Final yr’s protection of Portland’s MADE Present was enjoyable and got here slightly simply when discovering issues to put in writing about. However, this time round, it appeared just a little tougher to remain centered. My inside bike nerd was awestruck by the sheer expertise that was on show.
The present itself was just a little greater, not solely in its footprint however within the quantity of exhibitors that had been there. So, that being mentioned, I’m a lil’ gradual getting the cool stuff down and revealed.
BikeRumor Most Distinctive Bike Award
One other factor that differs this time round is that I assumed it is likely to be enjoyable to provide out two “awards”. The primary is the Bikerumor Most Distinctive Bike Award. This was awarded primarily based on what I noticed whereas roaming the present for properly, essentially the most distinctive bikey sort merchandise.
After I noticed the BTCHN’ Bikes sales space, I knew I’d discover one thing distinctive there. Most of what Tyler builds is exclusive, and all of it’s lovely. He’s a real grasp of his craft. Then he confirmed me his prototype hardtail bike with geometry that’s adjustable on the fly. It was an amazing thought, that was executed with precision. To not point out it’s a wonderful bicycle.
I left the sales space figuring out that it was, for my part, the present’s most unusual merchandise. Let’s study a bit extra concerning the MADE 2024 BikeRumor Most Distinctive Bike.
The BTCHN’ Bikes GeoShift
BTCHN’ Bikes is operated out of Chico, California, by Tyler Reiswig, who I consider is a genius body builder. He’s a think-outta-box kinda builder, and that appeals to me. He’s not reinventing the wheel, however his concepts are his personal and he executes them with precision and sweetness.
Tyler informed me that the GeoShift is presently a proof of idea, and what I noticed on the present was prototype #1. In accordance with Tyler, the GeoShift goes to get lots of testing earlier than the following iteration is constructed for his engineer Nicholas.
Tyler additionally mentioned, “We do consider there’s some very actual utility of getting an adjustable seat angle for diverse terrain, and all-day form of rides. Nonetheless, on the very least that is going to behave as a beautiful software for experimentation and educating us additional concerning the limits of purposeful bike geometry“.
He continues, “It will not be cheap nor economical to construct a body with a set seat place of say 83 levels simply to see if it really works higher in a steep climb, as it could absolutely be a heinous pile of crap to pedal in all different situations than climbing a wall. So right here we go, an adjustable check platform“.
Hydraulics…
Tyler informed me that the hydraulic actuator is a closely modified Bunker dropper publish. They used the Bunker primarily due to the inner format and basic development. This allowed them to interchange the mandatory parts to reverse the path of actuation. Genius!
They then changed the pinnacle unit with a 3d printed aluminum twin chamber and provisions to connect to the seat tube utilizing customary rear shock mounting {hardware}. With shortened inside shafts and including a manually machined IFP, Tyler mentioned that this was a slightly in-depth venture that their engineer Nicholas Payton undertook. And managed to nail it on the primary try.
Actuating the GeoShift
The lever to actuate the shift in geometry is managed by a modified Paul Parts Dropper Set off. It was modified right into a twin lever design that permits entry to each the dropper and GeoShift. Both lever can simply be operated and probably be actuated on the identical time.
That implies that while you push each on the identical time, it’ll elevate the saddle and enhance your seat angle abruptly to assault a climb. Then when descending, push them each once more to decrease the saddle and calm down the seat angle… Bob’s your uncle!
The quantity that the GeoShift adjusts the seat angle is 10 levels. With essentially the most relaxed seat angle being 73 levels. So totally adjusted it runs a 83 diploma seat angle. In accordance with Tyler, this vary will be adjusted, restricted, or prolonged. He additionally mentioned that they are going to “experiment into the higher 80s, or till we deem that extra efficiency will be had from going extra excessive”.
One other factor you would possibly discover is the highest tube form. It’s closely ovalized on the head tube. Tyler mentioned that this “acts as a flex keep to accommodate the two.5deg of flex wanted because the seatpost goes by way of its journey”. Additionally, the principle pivot of the seat tube is a 16mm Igus Shaft that rides on Igus bushings.
What About These Seat Stays?
On to the rear of the GeoShift. Tyler says that the rear of the bike relies on the Albatross HT sequence. It allowed BTCHN’ to “decouple” the seat tube from the rear finish to permit for this adjustability. Typical hardtails expertise some rear steering because the rear wheel twists on a airplane that’s pointed up from horizontal. By reducing the seat stays, the axis of the rear axle rotates across the horizontal centerline of the bike. This could, in concept, enhance mid-corner grip, but in addition preserve steadiness, lowering unintuitive body flex.
Sadly, Tyler shouldn’t be presently planning to provide this body. He did say that relying on the quantity of curiosity and their testing goes properly, they could look into discovering a option to do some small manufacturing runs.
Tyler mentioned, “We actually suppose this might be very applicable within the gravel bike sector the place one tends to spend extra time in different terrain, and the place consolation and efficiency are each on the forefront“.
I’m trying ahead to seeing what else comes from Tyler’s creativeness and creativity. Hopefully, we gained’t have to attend till subsequent yr’s MADE Present. Please take the time to observe BTCHN’ Bikes on their Instagram and take a look at the gorgeous frames, bikes, posts, and bars at their web site beneath.
BTCHNBikes.com
