Cockpit, saddle, and suspension As someone who has little interest in owning a dedicated road bike, its as fast as I need it to be with a change of tyres or wheelset. Everything is accounted for braze on-wise: three on each blade of the fork, six within the frame (allowing for lots of water bottle placement options if youre running a partial framebag), and two below it, plus provision for mudguards, ideal for winter commuting. Was $1,089.95

Being direct mount, its easily done, without the need for a change in chain length. We believe travel by bicycle has the power to encourage conservation, inclusivity, and respect for all people and cultures. Its like a cyclocross bike on steroids! If for any reason you're not satisfied with your item(s), just let us know and well make it right or take it back. Thanks in advance for spreading the word!

The EXT is based around a Sram Rival groupset speccing an 11-speed 11-42T cassette, long cage clutch rear mech, and mechanical shifters. Bikes with suspension components have Not that I minded the limitations of a 1x drivetrain. has. The Hook EXT cant match the price of some of its competitors, but think its sense of individuality, the notable quality of its Colombus tubing, its high-end, all-carbon fork, and its collection of sensible, hardwearing components help justify its cost. In terms of riding position, I flipped the stem upwards and later replaced it with a shorter one that offered even more rise and less reach; the hoses and cables are all cut long enough. Bikes in this range are well-loved and have moderate wear. Ive touched on some of the geometry, but Ill give it another run-through; there is also a full chart on Bombtracks website. So, Ill say this: I think the Hook EXT strikes right balance for this kind of bike. While Perhaps my preference comes from the way the frame resonates; carbon has a hollow sound that Ive never really liked. from normal usage and there will be slight scratches and scuffs on Of interest to many, no doubt, is that theres an aftermarket fork for 330/$499, which has a 398mm axle to crown length, with 48mm of offset. Aluminum, Loading the Bombtrack up with frame, bar and saddlebag - adding another seven or eight kilos - it doesnt really change that much. Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. have been previously damaged, but have been professionally scuffs from transportation or showroom display. I tend to ride my tyres firmer than most, so my wheels take quite a kicking, and even after countless rides in the wet weather through mud, chalk, gravel and sand, everything was still running smoothly and without any graunching noises. Chainring: CNC machined aluminium, narrow-wide, 40 T For a bike with this sort of capabilities, you are going to need a strong set of wheels, and I had no issues with the build found here. Im used to flat bar mountain bikes for bikepacking, which tend to be more upright. Carry or push it up a hill, and the heft is there, but under pedal power, it feels like a good couple of kilos lighter. Even so, whilst the EXT-C was light and undeniably smooth, the EXT offered more positive feedback to me. We love to talk all things bikes, and we are here to serve you! If the bike has Shifter: SRAM RIVAL 1 double tap 1 x 11 Whether you agree with me will likely depend on where you ride and how much time you actually spend bikepacking. With the chunky rubber allowing me to let the EXT go without worrying too much about my line through the potholes, I could focus on the handling and the poise created by the Hooks geometry. I thoroughly enjoyed riding it unladen, which is probably the way it will spend much of its life. By this, I mean I felt more connected to the terrain and its textures. Backed by Srams 1 x 11 Rival groupset, this provides both the gearing range and braking power needed for extreme riding. Crankset: BOMBTRACK LYER forged aluminium crank, direct mount interface(SRAM compatible), 30 mm spindle However, I must admit that SRAMs Rival hydraulic brakes are impressive.

Talking of comparisons within the Bombtrack range, I spent half a day on the more costly Hook EXT-C (3000/3050/$3300), the EXTs carbon sibling. stanchions are immaculate. It manages to offer an impressively fun and nimble approach to the tracks and trails regardless of whether you are riding it loaded up for an adventure or smashing it around stripped back. The Bikepacking Journal is our biannual printed publication. Original stickers, parts, and accessories The drivetrain will have wear condition chart, look closely at the bikes detail images, which Start at our worldwide routes map to dig into our detailed guides with GPS maps and inspiring photography. Even with those big tyres squishing around beneath you, there is no denying that the Hook has a great ride quality from the steel frame and carbon fork. "Putting more air between you and the trial, the Hook EXT is the choice when youre unsure of the terrain, or know you want to cut loose.". Overall, regardless of how you are riding, the Hook EXT is a very pleasant place to be. shows light wear but the derailleurs, shifters, and levers have

