Black Mountain Cycles Road or something else?

[belopsky]

Looking for a road frame that'll fit 32mm tires with sidepull brakes. Any other frames I may have overlooked ? The 54cm BMC frame looks like it'd be a perfect fit.

[Big Dan]

Stock geometry?

Gunnar Sport
Milwaukee Road
All City Mr Pink
Ti Cycles Local Hero
Surly Pacer
Cielo Sportif
Soma ES
Kona Tonk

etc

[belopsky]

Stock geometry?

Gunnar Sport
Milwaukee Road
All City Mr Pink
Ti Cycles Local Hero
Surly Pacer
Cielo Sportif
Soma ES
Kona Tonk

etcisn't most if the tubing of these bikes more overbuilt than the BMC?

Gunnar is 2x the cost. BMC road is about $650 w headset.

[jtbadge]

isn't most if the tubing of these bikes more overbuilt than the BMC?

Gunnar is 2x the cost. BMC road is about $650 w headset.

The Surly and Kona are overbuilt compared to the BMC, sure. The Soma is probably comparable.

The All-City uses Columbus Zona and now a nice Whisky carbon fork - that's the one I'd get.

The Gunnar, Milwaukee, and Cielo are built in the US, of course they are more expensive.

[fourflys]

I've ridden a lot of bikes and the BMC is hard to beat for the money... I'd be very surprised if I would be able to tell the difference if I were on a bigger money Gunnar, Cielo, or All City... plus, I've always been impressed that Mike (the owner/designer) rides the bikes he sells...

[belopsky]

The Surly and Kona are overbuilt compared to the BMC, sure. The Soma is probably comparable.

The All-City uses Columbus Zona and now a nice Whisky carbon fork - that's the one I'd get.

The Gunnar, Milwaukee, and Cielo are built in the US, of course they are more expensive.

Cielo isn't an option for a new bike now, btw. Gunnar and Milwaukee are both waterford built, probably the same bikes

[Sparshall]

I just picked up a 2017 Bombtrack Audax (NOS) off of eBay for ~$1200ish. Easily clears 32mm. Seems light (20-21lb) and rides nice.

[MagicHour]

Depends what you need it to do, it's a little heavy (mine's ~<21lbs or so) for racier applications like faster group rides, but for the money it's a wonderful riding bike. Very stable and predictable, climbs, corners, descends well. Was out on mine this afternoon - love riding the thing.

https://live.staticflickr.com/7818/40595205013_dc4ab5cbdf_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24Rg38P)
Looking for a road frame that'll fit 32mm tires with sidepull brakes. Any other frames I may have overlooked ? The 54cm BMC frame looks like it'd be a perfect fit.

[fourflys]

Looking for a road frame that'll fit 32mm tires with sidepull brakes. Any other frames I may have overlooked ? The 54cm BMC frame looks like it'd be a perfect fit.

BTW- not sure where you are, but I've got a 56cm if you are in the Seattle area (Kitsap County) and want to check it out...

[Bostic]

I recently put 700x32 Conti 4 Seasons on mine. A few pictures from today's ride.

Fremont Older Openspace Preserve, Cupertino CA
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/FicMZJ.jpg

Looking towards Silicon Valley
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/SizrDs.jpg

A joyous 24% grade
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/KcXecK.jpg

[AngryScientist]

I absolutely love my BMC roadie. Great riding frame.

The Mr Pink sure is an attractive option though with the nice whiskey fork. The BMC fork is nice and rides really well; but it is heavy.

Also; with regard to the above; I just recently tried a set of gp 4-seasons in 32c and I have to say they are some of the worst riding “dead” tires I’ve ever used; and I’ve tried a lot of tires. Those might just kill the ride of any bike IMO.

[RFC]

I've done my research, both pre and post BMC purchase. There are a number of bikes that fill this bill, but the BMC is hard to beat.

I've owned, rebuilt and ridden a number of steel bikes (@100), mostly classics. From the very beginning, my BMC Road reminded me very much of my Bridgestone RB-1. Like the old school stage race bikes with a slightly longer build and room for wider tires.

The same comfort and stability with no loss of punch and quickness. If I had to pick only one bike, the BMC would be a very strong contender.

Here's mine with 32mm Gators. There is plenty of room left. I know it won't take 38mm Panaracer Paselas (rear rubs the ST), but that's a big tire. I have a set of Ritchey 35mm cross tires that I am confident would fit. Oh, and the Gators corner like crazy?

https://live.staticflickr.com/7804/46435259804_49c2537d2e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2dKjQXE)IMG_4942r (https://flic.kr/p/2dKjQXE) by Robert Copple (https://www.flickr.com/photos/161536771@N04/), on Flickr

[Bostic]

Also; with regard to the above; I just recently tried a set of gp 4-seasons in 32c and I have to say they are some of the worst riding “dead” tires I’ve ever used; and I’ve tried a lot of tires. Those might just kill the ride of any bike IMO.

