The world of cycling is constantly evolving, and one of the latest trends is the emergence of “Road Plus” bikes. These bikes are designed to combine the best features of both road and gravel bikes, making them ideal for a wide range of riders and riding conditions. One company that has embraced this trend is Black Mountain Cycles, who have developed their own line of Road Plus bikes. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at these bikes and explore what makes them unique.
What is a Road Plus Bike?
A Road Plus bike is essentially a road bike with larger tires. These tires are typically between 28-45mm wide, as opposed to the 23mm tires that are standard on most road bikes. This increase in tire width allows for a smoother ride on rough roads, as well as better traction and stability. The result is a bike that can handle both pavement and gravel with ease, making it a versatile option for riders who want to explore different types of terrain.
The Black Mountain Cycles Road Plus
Black Mountain Cycles is a small, independent bike company based in the UK. They specialize in hand-built bikes that are designed to be both beautiful and functional. Their Road Plus bike is no exception, with a sleek and minimalist design that is sure to turn heads. But it’s not just the looks that set this bike apart – it’s also packed with a host of features that make it an excellent choice for riders who want a versatile bike that can handle a wide range of conditions.
Frame and Fork
The Black Mountain Cycles Road Plus is built around a steel frame and fork. Steel is a classic material for bike frames, and for a good reason – it’s strong, durable, and offers a comfortable ride. The company uses a combination of Tange and Columbus tubing, which is known for its strength and stiffness. The fork is also made of steel, which helps to absorb vibrations and provide a smooth ride. This bike is built to last and will be able to handle whatever you throw at it.
Tires and Rims
One of the key features of a Road Plus bike is the tires, and the Black Mountain Cycles Road Plus doesn’t disappoint in this regard. The bike comes with 700x42mm WTB Horizon tires, which are designed for both pavement and gravel. These tires are wider than traditional road tires, which allows for more cushioning and better traction. They also have a file tread pattern that provides excellent grip on a variety of surfaces.
The rims are also noteworthy – Black Mountain Cycles uses WTB Asym i35 rims, which are designed for use with tubeless tires. This allows for a smoother ride, as well as better traction and control. The rims are also tubeless-compatible, which means that you can run lower tire pressures without the risk of pinch flats.
Drivetrain
The Black Mountain Cycles Road Plus comes with a 1x drivetrain, which means that it only has one chainring in the front. This is becoming increasingly popular on road and gravel bikes, as it simplifies the shifting process and reduces the risk of mechanical problems. The bike also comes with a wide-range cassette, which provides a wide range of gears to tackle any terrain.
The bike is equipped with the Shimano GRX 400 1x groupset, which is a new groupset specifically designed for gravel and adventure riding. It offers a wide gear range, and the shifting is smooth and precise. The brake levers are also designed for use with drop bars, which allows for better control and braking power.
Other Features
The Black Mountain Cycles Road Plus also comes with a variety of other features that make it a great choice for riders. These include:
- Rack and fender mounts: These allow you to add racks and fenders to the bike, which can be useful if you plan on using the bike for commuting or touring.
- Three bottle cage mounts: This gives you the option to carry extra water or other liquids with you on your ride.
- Internal cable routing: This helps to keep the cables out of the way and protect them from the elements.
- Clearance for 45mm tires: This gives you the option to run even wider tires if you desire, which can be useful for very rough terrain.
- Hand-built in the UK: All Black Mountain Cycles bikes are hand-built in the UK, which ensures that each bike is of the highest quality.
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Conclusion
The Black Mountain Cycles Road Plus is a versatile and high-quality bike that is well-suited for a wide range of riders and riding conditions. It’s built around a steel frame and fork, which provides a comfortable and durable ride. The tires and rims are designed for both pavement and gravel, and the drivetrain is simple and reliable. The bike also comes with a variety of other features that make it a great choice for commuting, touring, and adventure riding. If you’re looking for a bike that can handle anything, the Black Mountain Cycles Road Plus is definitely worth considering.