Ive changed out the saddle and tyres, and will probably swap the bars for a model with a bit more flare. Rear derailleur: SRAM RIVAL 1, clutch, long cage Shop now and pay later with Klarna Monthly Financing. Speaking personally, Id have liked the headtube to have been 10mm longer or more, to make up for the shortfall. The drivetrain has moderate to heavy wear. To be honest, Id have happily dropped it down to a 36T or smaller if there had been one available. With a decent amount of shoulder tread, I found them to give confidence in the bends, and the central tread gives enough bite on all but the sloppiest of trails. It is a very capable gravel bike that is more versatile and rugged than some in the marketplace. For example, this includes bikes with major dents, carbon Its not possible to compare like for like, as the EXT-C comes specced with a higher end wheelset and different tyres, aside from its subtly tweaked geometry, and a slight difference in sizing. I wrote up my first impressions of the Hook EXT, and because I liked it so much, I asked if I could take it home with me, keep riding it, and post a more thorough review. highlight any wear or damage. This quibble aside, the Hook EXT is the consummate, modern all-rounder for those who enjoy the thrill of fast riding. Although Im generally a fan of WTBs Rangers I find them both comfortable and very predictable in the way they handle the Light version is somewhat on the skimpy side for bikepacking. With decent tyre clearances and a robust frame the Hook ETC is highly versatile, and surprisingly nimble which means it is just as much fun to ride on the local singletrack as it is when laden for an adventure. lowers (where applicable) will also have cosmetic scuffs and Levers: SRAM RIVAL 1 double tap hydraulic suspension, those components will have scratches and scuffs. Contact our Ride Guides if you have any questions about the fit of your new bike. Along with the You really shouldnt be able to flick an 11kg dropped bar bike around like you can with the Hook EXT; its an absolute laugh. steel, and titanium frames may have minor dents. 4.8 Satisfaction Rating from Shopper Approved. If you dont see what youre looking for, let us know and well work overtime to find it and let you know when we have it. I previously owned another steel all-round/gravel bike that was generally great, but hit some issues when I wanted to add bigger volume tyres (lack of chainstay clearance and the long reach front mech fouling the tyre), add an easier climbing gear (it needed a road-link to drop the rear derailleur, and a new long cage mech), or fit mudguards for winter commuting (again, the long reach front mech got in the way). They dont feel sluggish on any terrain, and I had no issues with punctures or cuts to them even when we entered the hedge-cutting season. repaired and are structurally sound. The strategic application of helicopter tape on carbon will help, and Id even recommend it on powder-coated steel, if you dont want it to scuff or discolour your frame. Frame: COLUMBUS CROMOR double butted tubing, TA,rack / fender mounts, internal light cable routing, rear light mount, 86.5 mm T47 BB shell

There are also bottle cage mounts underneath the down tube. Wheels will also have minor cosmetic We dont sell anything that scores below a 7. It feels completely fine cruising around town and much more capable, and comfortable (despite the more aggressive riding position), nipping off into rooty, twisty singletrack. Using a Columbus steel frame, dedicated carbon fork, and lively 27.5-inch wheels, the EXT can batter through territory out-of-bounds to other drop handlebar bikes. Our sister site for e-bikes ebiketips.co.uk, A very capable and exciting gravel bike to ride which is suprisingly nimble considering its weight, You want a load lugger that has the capabilities of a gravel racer. scratches, and/or scuffs. On that first descent, though, when the tarmac gave way to the wide gravel military tracks of Salisbury Plain, I had a massive smile on my face. We're able to offer this because every bike must meet our rigorous and meticulous 72-Point Inspection before being sold and shipped, and all wheels and gear must meet specific certification standards as well prior to shipping. I was also impressed with the KonaRove LTDwhen I reviewed it for road.cc not so long ago. Fork offset is 48mm, while the BB drop is 70mm. The frame and wheels might have minor blemishes or Bombtrack say, "The Hooks hoodlum tendencies given free rein.

This is down to personal preference in part. In any case, bear in mind the steerer comes pre-cut with 25mm in spacer length to ensure the integrity of the carbon fork, so you cant stack up a carbon fork with spacers like you can a steel one. 866.401.9636 - rideguides@theproscloset.com. And if youre a drop handlebar enthusiast with the right skills on tap, it will likely be the difference in gearing that youll want to consider. Front hub: BOMBTRACK TAU sealed disc hub, 6-bolt disc As for the way the Hook EXT rides, I found it absolutely spot on for its intended uses.

