Final yr’s protection of Portland’s MADE Present was enjoyable and got here quite simply when discovering issues to jot down about. However, this time round, it appeared just a little more durable to remain centered. My internal 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 present 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 effectively, probably the most distinctive bikey kind merchandise.
Once I noticed the BTCHN’ Bikes sales space, I knew I might 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 incredible thought, that was executed with precision. To not point out it’s a ravishing bicycle.
I left the sales space understanding that it was, in my view, the present’s most original merchandise. Let’s be taught 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 imagine 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 wonder.
Tyler advised me that the GeoShift is at present a proof of idea, and what I noticed on the present was prototype #1. In line with Tyler, the GeoShift goes to get a whole lot of testing earlier than the subsequent iteration is constructed for his engineer Nicholas.
Tyler additionally mentioned, “We do imagine there may be some very actual utility of getting an adjustable seat angle for various terrain, and all-day sort of rides. Nonetheless, on the very least that is going to behave as an exquisite software for experimentation and educating us additional concerning the limits of purposeful bike geometry“.
He continues, “It might not be cheap nor economical to construct a body with a hard and fast seat place of say 83 levels simply to see if it really works higher in a steep climb, as it might 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 advised me that the hydraulic actuator is a closely modified Bunker dropper put up. They used the Bunker primarily due to the inner structure and normal building. This allowed them to interchange the mandatory elements 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 commonplace rear shock mounting {hardware}. With shortened inner shafts and including a manually machined IFP, Tyler mentioned that this was a quite 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 Elements Dropper Set off. It was modified right into a twin lever design that enables entry to each the dropper and GeoShift. Both lever can simply be operated and probably be actuated on the similar time.
That implies that if you push each on the similar time, it can increase the saddle and improve your seat angle suddenly to assault a climb. Then when descending, push them each once more to decrease the saddle and loosen up the seat angle… Bob’s your uncle!
The quantity that the GeoShift adjusts the seat angle is 10 levels. With probably the most relaxed seat angle being 73 levels. So absolutely adjusted it runs a 83 diploma seat angle. In line with Tyler, this vary might 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 might 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 via its journey”. Additionally, the primary 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 is predicated on the Albatross HT collection. It allowed BTCHN’ to “decouple” the seat tube from the rear finish to permit for this adjustability. Standard hardtails expertise some rear steering because the rear wheel twists on a airplane that’s pointed up from horizontal. By decreasing the seat stays, the axis of the rear axle rotates across the horizontal centerline of the bike. This could, in idea, enhance mid-corner grip, but in addition preserve stability, lowering unintuitive body flex.
Sadly, Tyler shouldn’t be at present planning to supply this body. He did say that relying on the quantity of curiosity and their testing goes effectively, they might look into discovering a strategy to do some small manufacturing runs.
Tyler mentioned, “We actually suppose this might be very acceptable within the gravel bike sector the place one tends to spend extra time in assorted terrain, and the place consolation and efficiency are each on the forefront“.
I’m wanting 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 comply with BTCHN’ Bikes on their Instagram and take a look at the gorgeous frames, bikes, posts, and bars at their web site beneath.
BTCHNBikes.com
