Black Mountain Cycles Road vs. All City Mr. Pink vs. ???

[brockd15]

I'm being sorely tempted by a Black Mountain Cycles Road frameset. It's orange, it uses rim brakes, it fits big tires, it fits fenders, people who have them seem to love them, the price is pretty great, and on and on.

The All City Mr. Pink also looks good but is quite a bit more expensive. At $595 for the frameset, the BMC seems like an excellent value, and feedback I've read has been universally positive. For reference, my most ridden bike right now is a 56cm Soma Smoothie. The majority of my miles come from commuting, but I've also ridden it on long rides (600k). If I pick up one of these frames it would be to replace the Soma. The appeal of that is to fit bigger tires with fenders. The Smoothie is limited to 23-25 with fenders, I think these would be more like 28-30.

Looking at other options in the same vein, it's not easy to find a better value than the BMC. Almost everything is more expensive but doesn't provide much (if any) improvement. A few others I'm aware of...

- Gunnar Sport (roughly double the price)
- Soma Smoothie ES (more expensive, and I already have a Soma)
- Soma Stanyan (looks nice, more money)
- Albion Homebrew (doesn't do much for me)
- Genesis Equilibrium (don't know...maybe. Seems to have less clearance)
- Kona Honky Tonk (doesn't do much for me)
- Some Raleigh models (don't really want a Releigh)

What would you choose? BMC Road owners, would you pick the BMC again or go with something else?

[icepick_trotsky]

If Gunnar is an option the answer is always Gunnar.

[rcnute]

I really like my BMC Road. Nothing fancy but very nice handling. On par with Gunnar and better than Somas/Surlys/Konas etc.

Ryan

[mhespenheide]

My thread here addresses some options: https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=210386

This thread is similar: https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=221396

This for sale thread implies that the Genesis handles 32's: https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=221432

If you can ride a 62x59, you should absolutely pick up this one: https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=226048

If you ride even bigger, like 63x60, I've got an older Trek that could be an inexpensive option.


Personally, despite my 2017 thread, I've made my peace with the Felt F1PR after some fitting tweaks and a pair of lighter wheels that help make the handling feel a little quicker. But I'm still a little obsessed with the general idea... :cool:

[Big Dan]

Milwaukee Bicycle Co. road frameset is a nice option too.

[Luwabra]

I’ve had 2 mr pinks and a bmc road. I personally like the bmc best. I upgraded to the whiskey+ fork but the stock fork is nice also. There is no more bang for the buck in this genre than bmc

[AngryScientist]

i have to say that if the geometry works for you, the BMC is a great bike. it really is a pleasure to ride. the stock fork is a bit heavy, but really rides well. i dont think you can go wrong with one of those.

[brockd15]

I’ve had 2 mr pinks and a bmc road. I personally like the bmc best. I upgraded to the whiskey+ fork but the stock fork is nice also. There is no more bang for the buck in this genre than bmc

This is helpful, thanks for the input. What do you prefer about the BMC? Anything specific other than fit?

[brockd15]

My thread here addresses some options: https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=210386

This thread is similar: https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=221396

This for sale thread implies that the Genesis handles 32's: https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=221432

If you can ride a 62x59, you should absolutely pick up this one: https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=226048

If you ride even bigger, like 63x60, I've got an older Trek that could be an inexpensive option.


Personally, despite my 2017 thread, I've made my peace with the Felt F1PR after some fitting tweaks and a pair of lighter wheels that help make the handling feel a little quicker. But I'm still a little obsessed with the general idea... :cool:

Nice bikes, but I'm more in the 56-57 range for fit.
There are a few threads here (including one that you linked) that sort of address the same question and are where I saw some of these other options. I've never really been into bigger tires before, but after riding 650bx42s for an extended period, then doing 130mi at Eroica on 700x30 Challenge Strada Biancas (pretty great), then riding a 600k brevet on 700x23 with one particular stretch of terrible chip seal, I'm really liking the idea of a 28-30 tire and fenders.

[brockd15]

If Gunnar is an option the answer is always Gunnar.

