It's Gonna Be Very Pink

Could one of those be mine?

In 2011 I found out that Black Mountain Cycles owner, Mike Varley, was selling frames. Not just any ol' frames, but a drop bar frame that could handle pretty good sized tires. I was very interested. 

I had been bitten by the gravel road riding bug. I had been using mountain bike frames and forks, for the most part, for all my gravel travel. It was good, and that works fine, but I did not have a "real" drop bar bike that would take decent sized tires that wasn't built so heavy duty. My Gen I Fargo was, and still is, an awesome rig on gravel, but I was looking for something a bit sleeker. Not so over-built, and something that maybe had a bit better position for cutting through the wind. The first candidate was a Surly Cross Check.

Cross Checks were the gravel bike back in the day. You still see them out there, but nothing like the early days of gravel grinding. The thing about that bike was that it has a really Euro-short head tube. I was about getting lower, but I'd still have a stack-o-spacers if I got a Cross Check, and I wasn't digging that look. Vanity, I understand, but if I'm buying a bike, it has to suit my aesthetic tastes.

Then I checked out the Monster Cross bike from Black Mountain Cycles. It ticked a lot of the boxes. Not all, but without going custom in 2011, you weren't going to get all my boxes ticked. So, I pulled the trigger and I got one of the first Monster Cross frames in existence. Of course, long time blog readers here have seen that bike ad nauseum since 2011. It's still one of my favorites.

Now I have cleared the way in my stable by selling off one of my bikes for the imminent arrival of my second Black Mountain Cycles frame and fork. This time it will be the new Monster Cross Disc. A frame and fork Mike Varley, owner of BMC,  has promised would be coming for quite some time now. What's more, the frame and fork I am getting will be pink! 

All images today courtesy of Mike Varley/Black Mountain Cycles

 Of course, the new frames have disc brake only compatibility. However, they vary from my "Orange Crush" BMC in that the the top tube is sloped, and the fork is a segmented design. There are a few more minor variances, but essentially, I am expecting that these frames and forks will ride really well.

One of the big improvements since the 2011 frame and forks is that through axles are now standard. I think this will improve handling since through axles have the effect of "tying" the frame and fork together. The wheels should track better, and wheel ejection issues will be impossible due to the captured axles.

Another minor detail, but one I think is rad, is the down tube will have two water bottle mounts, the seat tube one, and underneath the down tube will be another. This is an old school, early mtb arrangement that I've always thought was cool. My Gen I Fargo has this arrangement, but it was kind of ignored by the industry, until now. I've noted at least three new gravel bikes coming out soon which will also feature this double bottle on the down tube style. That said, Mike's was the first I've noted since the Gen I Fargo.

If you don't want it painted, ya gotta stick something in there, or tape it off.

I've got almost everything I need to set this rig up. I've got to get a head set, and I think I'm going with a Wolf Tooth head set. I just got one a while back for test and review on RidingGravel.com , and I really like it so far. The big question is, what color do I get? Black? Conservative choice, looks fine. Blue? Good contrast, but......I don't know. Purple? Hmm...... Might be the one here.

Then I have a wheel set in mind, but the colors are predetermined there if I go with the one I have in mind. Carbon rims though. Pretty dang sweet. There is another way to go that would be super-bling and that option is on the table as well. I have to decide how outlandish I want this bike to be. I mean, it is already pink. What more do you have to do to make it stick out!

So, anyway, a forewarning that another Black Mountain Cycles rig will be grabbing the blog pages here in a short while. It should be fun and I'll be really curious to see how this one rides. Stay tuned.....

It's Gonna Be Very Pink

Could one of those be mine?

In 2011 I found out that Black Mountain Cycles owner, Mike Varley, was selling frames. Not just any ol' frames, but a drop bar frame that could handle pretty good sized tires. I was very interested. 

I had been bitten by the gravel road riding bug. I had been using mountain bike frames and forks, for the most part, for all my gravel travel. It was good, and that works fine, but I did not have a "real" drop bar bike that would take decent sized tires that wasn't built so heavy duty. My Gen I Fargo was, and still is, an awesome rig on gravel, but I was looking for something a bit sleeker. Not so over-built, and something that maybe had a bit better position for cutting through the wind. The first candidate was a Surly Cross Check.