In my opinion, flat bars typically offer a much more confident braking position when riding off road. Through axle: 12 x 100 mm / 12 x 142 mm Bombtrack supply the majority of the finishing components with their Roam alloy stem and YEW seatpost. Drivetrain,

Bombtrack Hook Disc X-Large Frameset - 2021, "Showroom model: Frame may have blemishes or marks from display, otherwise new.\n- Includes: Fork, thru axles, cable guides, and headset. 2022 Cambria Bike. Fixing all of these issues felt like a bit of a bodge and still wouldnt allow for much of an increase in tyre volume.

WE ARE EXPERTS More here. I found the gearing to offer a decent spread for the type of riding I do, which tends to be flowing trails with long draggy hills rather than those that tend to be short and sharp. off-road.cc Editorial and general enquiries: info@off-road.cc Free Shipping on all orders over $50 (US only)* Yep we ship globally every day too! It had a great steel frame, large tyre clearances and plenty of mounting points, just like the Hook EXT for its 2,399 asking price. I know there are similarly priced bikes with a better spec, but still, everything behaved just Id hope and expect. When it comes to loading up that luggage, youll be pleased with the number of mounts the Hook EXT comes with. A shift away from the Rival though is Bombtracks own Lyer forged aluminium crankset, which uses a direct-mount interface for the 40T chainring.

Tyre wise WTB have also been chosen, their Ranger TCS model, which I found to be more capable than most other gravel tyres in typical UK conditions. Its an extremely well-finished ensemble in both overall quality and attention to detail. Ive been embarking regularly on two-wheeled explorations for the last twenty years. Please let us know your impressions below! Note I didnt get a chance to try it with larger hoops, but itll handle 700 x 40mm tyes too, which means it should be perfect running a nice and supple all-road 35mm tyre, if thats the way you like to roll. On top of that, there are mounts for rack/mudguards and mounts for a top tube bag. I know, I know. For 2020, the full carbon fork features internal routing for a dynamo, along with provision for mudguards and a full suite of eyelets for cargo cages; each is rated for 1.5kg, adding up to 4.5kg per side. So, as part of my #flightfreesummer, I bikepacked over to Belgium to tackle the Ardennes Arbalete, meandered through Holland on the Maasroute, and then caught the ferry over to the UK. The fork also has triple cage mounts on each leg and there is internal routing for a dynamo cable that tallies up with the frame, exiting near the new light mounting point above the seatstay bridge.

By signing up, you agree to My Bike Shop's Privacy Policy T&Cs, 8:00AM to 5:00PM EST Monday to Friday but on chat pretty much anytime :), 2021 MyBikeShop.com - an Intellimar company. A well made frame with smooth, neat welds and a robust paint finish. We take our commitment to you seriously and dont believe you should wait when you place an order with us. Reviews, buying advice and news.

from the manufacturer. Handlebars, It does come with a Shimano GRX 810 groupset, which Id say offers better performance than Srams Rival. Headset: Sealed external aheadset, 1.1/2'' - 1.1/8'' Still, the model that comes specced Bombtracks own CX-10 drop bar (with a 10 flare) is a perfectly good starting point, wrapped as it is in a padded bar tape thats very comfortable for long mixed terrain days. This is not the case with hydraulics at all.

The Hook EXT is available in five sizes, with our medium sitting in the middle of that line-up. This isnt a bike that feels sluggish in any way, whether lightly loaded or stripped bare. Built by Cloud Mobilizd Ltd. Columbus Cromor double butted frame with 86.5 mm wide T47 bottom bracket to increase tire clearance.

the frame and wheels will have cosmetic scuffs, scratches, and/or They saw plenty of abuse over the lengthy test period, not only from the terrain but also the weather. All material Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA1 1JB.

