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On another thread I predicted a resurgence in simple, "XC" Hardtails, designed to appeal to those gravel riders for whom drop bars don't work and who want 2" or so of tyre width. I reckon we'll see some niche players to start with before the big dogs jump in. Marketing will be along the lines of "so light, you don't even need an engine". Top of the range will be all decked out in carbon wheels and lightweight components but there will be lower end models at a more affordable price.ย
I like my surly. Stooge sell out every time they release a new bike. If they're anything like those, they'll sell well and I wish them all the best with it.
I'm not convinced this will be a great thing as the end of line Olsen stuff is pretty meh to be honest. I had an olsen when they first cam out and the build quality was not great (being polite) and carbon forks we're just straight catalogue ones available from various chinese carbon folks with varying levels of QC.
Given the issues with cheapo carbon forks snapping at the steerer and the resulting court case for planetย X/ one one, I certainly wasn't confident that these were tip top thrashable things.ย
If you want to take a flyer on the last couple of ti frames with no warranty support, then you can possibly build something pretty decent and the crap bits wont worry you as you've not paid much for it.ย
some middle of the road, catalogue frames with a hint of rebranding is what I'm expecting, much like the on-one/titus/holdsworth stuff, so possibly good for a cheap pub commute bike that wont matter if it gets nicked.ย
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