Cross Checks were the gravel bike back in the day. You still see them out there, but nothing like the early days of gravel grinding. The thing about that bike was that it has a really Euro-short head tube. I was about getting lower, but I'd still have a stack-o-spacers if I got a Cross Check, and I wasn't digging that look. Vanity, I understand, but if I'm buying a bike, it has to suit my aesthetic tastes.

Then I checked out the Monster Cross bike from Black Mountain Cycles. It ticked a lot of the boxes. Not all, but without going custom in 2011, you weren't going to get all my boxes ticked. So, I pulled the trigger and I got one of the first Monster Cross frames in existence. Of course, long time blog readers here have seen that bike ad nauseum since 2011. It's still one of my favorites.

Now I have cleared the way in my stable by selling off one of my bikes for the imminent arrival of my second Black Mountain Cycles frame and fork. This time it will be the new Monster Cross Disc. A frame and fork Mike Varley, owner of BMC,  has promised would be coming for quite some time now. What's more, the frame and fork I am getting will be pink! 

All images today courtesy of Mike Varley/Black Mountain Cycles

 Of course, the new frames have disc brake only compatibility. However, they vary from my "Orange Crush" BMC in that the the top tube is sloped, and the fork is a segmented design. There are a few more minor variances, but essentially, I am expecting that these frames and forks will ride really well.

One of the big improvements since the 2011 frame and forks is that through axles are now standard. I think this will improve handling since through axles have the effect of "tying" the frame and fork together. The wheels should track better, and wheel ejection issues will be impossible due to the captured axles.

Another minor detail, but one I think is rad, is the down tube will have two water bottle mounts, the seat tube one, and underneath the down tube will be another. This is an old school, early mtb arrangement that I've always thought was cool. My Gen I Fargo has this arrangement, but it was kind of ignored by the industry, until now. I've noted at least three new gravel bikes coming out soon which will also feature this double bottle on the down tube style. That said, Mike's was the first I've noted since the Gen I Fargo.

If you don't want it painted, ya gotta stick something in there, or tape it off.

I've got almost everything I need to set this rig up. I've got to get a head set, and I think I'm going with a Wolf Tooth head set. I just got one a while back for test and review on RidingGravel.com , and I really like it so far. The big question is, what color do I get? Black? Conservative choice, looks fine. Blue? Good contrast, but......I don't know. Purple? Hmm...... Might be the one here.

Then I have a wheel set in mind, but the colors are predetermined there if I go with the one I have in mind. Carbon rims though. Pretty dang sweet. There is another way to go that would be super-bling and that option is on the table as well. I have to decide how outlandish I want this bike to be. I mean, it is already pink. What more do you have to do to make it stick out!

So, anyway, a forewarning that another Black Mountain Cycles rig will be grabbing the blog pages here in a short while. It should be fun and I'll be really curious to see how this one rides. Stay tuned.....

Friday News And Views

Jamis Renegade Elite here on test

Carbon Or Aluminum:
 
The gravel scene has really come into its own in a very short period of time. When you consider that only seven years ago there weren't any dedicated gravel rigs out there. The Warbird was really the first one, then Raleigh made the Tamland, but now you can hardly turn around without hitting someone's gravel bike. And in most cases, it is carbon fiber or aluminum, not steel or titanium, like it started out.

I am skeptical for several reasons when it comes to carbon fiber gravel/rough road rigs. Why? Well, with these bikes you can find yourself in situations that no "proper" road bike would ever be ridden in. Mud, slurry, and sand, not for a half an hour race, not for an hour,  but for many hours straight, can put the hurt on frames. I've seen carbon frames, and titanium ones, for that matter, worn straight through due to abrasive conditions. Yes......"seen" as with my own two eyes. Not hearsay folks. This happens to gravel bikes.

Now, admittedly, carbon can be built and "armored" to withstand this, but then there is the "other" thing about carbon- stiffness. A lot of effort goes into the rear triangles of these bikes to bring some modicum of comfort but the forks......not so much. To my way of thinking, that is backwards. But maybe this Jamis Renegade Elite will be an outlier and actually ride well on rough gravel. I'm about to find out, as it hit the RidingGravel.com headquarters Wednesday. Post Trans Iowa I will be pressing this into service.Stay tuned......