I took off the fenders last week (guaranteeing more rain..) and wanted to try 32's finally as the bike has had 28's since I got it last October. I'm still up in the air with them but they can always go on the tandem.

[AngryScientist]

I took off the fenders last week (guaranteeing more rain..) and wanted to try 32's finally as the bike has had 28's since I got it last October. I'm still up in the air with them but they can always go on the tandem.

They are tough tires, no doubt; but they significantly effect the ride for the negative in my experience. The 32c gravel king slick is SO much better of an option; just a thought before you make any judgements on that tire size.

[ryker]

Gunnar Sport
Milwaukee Road
All City Mr Pink
Ti Cycles Local Hero
Surly Pacer
Cielo Sportif
Soma ES
Kona Tonk

etc

Looking at geometry is one way of whittling down the list. I'm interested in this category and have a hard time getting excited by any of these bikes (too much stack, not enough reach). Any others? I'll add Rivendell Roadeo/Roadini and Boulder Bicycle Sport.

[mhespenheide]

Also; with regard to the above; I just recently tried a set of gp 4-seasons in 32c and I have to say they are some of the worst riding “dead” tires I’ve ever used; and I’ve tried a lot of tires. Those might just kill the ride of any bike IMO.

I'll echo Nick's comment here. I like the GP 4-season in 25 and 28, but the 32's were like another tire altogether. I seriously think Continental changed the sidewalls and thickened the tread. At least there are other good candidates in 32mm road tires at this point...

[philhan89]

Pull the trigger on that Black Mountain. Itll be my next steel roadie as well. I came from a Fairdale Goodship which is also a great bike for the money. Rockin some carbon race **** at the moment lol. But, it (the Fairdale) didnt offer fender/rack mounts, 28plus tires, and the look of a classic steel fork. Mike, the owner of Black Mountain, is a utilitarian guy. Having ridden with him and talking shop you start to get an idea of how that utilitarianism touches all aspects of his life. Road to gravel. Touring to fast (not racing) group rides. Sunrise to sunset mix terrain adventures or city breakfast sando and coffee spins. If any of this caught your fancy, then get the damn bike. I am positive you will be pleased.

[Clean39T]

Looking at geometry is one way of whittling down the list. I'm interested in this category and have a hard time getting excited by any of these bikes (too much stack, not enough reach). Any others? I'll add Rivendell Roadeo/Roadini and Boulder Bicycle Sport.Boulder Road Sport isn't made anymore, but I'm sure Waterford could make you a Waterford that rides the same...

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[SneakyFast1]

I recently put 700x32 Conti 4 Seasons on mine. A few pictures from today's ride.

Fremont Older Openspace Preserve, Cupertino CA
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/FicMZJ.jpg

Looking towards Silicon Valley
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/SizrDs.jpg

A joyous 24% grade
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/KcXecK.jpg

What road is 24%?

Douglas

[Bostic]

What road is 24%?

Douglas

San Juan off of Stevens Canyon Road before entering the Canyon area proper.

[mikemowbz]

There is so much to like about the Black Mountain road frame/fork.

Options like All-City already mentioned are probably the best comparison - if you did prefer a stock quality carbon fork, that could be a good tiebreaker, but either steel (the 'classic') or carbon still look to be options from AC. Soma ES does either, too. My preference would be a steel fork, and I like the BMC steel fork best. AC steel crown is inelegant, a relatively crude example of ornament for ornament's sake (though I feel like a bit of a curmudgeon in saying so).

The confident statement of clearance for 33.3 or undersized 35s on the BMC would be a factor for me as well.

Current BMC paint scheme is rad, if we're so vain as to consider that - though faux Motorola or 10th anniversary splatter schemes on Mr Pink do not disappoint, either. Soma lags in this department.

My wife and I both own Monstercross frames from Black Mountain, and are very happy with them. Well designed and well built. Versatile.

I was recently on the verge of pulling the trigger on a BMC road, but ended up getting caught up in the idea of trying something a bit different and arranged to purchase a second-hand fast randonneur frame designed to optimize handling with a decent-sized rando bag in front...

I think there's a good chance I still end up with one of these BMC in the orange scheme within the year.

Would love to hear the OPs thoughts on the bike if this ends up being the final selection.

[jtbadge]

But really, put TRP CX8.4 or Paul MiniMotos on your Crosshairs. The braking is as good as any mid reach sidepull.

[cardcatalog]

Gunnar Sport was mentioned earlier... would love to hear reactions to those, for those who have ridden them.

[SneakyFast1]

San Juan off of Stevens Canyon Road before entering the Canyon area proper.

Thanks. :banana: I’m going to check it out.

Douglas