Final yr’s protection of Portland’s MADE Present was enjoyable and got here reasonably simply when discovering issues to put in writing about. However, this time round, it appeared a bit tougher to remain centered. My interior bike nerd was awestruck by the sheer expertise that was on show.
The present itself was a bit greater, not solely in its footprint however within the quantity of exhibitors that have been there. So, that being stated, I’m a lil’ sluggish getting the cool stuff down and revealed.
BikeRumor Most Distinctive Bike Award
One other factor that differs this time round is that I believed it could be enjoyable to offer out two “awards”. The primary is the Bikerumor Most Distinctive Bike Award. This was awarded based mostly 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 might discover one thing distinctive there. Most of what Tyler builds is exclusive, and all of it’s stunning. 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 concept, that was executed with precision. To not point out it’s a lovely bicycle.
I left the sales space realizing that it was, for my part, the present’s most unusual merchandise. Let’s be taught a bit extra in regards to 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 informed me that the GeoShift is presently a proof of idea, and what I noticed on the present was prototype #1. In response to Tyler, the GeoShift goes to get a number of testing earlier than the following iteration is constructed for his engineer Nicholas.
Tyler additionally stated, “We do imagine there may be some very actual utility of getting an adjustable seat angle for various terrain, and all-day form of rides. Nonetheless, on the very least that is going to behave as an exquisite software for experimentation and educating us additional in regards to the limits of practical bike geometry“.
He continues, “It will 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 will 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 interior format and normal building. This allowed them to exchange the required elements to reverse the route of actuation. Genius!
They then changed the top unit with a 3d printed aluminum twin chamber and provisions to connect to the seat tube utilizing commonplace rear shock mounting {hardware}. With shortened inside shafts and including a manually machined IFP, Tyler stated that this was a reasonably in-depth challenge 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 permits entry to each the dropper and GeoShift. Both lever can simply be operated and doubtlessly be actuated on the identical time.
That implies that whenever you push each on the identical time, it is going to 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 essentially the most relaxed seat angle being 73 levels. So totally adjusted it runs a 83 diploma seat angle. In response to Tyler, this vary could be adjusted, restricted, or prolonged. He additionally stated that they may “experiment into the higher 80s, or till we deem that extra efficiency could be had from going extra excessive”.
One other factor you may discover is the highest tube form. It’s closely ovalized on the head tube. Tyler stated that this “acts as a flex keep to accommodate the two.5deg of flex wanted because the seatpost goes by means of 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 aircraft 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 principle, enhance mid-corner grip, but additionally preserve steadiness, lowering unintuitive body flex.
Sadly, Tyler will not 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 method to do some small manufacturing runs.
Tyler stated, “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 received’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 attractive frames, bikes, posts, and bars at their web site beneath.
