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69ersinglespeed(Image credit: BikeRadar)
The 69er frame has been around for a while, but it’s still the most holistic singlespeed frame solution around.(Image credit: Russell Burton)
The race-ready 69er sacrifi ces comfort for out-and-out speed(Image credit: Russell Burton)
Fox forks keep the front dialled, whatever the rear’s up to(Image credit: Russell Burton)
Avid’s Elixirs are a potent cure-all for all control ills(Image credit: Russell Burton)
US singlespeed superhero Travis Brown has epitomised top-class single-gear racing for years. All his experience is distilled into this unique machine, but it’s not one for comfort seekers.
The most interesting aspect of the frame is its wheel size concept. The
Ride & handling: Super-swift but bruisingly stiff
It’s obvious that the monster-width
Weight is reasonable for an off-the-peg 69er at 24.2lb (11kg) and the smaller rear wheel accelerates quickly.
The most obvious casualty from
Frame: The most holistic singlespeed around
The 69er frame has been around for a while, but it’s still the most holistic singlespeed frame solution around. While the weight-saving butting and cutting inside the frame is hidden there’s no mistaking the extensive hydroforming on every tube – even the seat tube flares to full BB shell width.
Big braceless chainstays and wishboned seatstays keep the rear tight while hollow-section terminals carry the dropout sections with inbuilt screw adjusters.
Equipment: Classy Fox fork and Seventies-style detailing
Fox’s F29 RP24 100mm fork with custom Bontrager crown offset gets the party started. Bontrager also provides the singlespeed-specific chainset and single-cog cassette with neat chainguards on each end.
The ovoid link Shimano chain is super tough and flex free. We’re big fans of Bontrager’s fat, tubeless-ready Duster tyres, which with the broad tubeless-ready rims let you run lower pressures if the frame proves too painful.
The wide, flat bar gives power-assisted steering without raising hands too high. Kit is colour co-ordinated with the frame, with brown rims, brakes, grips and saddle backing up Seventies psychedelic graphic detailing.
