Place-based bicycle design

[Erik Wright]

I was listening to an interview with James of Analog Cycles last night that he did with Path Less Pedaled (link here), and there were 1-2 times when talking about their new bike designs, the 0mm stem they're developing, etc that he mentioned "the roads that [he] rides" as a motivator for these design decisions. It made me think about a lot of discussions on here about the changes in Riv's designs (mostly long chainstays) and how I often read comments like "the trails out in Walnut Creek don't look like my trails," or things along those lines.

I think that makes total sense! This is a broad generalization, but my understanding/experience is that eastern trails are rocky, rooty, muddy, (...miserable?), and "require" suspension. Western trails are smooth, flowy, and "require" disc brakes (thinking about the PNW here). It's clear that Grant/Riv has designed bikes that work in 90% of the situations you put them in, but are also tailored to their specific riding experiences. Same goes for Analog, as they're designing for their specific riding styles and environments that are different than Riv's. I think what's particularly unique about these two companies is that their designs are pretty outside the box; they're not subtle changes, they're mile-long chainstays and 0mm stems.

Of course people design bike features to reflect their environments (fender mounts & clearance in wet climates, for example), but what I thought was neat about this Analog / Riv comparison is that it's the actual geometry of the bikes that differ in order to meet the designer's environmental needs and riding styles.

I'm not sure if there's much to discuss here, but I just thought that was cool. Can y'all think of any other examples of this?

Erik, Philly

[Michael Morrissey]

You’re on to something.

This talks about the difference between west coast and east coast bikes:
https://mmbhof.org/chris-chance/

[Brian Campbell]

I have an older, non-lengthened AHH and a Legolas. I live in SE PA, near Philadelphia so both of these bikes work very well for the environment where I ride.  No mountains and and mostly paved roads, albeit in bad shape but not single track or fire roads.

[George Rosselle]

Interesting that you chose to highlight Chris Chance and his designs. You beat me to it. I have been riding Fats since '87, currently on my third that I have owned since '92, a Monster Fat. It has been through many iterations over the years, now running a Boscomoose bar and very upright. I will never sell it. It is a very different ride from Rivendells, more attuned to the tight single track around here. Although I do also ride my Rosco on single track and it acquits itself quite well, it is a different ride, not as easy to toss around as the Fat. Nor as nimble.