Final 12 months’s protection of Portland’s MADE Present was enjoyable and got here moderately simply when discovering issues to jot down about. However, this time round, it appeared a bit of tougher to remain targeted. My interior bike nerd was awestruck by the sheer expertise that was on show.
The present itself was a bit of greater, not solely in its footprint however within the quantity of exhibitors that have 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 believed it could be enjoyable to provide 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.
Once 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 concept, that was executed with precision. To not point out it’s a good looking bicycle.
I left the sales space realizing that it was, in my view, 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 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 presently a proof of idea, and what I noticed on the present was prototype #1. Based on Tyler, the GeoShift goes to get a variety 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 diverse terrain, and all-day sort of rides. Nevertheless, 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 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 could absolutely be a heinous pile of crap to pedal in all different eventualities 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 submit. They used the Bunker primarily due to the inner format and basic development. This allowed them to exchange the mandatory elements to reverse the path 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 customary rear shock mounting {hardware}. With shortened inner shafts and including a manually machined IFP, Tyler mentioned that this was a moderately 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 Parts 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 doubtlessly be actuated on the identical time.
That signifies that if you push each on the identical time, it is going to elevate the saddle and improve your seat angle unexpectedly 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 absolutely adjusted it runs a 83 diploma seat angle. Based on Tyler, this vary will be adjusted, restricted, or prolonged. He additionally mentioned that they’ll “experiment into the higher 80s, or till we deem that extra efficiency will be had from going extra excessive”.Â
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 means of its journey”. Additionally, the primary pivot of the seat tube is a 16mm Igus Shaft that rides on Igus bushings.Â
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. Standard hardtails expertise some rear steering because the rear wheel twists on a aircraft 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 keep stability, lowering unintuitive body flex.
Sadly, Tyler just isn’t presently planning to supply this body. He did say that relying on the quantity of curiosity and their testing goes properly, they might look into discovering a method to do some small manufacturing runs.
Tyler mentioned, “We actually assume this could 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 wanting ahead to seeing what else comes from Tyler’s creativeness and creativity. Hopefully, we received’t have to attend till subsequent 12 months’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 under.