Another American made headset choice by Wolf Tooth Components

Wolf Tooth Does Head Sets Now:

For the longest time Chris King was the only game in town if you wanted nice, anodized, colorful head sets for bicycles. Those are really good, and no one was willing to jump in against them until recently. First it was Phil Wood, then White Industries, and now, Wolf Tooth has decided to offer a head set choice.

Made in Minnesota, the headsets will be available in standard configurations for straight and tapered steer tubes and in several luscious colors.......like PURPLE! Yaaaaasssss!

That said, my Raleigh is due for a new 1 1/8th head set and, well, purple wouldn't really fit the color scheme of that bike. So, a blue anodized one is on its way to me and will be installed on the Tamland soon.

Mike Varley's MCD prototype

Black Mountain Cycles MCD News:

I've gone on and on about Black Mountain Cycles and the Monster Cross bike I have from that place here for years. I've also teased this new "MCD" version here and said I would be getting one at some point. Well, I am making good on that and I have a PINK (!!) frame and fork reserved from the first shipment due at the end of June or early July.

You can get one pre-ordered now as well by checking out this blog post here.

I'm really excited about this bike. Yes......steel. You can see the above entry on the carbon fiber rigs to get the "why" for that enthusiasm. I have two or three bikes here that have been severely abused, and since they are steel, I don't bat an eyelash in worry about any of them. Carbon I would have killed long ago had I treated it like I have these other bikes, but well......speculation. I'll leave it at that for now.

But this Monster Cross, with the tweaks Mike Varley has made, should ride even better than mine and it will have the brake standard all my other bikes have making wheel swappage a piece of cake. That's a big deal to me. Maybe others wouldn't care, but for what I do, a test mule must be very versatile, and this one will be just that.

This means one bike in the herd will be going away and the "OG" BMC "Orange Crush" bike will get back to being a single speed again. I am loving that idea, and this will become a fun bike as a single speed. I know, because that's how I had it set up for a while when I first got it.

Trans Iowa v14:

Of course, today is the start of the "big dance", the fourteenth Trans Iowa gravel road cycling event which will get underway at 4:00am Saturday, but the Pre-Race Meat-Up is tonight at the Grinnell Steakhouse.

I'm gone traveling today. First off, I need to scout the roads for the first leg of the event so we don't have any surprises. Then I need to get to the Steakhouse to set up for the meeting which will officially get underway at 4:00pm.

Just a quick reminder that Trans Iowa Radio can be used to follow the event. Click Here. There is already a preliminary post from myself with my partner, Ben Welnak in which I give some last minute insight as to how things are setting up for this go-round. Don't look for any further updates about Trans Iowa here. The next post will be about post-TI stuff, the race report, etc. That will begin here after the weekend is over.

I will also be posting live updates via Twitter on my account- 2guitarted1961 using the hashtag #TIv14 for reference. Just type that hashtag into Twitter's search box to bring up all TIv14 related Tweets and Periscope live broadcasts.

Have a great weekend and pray that I come back from this one alive, if you would.........

See ya on the other side!

Friday News And Views

Jamis Renegade Elite here on test

Carbon Or Aluminum:
 
The gravel scene has really come into its own in a very short period of time. When you consider that only seven years ago there weren't any dedicated gravel rigs out there. The Warbird was really the first one, then Raleigh made the Tamland, but now you can hardly turn around without hitting someone's gravel bike. And in most cases, it is carbon fiber or aluminum, not steel or titanium, like it started out.

I am skeptical for several reasons when it comes to carbon fiber gravel/rough road rigs. Why? Well, with these bikes you can find yourself in situations that no "proper" road bike would ever be ridden in. Mud, slurry, and sand, not for a half an hour race, not for an hour,  but for many hours straight, can put the hurt on frames. I've seen carbon frames, and titanium ones, for that matter, worn straight through due to abrasive conditions. Yes......"seen" as with my own two eyes. Not hearsay folks. This happens to gravel bikes.

Now, admittedly, carbon can be built and "armored" to withstand this, but then there is the "other" thing about carbon- stiffness. A lot of effort goes into the rear triangles of these bikes to bring some modicum of comfort but the forks......not so much. To my way of thinking, that is backwards. But maybe this Jamis Renegade Elite will be an outlier and actually ride well on rough gravel. I'm about to find out, as it hit the RidingGravel.com headquarters Wednesday. Post Trans Iowa I will be pressing this into service.Stay tuned......