Gunnar would be great, and I keep an eye out for them, but at more than twice the price of a BMC I'm not sure how much there is to gain for the money.

[Pegoready]

Have you considered the Rivendell Roadini?

I was in a similar quandary recently, and was about to order the Rivendell, before I upped my budget considerably when a Royal H show bike made itself available.

Good luck!

[d_douglas]

In spite of all my stupid tastes in expensive bikes that I don't properly use, my most desired mass produced bike is a BMC. I think they just look like awesome bikes and the price seems outstanding.

If I had another $600 and the need for this type of bike, I would buy the BMC for sure.

[darkmother]

I haven't ridden any of the other bikes mentioned here, but I really like my BMC road frame. It is such a pleasure to ride-smooth and well balanced.

[echelon_john]

BMC Road fits a Bon Jon 700x35 on a 19mm internal rim easily. Incredible value for the $ and Mike is terrific to deal with. Rides as well as much more expensive bikes, and the finish quality is excellent. Highly recommend.


Nice bikes, but I'm more in the 56-57 range for fit.
There are a few threads here (including one that you linked) that sort of address the same question and are where I saw some of these other options. I've never really been into bigger tires before, but after riding 650bx42s for an extended period, then doing 130mi at Eroica on 700x30 Challenge Strada Biancas (pretty great), then riding a 600k brevet on 700x23 with one particular stretch of terrible chip seal, I'm really liking the idea of a 28-30 tire and fenders.

[AngryScientist]

amazing isnt it? when do you hear such universal praise for a frame in this price range?? it must be good!

[Clean39T]

From what I've seen him post on FB, Mike chases/faces all the frames before they leave the shop - it's extra time that all sellers should take, but most in that price range dont, and it's a clear sign of his commitment to his customers that he does.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[JAGI410]

I’d get a BMC just to support Mike. He’s an asset to the cycling community!

I’d also get the new anniversary Mr Pink just for the sweet paintjob! I really liked that bike when I owned one.

Side plug: I have that blue Mr. Pink listed for sale for a friend, make a ridiculous offer, he might take it.

[Luwabra]

This is helpful, thanks for the input. What do you prefer about the BMC? Anything specific other than fit?

a few things... i don't know if im qualified to make this observation but the bmc feels livelier to me. not that the Mr pink is bad by any means it just felt kind of run of the mill i guess? nothing bad but nothing great. I had 35 gravel king sk's on my mr pink for a time. Both will take a big tire.

if your a weight weenie the frame came in like 200g less than the mr pink frame. (if i recall correctly) it could have been 100g. regardless still lighter. welds are similar, both are painted, mike specs clear powder over paint not sure about all city.

theres a certain obscureness about BMC that intriqued me. I like that you can't go to any QBP bike shop and order one. small batch. like Clean said he faces, chases and makes sure wheels slide in and out effortlessly prior to shipping. you call mike on the phone and he will answer and help you pick out the proper frame size and answer any questions you could possibly have.

I promise you. If you go with the BMC you will not be dissapointed in your purchase. I now own the Road and the Monster Cross and am equally pleased with both. Actually I just had both bikes ride 240mi of gravel across the state of minnesota I believe the guy that borrowed the road frame was very impressed as well.

good luck with your decisions/ purchase and pics please.

hampsten strada bianca a choice as well but out of range unless your weisan :)

[donevwil]

From what I've seen him post on FB, Mike chases/faces all the frames before they leave the shop - it's extra time that all sellers should take, but most in that price range dont, and it's a clear sign of his commitment to his customers that he does.

He also checks every frameset's alignment from front dropout to rear derailleur hanger, is one of the best wheel builders around and is a top notch mechanic in both new and old tech.

