In our first gallery from the show, we look at a range of offerings from Allen Racks, Continental Tires, Handle Stash, No. 22 Bikes, Odyssey, Robert Axle Project/Old Man Mountain, Scarab Cycles, Slug Bicycles, and Stinner Frameworks.
Scarab Paramo Gravel bike with Mola finish
Colombian framebuilders, Scarab Cycles, have developed a robust catalog of bike models over the years. And while the established frame designs don't often change, the brand regularly introduces new paint and finish options into its lineup. The newest is called "Mola" and references textiles that make up indigenous women's clothing motifs from Kuna tribe within regions of Colombia and Panama. Mola will be available in a number of custom color combinations, yet this one on display was quite eye-catching with stunning black flake base and bold accent colors.
The Paramo is Scarab's primary gravel model, with clearance for up to 50 mm tires. This particular Paramo was built in collaboration with one of the brand's dealer shops, Revolt Cyclery in Miami, and features a Shimano GRX Di2 drivetrain with Rotor crankset and painted-to-match Mola Columbus fork.
Stinner Tunnel Select and Podium Hardtail MTBs
Stinner has been making headlines lately. On the heels of launching a titanium version of its gravel bike, the Refugio, it just dropped more news: stock-sized Tunnel steel and titanium hardtails – called select and podium, respectively. Additionally, Stinner has positioned itself to be one of North America's largest OEM builders of metal bikes and accessories with a capacity of around 3000 complete bikes and on-demand scaling.
The Tunnel models are essentially identical, except for the difference in material (which, of course, comes with weight and ride quality differences). The frames accept up to 29 x 2.5" tires, 180 mm post mount brakes, 140 mm fork, and are equipped with UDH-compatible dropouts. Select framesets are US$1495 and completes start at $4495. Podium framesets cost US$2,695 with complete builds starting at $6,095.
Slug Bicycles Earthling Titanium Gravel Bike
Slug is based in California's Bay Area and run by two co-founders Byron and Steven. After launching a gravel and hardtail model years ago, the duo have been working behind the scenes to relaunch with updated frame geometries and build options. While not available quite yet, both had their personal builds on display at the expo.
Markedly different than the brand's first gravel bike, which was long and slack, the Earthling features a more reigned in geometry while still accommodating a large tire. Steven's build, which you can see him riding in my Ornot coverage from earlier this week, runs 29 x 2.2" tires, while Byron's has a more conservative 700 x 50 that he believes makes the most sense for Earthlings. Frames will be available individually starting in a couple of weeks, with complete options on the menu as well.
Hunt 44_46 Aerodynamicist Wheelset
I got a sneak peak at one of Hunt's newest wheelsets: 44_46 Aerodynamicist. Since they won't be available for another few weeks, there is minimal information on them at this time. However, I was able to ascertain that the new rims are an update to the existing Aerodynamicist lineup and incorporate some of the brand's technology used in the flagship Limitless models.
The revised Aerodynamicist wheelsets will feature a new version of Hunt's H_Ratchet hubs rather than the pawl-based Sprit SL of the previous generation. Additionally, rims will have different depths between front and rear. Front rim specs for this model are 44mm deep, 31 mm external, and 22 mm internal width. The rear is 46mm deep, 30 mm external, and 22 mm internal width. Pricing and advertised weight is yet to be determined, but I was told these will be between 1250 and 1375 grams.
No. 22 Bicycle Company Drifter Adventure
The Drifter Adventure had been in No.22's catalog for about a year and a half now, but this version at the Scratch Labs booth – with color-matched RockShox Rudy suspension fork – stopped me in my tracks. Meant to be a do-it-all drop bar model from the New York-based titanium specialists, the Drifter Adventure offers tire clearance of up to 50 mm and semi-internal cable, hose routing, and comfortable geometry.
Typically, Drifters come equipped with the No. 6 Composites Adventure Fork (No. 22's component brand), however this model features RockShox gravel suspension fork. With a similar axle-to-crown length, this Rudy was painted to match and looks right at home on this build. Additionally, this frame incorporates Z-Couplers for simple disassembly while traveling. Note: AXS batteries were dead, hence the dropped seat post and derailleur position.
Continental MTB and Gravel Tires
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