Another American made headset choice by Wolf Tooth Components

Wolf Tooth Does Head Sets Now:

For the longest time Chris King was the only game in town if you wanted nice, anodized, colorful head sets for bicycles. Those are really good, and no one was willing to jump in against them until recently. First it was Phil Wood, then White Industries, and now, Wolf Tooth has decided to offer a head set choice.

Made in Minnesota, the headsets will be available in standard configurations for straight and tapered steer tubes and in several luscious colors.......like PURPLE! Yaaaaasssss!

That said, my Raleigh is due for a new 1 1/8th head set and, well, purple wouldn't really fit the color scheme of that bike. So, a blue anodized one is on its way to me and will be installed on the Tamland soon.

Mike Varley's MCD prototype

Black Mountain Cycles MCD News:

I've gone on and on about Black Mountain Cycles and the Monster Cross bike I have from that place here for years. I've also teased this new "MCD" version here and said I would be getting one at some point. Well, I am making good on that and I have a PINK (!!) frame and fork reserved from the first shipment due at the end of June or early July.

You can get one pre-ordered now as well by checking out this blog post here.

I'm really excited about this bike. Yes......steel. You can see the above entry on the carbon fiber rigs to get the "why" for that enthusiasm. I have two or three bikes here that have been severely abused, and since they are steel, I don't bat an eyelash in worry about any of them. Carbon I would have killed long ago had I treated it like I have these other bikes, but well......speculation. I'll leave it at that for now.

But this Monster Cross, with the tweaks Mike Varley has made, should ride even better than mine and it will have the brake standard all my other bikes have making wheel swappage a piece of cake. That's a big deal to me. Maybe others wouldn't care, but for what I do, a test mule must be very versatile, and this one will be just that.

This means one bike in the herd will be going away and the "OG" BMC "Orange Crush" bike will get back to being a single speed again. I am loving that idea, and this will become a fun bike as a single speed. I know, because that's how I had it set up for a while when I first got it.

Trans Iowa v14:

Of course, today is the start of the "big dance", the fourteenth Trans Iowa gravel road cycling event which will get underway at 4:00am Saturday, but the Pre-Race Meat-Up is tonight at the Grinnell Steakhouse.

I'm gone traveling today. First off, I need to scout the roads for the first leg of the event so we don't have any surprises. Then I need to get to the Steakhouse to set up for the meeting which will officially get underway at 4:00pm.

Just a quick reminder that Trans Iowa Radio can be used to follow the event. Click Here. There is already a preliminary post from myself with my partner, Ben Welnak in which I give some last minute insight as to how things are setting up for this go-round. Don't look for any further updates about Trans Iowa here. The next post will be about post-TI stuff, the race report, etc. That will begin here after the weekend is over.

I will also be posting live updates via Twitter on my account- 2guitarted1961 using the hashtag #TIv14 for reference. Just type that hashtag into Twitter's search box to bring up all TIv14 related Tweets and Periscope live broadcasts.

Have a great weekend and pray that I come back from this one alive, if you would.........

See ya on the other side!

Friday News And Views

Paul Components Klamper brake. Now works with Campy. Or would that be "Kampy" now?

Paul Components Klamper Brake Now For Campy Levers:

Paul Components did what SRAM had over a decade to try, but never would- That is to make a high end Avid BB type brake. Well, as the saying goes, if ya snooze, ya lose! I still cannot believe that SRAM never did a better BB-7. Actually, SRAM downgraded the BB-7 over the years, going to a two piece caliper body, which is far inferior to the one piece caliper version. I know, I have examples of both in my fleet.

Anyway, where there is a hole, something is going to fill it. Paul Components filled that hole with the Klamper. Now they offer a special one that works with Campy levers. I suspect that this was, in part, driven by the NAHBS builders who probably pestered Paul to do a Campy compatible actuation lever for the Klamper. But however that is, it is cool to see an American small builder/manufacturer doing things like this.

I also get that Paul Component parts are insanely expensive. At $208.00 per caliper, it isn't going to be on many people's radar to have these on their bike. That said, if you'd rather avoid hydraulic Campy calipers and be able to score a high functioning, silver anodized caliper for your Potenza 11 speed disc bike, well, here ya go! 