[nalax]

He also checks every frameset's alignment from front dropout to rear derailleur hanger, is one of the best wheel builders around and is a top notch mechanic in both new and old tech.
Mike's recent blog post goes into detail with his frame prep. He has been very busy!
http://blackmtncycles.com/where-to-start-2/

[fourflys]

I've had a few different bikes from Ti, high end AL, carbon, and steel and the BMC is the one I love to ride... for what you're looking for the only thing I'd consider different is the new Road+ that Mike has with discs... I love my Orange Pumpkin... Also, the fact that Mikes rides what he sells every day means a ton to me.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Sports/Cycling/i-fx9X7zH/0/9a6584ef/M/BMC%20Road%20in%20the%20Sun-M.jpg

[RFC]

Very pleased with my BMC Road. The geometry and ride remind me of my old RB-1, only better!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4493/36969674314_eb1cbee5c3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/YjTfaQ)IMG_4942r (https://flic.kr/p/YjTfaQ) by Robert Copple (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150689726@N06/), on Flickr

[tctyres]

I've never ridden the All-City, so I can't comment.

The Black Mountain is great. :banana::banana::banana: I have about 7500 miles on it in the two years since I bought it.

Mine in commuter mode along the Hudson this spring.

[MagicHour]

Love my Black Mountain - here's a pic from a ride I did last month.

Nothing bad to say about this bike, does everything I need it to and then some, climbs and descends great, super comfy, classic early 90s retro grouch appeal etc. Highly recommend. :hello:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1874/29348002627_e895fa1d47_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/LHobHi)Black Mountain @ upper Esopus (https://flic.kr/p/LHobHi)

[yetitotheheady]

a few things... i don't know if im qualified to make this observation but the bmc feels livelier to me. not that the Mr pink is bad by any means it just felt kind of run of the mill i guess? nothing bad but nothing great. I had 35 gravel king sk's on my mr pink for a time. Both will take a big tire.


Is that tire clearance in the stock steel fork or the whisky road+ fork? I've tried a WTB CrossBoss 35 and pea gravel would load up the tire then catch the underside of the fork. But I'd imagine a lower knob tire might work.

[Luwabra]

Is that tire clearance in the stock steel fork or the whisky road+ fork? I've tried a WTB CrossBoss 35 and pea gravel would load up the tire then catch the underside of the fork. But I'd imagine a lower knob tire might work.

Stock steel fork. Plenty of room w br-r600 brakes. I Shoulda kept this one paint was so ba and that fork bend !

[yetitotheheady]

Stock steel fork. Plenty of room w br-r600 brakes. I Shoulda kept this one paint was so ba and that fork bend !

What! is that a Falconer built BMC road in pink? You don't own that anymore?

[Luwabra]

What! is that a Falconer built BMC road in pink? You don't own that anymore?

hahaha i wish. its a Mr. Pink from 2015 or 2016. the Bmc will take that tire as well tho.

[jtbadge]

Mr. Pinks are great, and are available with the steel fork option again ("Mr. Pink Classic"), in addition to the Motorola tribute and 10th anniversary splatter schemes having the Whisky fork.

https://allcitycycles.com/files/studio_images/_small/all-city-mr-pink-classic-MY19-frameset-FM0292-1500x1000.jpg

Unfortunately, they really missed the mark on pricing. The steel fork Mr. Pink frameset used to sell for $800, I think, and now it's $1000, just like the Whisky option. The best value is in the older PF30 frames - those can often be had complete/preowned for well under $1000.

[boomforeal]

i was considering both of those frames last year. i ended up buying a soma pescadero as i knew it could handle a 40c tire and at the time i couldn't find confirmation that the bmc could handle a 35. the pescadero is fine, colour is pretty nice and it can handle seriously chubby rubber

[jtbadge]

Mr. Pinks are great, and are available with the steel fork option again ("Mr. Pink Classic"), in addition to the Motorola tribute and 10th anniversary splatter schemes having the Whisky fork.

https://allcitycycles.com/files/studio_images/_small/all-city-mr-pink-classic-MY19-frameset-FM0292-1500x1000.jpg

Unfortunately, they really missed the mark on pricing. The steel fork Mr. Pink frameset used to sell for $800, I think, and now it's $1000, just like the Whisky option. The best value is in the older PF30 frames - those can often be had complete/preowned for well under $1000.

This pricing error has been corrected - now down to $850 for the "Classic" frame/fork ($1500 complete) with that great green/blue/white paint scheme. Makes things a lot more tempting.