Interbike 2015: Jeff Jones brings the Gnarwhal

We spent a good deal of time at Interbike on Wednesday talking to the fascinating and animated Jeff Jones, gaining insight into the the thoughts behind his eponymous line of unique steel and titanium bikes and accessories.  Designed for versatility, the Jones range tends toward the thoroughly-rack’d and fat-tyred, with a riding position, with a focus on removing weight from the front wheel.

Slack head angles and long fork offsets result in minimal trail, creating a unique combination of long wheelbases and quick handling.  For 2016, the 29+ Jones Plus becomes even more so, with added bosses for bottles and cargo, a rear thru axle, and an upgrade to boost hub spacing.

Also new was a 23in (top tube) model.  Smaller riders rejoice!

Made by Revelate Designs, the Loophole bag fits nicely in Jones’ H-Bars, keeping necessities close at hand.

While the trademark Jones H-Bar offers a number of hand positions for trail riding and touring, we spotted what we thought was a unicorn at the back of the booth.  We were close- the centre handlebar extension is being called the Gnarwhal and combines with the H-Bar to offer riders everything from the “full Mary Poppins” position to a flat-back aero tuck.  Seems like just the thing for an assault on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.