Mike Varley's Black Mountain Cycles "MCD" prototype

 Black Mountain Cycles "MCD" Update:

You might remember that a while back I was gabbing about the new disc version of Black Mountain Cycles "Monster Cross" bike. I bet you do remember, because I have it from Black Mountain Cycles' proprietor, Mike Varley, that many of you tell him you heard about the BMC rigs here. (Thanks for the mentions folks!) Anyway, here is some news on this new Monster Cross version dubbed the "MCD".

Mike has pulled the trigger on production, but don't get all up in his face just yet about a pre-order. He ain't takin' yer money just yet! (See his latest post here) However; when that day comes that he will take yer dollars, he will only ask for $695.00 of them. Just think- you could buy a MCD with four Paul Klamper Campy compatible brake calipers and get change! (Whatever that would be in parts!) But that probably wouldn't work. I doubt Mike would take exchanges like that!

But really, only $695.00? (!!!) That's incredible for a through axle frame and fork which will, if I am not mistaken, be an awesome gravel rig. I'll let you read Mike's post I linked above, but there are a few subtle changes and sizing is a bit differently described, but ultimately physically should feel the same as before. Kind of hard to wrap my mind around what size I'd take just now, but hey! I have some time to figure that all out.

So, yes. I am getting one of these and I will retire a couple of rigs once I get one. That doesn't look to be happening anytime real soon. That means parts acquisition mode shall be activated this Spring. I have a pretty good idea on the build. Gevenalle shifters, White Industries crank, hubs, and head set, and probably some TRP Spyre brakes. In fact, I already have the calipers in the Lab here. Stay tuned for more on this coming up throughout the Spring. Whatever colors Mike decides upon will be a big factor in my decision making. He mentioned pink was in the running. (PLEASE! MAKE THE MCD IN PINK!!)

Trans Iowa v14 Sponsor News!

This is a good segue way into my next bit of news which is that Trans Iowa v14 is going to have sponsorship from Black Mountain Cycles. This Trans Iowa will see a BMC frame/fork given away to the rider in T.I.v14 that finishes and puts in what I and the volunteers deem as the "Grittiest Ride".

We did this same theme in T.I.v10 where Charlie Farrow won. He didn't actually finish, coming up about 6 miles short at the 2:00pm Sunday time cut, but we have the right to bend the rules a bit at Trans Iowa in instances like this, so be advised that the winner will be chosen at our discretion and the decision of Guitar Ted will be final.

Mike Varley told me that since so many folks have mentioned seeing and hearing about the BMC frames via this portal he wanted to support T.I.v14 in this way. So, if you would, don't hesitate to let him know that you heard about this and want to thank him. http://blackmtncycles.com/

More Sponsorship News! I also have Lederman Bail Bonds back as a sponsor again for Trans Iowa. The company believes Trans Iowa is a great event and puts Iowa in a good light, so they are helping out again as they have for several years now with swag items and behind the scenes support of the event.

Wolf Tooth Portable Master Link Pliers

Wolf Tooth Introduces New Gadget:

Quick links for chains are boon to riders in the field who need to fix a chain issue, or who need to go to a single speed set up due to a rear derailleur failure. While they can be assembled with ease, they often can be nigh unto impossible to undo. That's where the Wolf Tooth Master Link Combo pliers comes in. This tool pinches the rollers together to help release the link so a chain can be disassembled in the field. (NOTE- You still really need a chain breaker, so don't be ditching that tool just yet!) Here's a feature set from Wolf Tooth's press release:

• Compatible with 9-, 10-, 11-, and 12-speed chains
• Holds two pair of most brands' replacement links (sold separately)
• Compatible with most tubeless valve and presta tube locknuts
• Compatible with most standard (5mm) Presta valve core flats
• 38g tool weight
• CNC machined from 7075-T6 aluminum
• Type II anodized in red or black
• Choice of five pivot bolt colors on black pliers
• Designed and manufactured in Minneapolis, MN USA

Since it serves a few functions besides being a quick-link pliers, it makes for a great tool to put into your kit. At 38 grams it won't weigh you down either. I can see this being a contender for a place in my kit for sure. 

