbon to handle the low-frequency stuff.Mixing materials has always been part of my company, he adds. I work a lot with aluminium for 3D printing too, so I think I will always have at least two materials in my builds, sometimes three.Patrik Lundin / CyclistFrame design aside, Dominiak is a staunch mechanical advocate, arguing that electronic shifting robs bikes of their elegance. For this reason he chose to spec the build with a Sram Force mechanical groupset. He also selected a wheelset from Dandy Horse a Polish brand based in Warsaw whose owners have invested in their own moulds to produce their carbon fibre rims in-house.Dominiak is taking commissions with Project D, and prices vary depending on the project. That said, if you were after this particular frameset you could expect to spend 5,500 (approx 4,700) excluding tax, which includes the frame, fork, headset bearings and all the gear for the rather special twin seatpost.Its an extended frameset, lets put it that way, says Dominiak.See @project_d_bicycles on Instagram for more details This article originally appeared in issue 153 of Cyclist magazine. Click here to subscribe Related Posts Meet the maker: Driss Boucif of Boucif Custom Bikes Meet the maker: Bryce Gracey of No.22 Bicycle Company Meet the maker: Tore Juncher Jrgensen of Starfish Bicycles The post Meet the maker: Dominik Dominiak of Project D appeared first on Cyclist.

Joo Almeida had an interesting stage today at the Tour de France. Perhaps most have taken notice to the gesture towards Juan Ayuso on the Col du Galibier but neither he or the team gave much importance to that, having the strong headwind on that section of the climb as the justification for both ri...

Caveworks has launched the Rivet, calling it the premier indoor bike for all indoor riders and the best value on the market.The Colorado company says the Rivet is a robust, high-performance indoor cycling frameset that can fit nearly every rider.Like the recently launched Zwift Ride, the Caveworks Rivet frameset stands on legs at the bottom of the fork.Caveworks says the Rivet can be mounted on most thru-axle, direct-drive smart trainers.You can buy the Rivet as a frameset at an introductory price of $699.99. If you dont want to add your own drivetrain, then singlespeed and geared builds are also available for additional cost. All three options will ship from October.Specifically designed for indoor useYou have a big choice of crank lengths. - CaveworksThe most common indoor cycling setups comprise of a road bike mounted to a turbo, or a dedicated indoor smart bike.The former enables you to take the bike off the trainer between turbo sessions if you dont have a dedicated indoor training space, or want to ride the bike outside.Weighing up to 20kg, smart bikes, on the other hand, are harder to move and cant be ridden outside, but multiple people can use the same bike because their fit is adjustable.With the Rivet, Caveworks is trying to provide the best of both worlds.Owners of carbon bikes may be concerned that indoor cycling will damage their carbon frame. Caveworks, however, says the Rivets steel frame is built to withstand the strain of indoor riding. The accompanying sweat wont corrode it either.The geared spec is supplied with 1x12-speed GRX. - CaveworksThe brand adds that the Rivet removes the need for people who own multiple bikes to leave one on the turbo trainer or, if you have one bike, to have to use it both indoors and outdoors.Weighing a claimed 13.5kg in all build options, the Rivet will be easier to move around than a smart bike, according to Caveworks. It is also said to occupy a smaller footprint than an outdoor bike.Widely compatible and adjustableCaveworks says its proprietary stem is highly adjustable. - CaveworksZwift has hinted that the Zwift Ride will eventually be sold as frameset, enabling you to mount it to different smart trainers and customise its components.But for the time being, the Rivet is designed as a more customisable option.Its 12x142mm rear hub spacing ensures compatibility with most thru-axle, direct-drive smart trainers. And the 12x110mm front axle will enable you to use indoor cycling accessories, such as the Wahoo Kickr Climb.Caveworks says the Rivet frameset will also be straightforward to build up to your preferences because it uses common industry standards. The 68mm threaded bottom bracket, for example, works with most cranksets and a 30.9mm seatpost will be relatively easy to source.Caveworks also describes the Rivet as one-size-fits-most. The frame is suitable for riders ranging in height from 4ft 10in (147cm) to 6ft 6in (198cm), according to the brand.The handlebar and saddle height, plus the reach, are adjustable so you can replicate bike fits for different disciplines, including mountain biking and gravel riding, according to Caveworks.Caveworks Rivet vs the Zwift RideThe singlespeed build relies on virtual shifting or ERG mode from a smart trainer. - CaveworksCaveworks claims the Rivet competes with the Zwift Ride on value, quality and practicality.For 1,199.99 / $1,299.99 / 1,299.99, the Zwift Ride includes a Wahoo Kickr Core. The equivalent singlespeed build of the Caveworks Rivet costs $999.99 without a smart trainer.Add in the cost of a smart trainer, though, and the Rivet will be more expensive.However, Caveworks says its modular indoor bike incorporates less plastic and more metal so will be more durable, and yet is lighter. The Rivet will also fit a wider range of riders and components, according to the brand.We havent tested either the Zwift Ride or the Caveworks Rivet yet, so keep an eye out for our reviews.Caveworks Rivet specifications and pricingItems like the saddle and seatpost can be replaced. - CaveworksThe Rivet will initially be available in three builds:Frameset: $749.99; introductory special: $699.99Rivet frame, proprietary stem, seat collar, thru-axles, clamps, UDH, ready to customiseSinglespeed: $999.99; introductory price: $949.99Complete build, ready to ride out of the box, designed for use with single-cog, virtual shifting-enabled smart trainers or for use in ERG modeGeared: $1,399.99; introductory price: $1,329.99 Complete build, ready to ride out of the box, Shimano GRX 1x12 speed drivetrainFrame: 4130 steel; 12x142mm rear axle spacing; 12x110mm front axle; 30.9mm seatpost; 68mm BSA threaded bottom bracket; front-end spacers help fit a range of thru-axle direct-drive smart trainers; 2 bottle cage options on the front legsStem: Proprietary adjustable stem, 6061 aluminium; 120mm of fore-aft adjustmentHandlebar: 42cm, 16-degree flare; Ergon BT Allroad bar tapeShifters: 'Dummy hoods' or Shimano GRXSeatpost: 30.9mm diameter, 450mm lengthSaddle: 143mm width, chromoly railsCrankset: 170mm, 172.5mm, 175mm lengths availableChainring: 48-toothChain: KMC X12Chain tensioner: Oversize 14t ceramic bearing pulley (singlespeed)Rear derailleur: Shimano GRX 12-speed (geared)

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