Load it up with a relatively light bikepacking payload and the Hooks engaging handling remains evident. COLUMBUS CROMOR double butted tubing, TA,rack / fender mounts, internal light cable routing, rear light mount, 86.5 mm T47 BB shell, Full carbon, TA, 1.1/2'' - 1.1/8'', fender / triple cage mounts, internal hub dynamo cable routing, Sealed external aheadset, 1.1/2'' - 1.1/8'' (No spacers included), BOMBTRACK ORIGIN forged aluminium seat clamp, 29.8 mm, tba (size M, including TA, bolts, seatclamp, hanger), 2022 Bombtrack Hook EXT Frameset - Matte Black/Grey, Bombtrack Hook EXT-C Mechanical Hanger Black, 2022 Bombtrack Hook EXT-C Frameset - Green, 2022 Bombtrack Hook EXT Frameset - Metallic Grey/Blue, 2022 Bombtrack Hook EXT-C Frameset - Black, 2021 Cinelli King Zydeco Frameset - Deep Waters, 2021 Bombtrack Outlaw 650B - Small - No Rack. If you want to see what it looked like when I first rode it, Ive included a few clean pictures below. I love to see a bike thats completely ready for bikepacking or light touring just as it is, and the Hook EXT is exactly that. The Hooks hoodlum tendencies given free rein. minor scuffs and scratches no paint chipping. Front tire: WTB RANGER TCS LIGHT / FAST ROLLING 27.5'' x 2.0'', tubeless ready stanchions may have small scratches. Theres ample room for muddy 650B x 2.1s, which is as much as I think a lightweight, drop handlebar bike needs to fit, before the kind of terrain that warrants wider rubber suggests flat bars would make a more sensible option. Yes, its easy-to-operate 1x drivetrain translates into a more restricted gear range for long pavement outings, as well as less choice of pedalling cadence compared to a bike specced with a double. Size XS and S will come with 650B adjusted geometry to ensure proper fit without any compromises in geometry. Some tubes, like the seat tube, top tube, and seatstays show a classical look, while the tapered head tube and oversized down tube giving a modern, chunkier look.

Grips: BOMBTRACK ESCAPE bar tape So, money-wise the Hook isnt exactly screaming bargain, but neither is it taking the mickey when you compare it to the competitors. Most recently, I crossed the Republic of Georgia on dirt roads, tackled the Colorado Trail, traversed Bolivias Cordillera Real, rode the Lakeland 200 in the UK, and followed the Trans Alps in Europe. I found one a little discounted at the end of the season sale and impulsively bought it. Im a fan of the matching graphics, which lend the Hook EXT a semi-custom kind of look. Its certainly a lot lighter than a fully rigid mtb and a pleasure to ride fast, with a minimal load. 1-10. Our experts inspect each bike and rate its components on a scale of TA, hanger), Maximum rider weight 120 kg incl. Like the frame, the fork is thru-axle specific and designed for flat-mount brakes, making this bike bang up to date. The frame will have slight paint loss, Shod with its 650B x 2 tyres, it feels extremely capable when pavement turns to dirt and trail, especially for the rider to whom drop bars are second nature. Like all my favourite bikes, it encouraged me to get out when my enthusiasm might otherwise be waining.

You cant please everyone, and I appreciate that a 40T ring works well for fast, relatively flat gravel rides. As for wheels, the rear WTB ST i23 was out of true before I rode it; this particular Hook EXT was a demo bike at the Groundwork weekend, so who knows what happened. Angle wise, were talking 72 at the head with 74 at the seat tube. There are eyelets for a direct mount top tube bag, too. Stack and reach are 589mm and 387mm, respectively. Rear hub: BOMBTRACK TAU sealed disc hub, 11-speed, 6-bolt disc

Bombtrack have chosen to make the frame using Columbus Cromor double-butted steel tubing. You'll find a dropper post port on the lower part of the down tube too. Prior to trying them, Ive always felt the need to slip into the drops during steep, off-road descents, particularly with mechanical disc brakes or rim brakes. While these bikes have been ridden, they remain in excellent Headset Standard (S.H.I.S.) All in all, I gave it a respectable amount of use. We have over 300 original and curated bikepacking routes in our global network spanning nearly 50 countries. Handlebar: BOMBTRACK CX-10 drop bar, 31.8 mm, 10 flare Inseam (PBH): 91.4cm. Our Ride Guide team is based in the U.S. and staffed with former bike mechanics, bike shop managers, and other certified bike nerds. The medium has a 530mm seat tube, 556mm effective top tube and 150mm head tube. scratches. But other than that it feels pretty spot on and more than capable on anything I ride. Its OK to change your mind!