Friday News And Views

Paul Components Klamper brake. Now works with Campy. Or would that be "Kampy" now?

Paul Components Klamper Brake Now For Campy Levers:

Paul Components did what SRAM had over a decade to try, but never would- That is to make a high end Avid BB type brake. Well, as the saying goes, if ya snooze, ya lose! I still cannot believe that SRAM never did a better BB-7. Actually, SRAM downgraded the BB-7 over the years, going to a two piece caliper body, which is far inferior to the one piece caliper version. I know, I have examples of both in my fleet.

Anyway, where there is a hole, something is going to fill it. Paul Components filled that hole with the Klamper. Now they offer a special one that works with Campy levers. I suspect that this was, in part, driven by the NAHBS builders who probably pestered Paul to do a Campy compatible actuation lever for the Klamper. But however that is, it is cool to see an American small builder/manufacturer doing things like this.

I also get that Paul Component parts are insanely expensive. At $208.00 per caliper, it isn't going to be on many people's radar to have these on their bike. That said, if you'd rather avoid hydraulic Campy calipers and be able to score a high functioning, silver anodized caliper for your Potenza 11 speed disc bike, well, here ya go! 

Mike Varley's Black Mountain Cycles "MCD" prototype

 Black Mountain Cycles "MCD" Update:

You might remember that a while back I was gabbing about the new disc version of Black Mountain Cycles "Monster Cross" bike. I bet you do remember, because I have it from Black Mountain Cycles' proprietor, Mike Varley, that many of you tell him you heard about the BMC rigs here. (Thanks for the mentions folks!) Anyway, here is some news on this new Monster Cross version dubbed the "MCD".

Mike has pulled the trigger on production, but don't get all up in his face just yet about a pre-order. He ain't takin' yer money just yet! (See his latest post here) However; when that day comes that he will take yer dollars, he will only ask for $695.00 of them. Just think- you could buy a MCD with four Paul Klamper Campy compatible brake calipers and get change! (Whatever that would be in parts!) But that probably wouldn't work. I doubt Mike would take exchanges like that!

But really, only $695.00? (!!!) That's incredible for a through axle frame and fork which will, if I am not mistaken, be an awesome gravel rig. I'll let you read Mike's post I linked above, but there are a few subtle changes and sizing is a bit differently described, but ultimately physically should feel the same as before. Kind of hard to wrap my mind around what size I'd take just now, but hey! I have some time to figure that all out.

So, yes. I am getting one of these and I will retire a couple of rigs once I get one. That doesn't look to be happening anytime real soon. That means parts acquisition mode shall be activated this Spring. I have a pretty good idea on the build. Gevenalle shifters, White Industries crank, hubs, and head set, and probably some TRP Spyre brakes. In fact, I already have the calipers in the Lab here. Stay tuned for more on this coming up throughout the Spring. Whatever colors Mike decides upon will be a big factor in my decision making. He mentioned pink was in the running. (PLEASE! MAKE THE MCD IN PINK!!)

Trans Iowa v14 Sponsor News!

This is a good segue way into my next bit of news which is that Trans Iowa v14 is going to have sponsorship from Black Mountain Cycles. This Trans Iowa will see a BMC frame/fork given away to the rider in T.I.v14 that finishes and puts in what I and the volunteers deem as the "Grittiest Ride".

We did this same theme in T.I.v10 where Charlie Farrow won. He didn't actually finish, coming up about 6 miles short at the 2:00pm Sunday time cut, but we have the right to bend the rules a bit at Trans Iowa in instances like this, so be advised that the winner will be chosen at our discretion and the decision of Guitar Ted will be final.

Mike Varley told me that since so many folks have mentioned seeing and hearing about the BMC frames via this portal he wanted to support T.I.v14 in this way. So, if you would, don't hesitate to let him know that you heard about this and want to thank him. http://blackmtncycles.com/

More Sponsorship News! I also have Lederman Bail Bonds back as a sponsor again for Trans Iowa. The company believes Trans Iowa is a great event and puts Iowa in a good light, so they are helping out again as they have for several years now with swag items and behind the scenes support of the event.

Wolf Tooth Portable Master Link Pliers

Wolf Tooth Introduces New Gadget:

Quick links for chains are boon to riders in the field who need to fix a chain issue, or who need to go to a single speed set up due to a rear derailleur failure. While they can be assembled with ease, they often can be nigh unto impossible to undo. That's where the Wolf Tooth Master Link Combo pliers comes in. This tool pinches the rollers together to help release the link so a chain can be disassembled in the field. (NOTE- You still really need a chain breaker, so don't be ditching that tool just yet!) Here's a feature set from Wolf Tooth's press release:

• Compatible with 9-, 10-, 11-, and 12-speed chains
• Holds two pair of most brands' replacement links (sold separately)
• Compatible with most tubeless valve and presta tube locknuts
• Compatible with most standard (5mm) Presta valve core flats
• 38g tool weight
• CNC machined from 7075-T6 aluminum
• Type II anodized in red or black
• Choice of five pivot bolt colors on black pliers
• Designed and manufactured in Minneapolis, MN USA

Since it serves a few functions besides being a quick-link pliers, it makes for a great tool to put into your kit. At 38 grams it won't weigh you down either. I can see this being a contender for a place in my kit for sure. 

Black Mountain Cycles Shows Disc Proto

The Black Mountain Cycles Disc Monster Cross prototype. Image by Mike Varley

Okay, as I've said, my Black Mountain Cycles Monster Cross bike, otherwise known as "Orange Crush", or sometimes as "Old #49", is perhaps my "desert island" bike. One of the ones I have around I am not willing to get rid of. It's a good bicycle. Really good.

So even though Mike Varley of Black Mountain Cycles, a little shop in Point Reyes Station, California, has made a few tweaks and several color options available since I bought mine out of the first run, I wasn't enticed to purchase another BMC. Yet.....

I always have had it in the back of my mind that if Mike ever offered a disc version of this bicycle I would jump on that. Disc brakes are the way the industry has chosen to go now, so although I am totally fine with using rim brakes, I have invested in the disc brake side heavily since that is where other brands have gone. It just makes sense to keep everything similar in the fleet, as much as I can. Splitting off into rim and disc brake bikes for the stable complicates my wheel inventory. I don't need more complications.

So, I figured Mike, being totally fine with rim brakes, might not ever actually make this unicorn come to life. Well, he has! Here is the evidence. Besides the disc brakes, there are some important differences to my rig. You can read it straight from the man's blog here.

My "OG" BMC rig.

Here are my thoughts on the minor differences besides what brakes are being used.

• Sloping top tube: Well, I really prefer the old frame's top tube, it being more level, but this seems like what I have with my Tamland and fits what I've used on a couple of other bikes. I don't mind it, and it reminds me of something else I'll mention further on down here.....
• The fork is segmented: Cool. I don't mind this. It gives a lot of clearance for bigger tires and mud. It's a little more "mountain bike-ish" without resorting to a unicrown fork. I'd rather have a plate crown fork, but hey! That would be expensive! 
• Through axle wheels: The fashion of the day. With disc brakes they make a ton of sense. I'm okay with that.
• Room for 2" tires. The image shows Mike's proto with Nano 2.1"ers. I'll probably never go that big, but it is nice to know that 50mm tires like the Donnelly MSO and the Terrene Honali might be a good fit in this rig. 
• Rack mounts and water bottle mounts: Oh yeah!! Mike made a choice for one of my favorite details on a gravel bike- Having two down tube sets of water bottle bosses on top and one set below. Bigger frame sizes allow for this. Of course, smaller ones do not, so if you are small in stature, bummer! With the seat tube set of bosses you can mount four bottles. Hooray! Mike isn't down with fork bosses for water bottles or Anything Cages, but that's cool. There are front rack bosses instead, so put a water bottle in a bag on a rack. It works on my BMC! 
• Frame tubing specs remain nearly the same: Only the seat stays are different, (thinner by a tiny amount, Mike says), so that bodes well for a good ride quality. The extended seat post extension I would see would also help out with this. 

Finally, is it just me, or does that rear drop out look vaguely like a Salsa Fargo drop out? Hmm..... That, the sloping top tube, the non-suspension geometry, and the double bottle bosses on the down tube make me think a lot of a Fargo Gen I.

Probably just me.....

Anyway, no geo figures yet, but I read on Mike's blog they are coming. I'm confident that they will be good. Mike knows his stuff. If that end checks out I am all in for getting one of these. So, if it does come to pass that I get a BMC MCD (Monster Cross Disc), I have some plans.

First- The current BMC will become a single speed gravel rig. I had that bike set up originally that way and it rocked. The horizontal drop outs really help there. Then I will thin the herd. I have two bikes that will go on the chopping block if this happens. I'll cross that bridge if this new BMC actually gets purchased. Can't be piling up bikes I won't ride much.

So, anyway, I am pretty excited about this possibility. Stay tuned.......

Black Mountain Cycles Shows Disc Proto

The Black Mountain Cycles Disc Monster Cross prototype. Image by Mike Varley

Okay, as I've said, my Black Mountain Cycles Monster Cross bike, otherwise known as "Orange Crush", or sometimes as "Old #49", is perhaps my "desert island" bike. One of the ones I have around I am not willing to get rid of. It's a good bicycle. Really good.

So even though Mike Varley of Black Mountain Cycles, a little shop in Point Reyes Station, California, has made a few tweaks and several color options available since I bought mine out of the first run, I wasn't enticed to purchase another BMC. Yet.....

I always have had it in the back of my mind that if Mike ever offered a disc version of this bicycle I would jump on that. Disc brakes are the way the industry has chosen to go now, so although I am totally fine with using rim brakes, I have invested in the disc brake side heavily since that is where other brands have gone. It just makes sense to keep everything similar in the fleet, as much as I can. Splitting off into rim and disc brake bikes for the stable complicates my wheel inventory. I don't need more complications.

So, I figured Mike, being totally fine with rim brakes, might not ever actually make this unicorn come to life. Well, he has! Here is the evidence. Besides the disc brakes, there are some important differences to my rig. You can read it straight from the man's blog here.

My "OG" BMC rig.

Here are my thoughts on the minor differences besides what brakes are being used.

• Sloping top tube: Well, I really prefer the old frame's top tube, it being more level, but this seems like what I have with my Tamland and fits what I've used on a couple of other bikes. I don't mind it, and it reminds me of something else I'll mention further on down here.....
• The fork is segmented: Cool. I don't mind this. It gives a lot of clearance for bigger tires and mud. It's a little more "mountain bike-ish" without resorting to a unicrown fork. I'd rather have a plate crown fork, but hey! That would be expensive! 
• Through axle wheels: The fashion of the day. With disc brakes they make a ton of sense. I'm okay with that.
• Room for 2" tires. The image shows Mike's proto with Nano 2.1"ers. I'll probably never go that big, but it is nice to know that 50mm tires like the Donnelly MSO and the Terrene Honali might be a good fit in this rig. 
• Rack mounts and water bottle mounts: Oh yeah!! Mike made a choice for one of my favorite details on a gravel bike- Having two down tube sets of water bottle bosses on top and one set below. Bigger frame sizes allow for this. Of course, smaller ones do not, so if you are small in stature, bummer! With the seat tube set of bosses you can mount four bottles. Hooray! Mike isn't down with fork bosses for water bottles or Anything Cages, but that's cool. There are front rack bosses instead, so put a water bottle in a bag on a rack. It works on my BMC! 
• Frame tubing specs remain nearly the same: Only the seat stays are different, (thinner by a tiny amount, Mike says), so that bodes well for a good ride quality. The extended seat post extension I would see would also help out with this. 

Finally, is it just me, or does that rear drop out look vaguely like a Salsa Fargo drop out? Hmm..... That, the sloping top tube, the non-suspension geometry, and the double bottle bosses on the down tube make me think a lot of a Fargo Gen I.

Probably just me.....

Anyway, no geo figures yet, but I read on Mike's blog they are coming. I'm confident that they will be good. Mike knows his stuff. If that end checks out I am all in for getting one of these. So, if it does come to pass that I get a BMC MCD (Monster Cross Disc), I have some plans.

First- The current BMC will become a single speed gravel rig. I had that bike set up originally that way and it rocked. The horizontal drop outs really help there. Then I will thin the herd. I have two bikes that will go on the chopping block if this happens. I'll cross that bridge if this new BMC actually gets purchased. Can't be piling up bikes I won't ride much.

So, anyway, I am pretty excited about this possibility. Stay tuned.......