There’s not much better than the feeling of a new bike, other than getting that new bike out on trails for the first time. In the case of Advocate Cycles though, that feeling should be accompanied by the additional satisfaction knowing you not only got a sweet ride, but that 100% of the profits are being funneled right back into cycling advocacy. Set up as a Specific Benefit Corporation (SBC), the special corporate arrangement in Minnesota means Advocate gets to make fun products, you get a rad bike, and the profits all go to cycling related non-profits of Advocate’s choosing.
To help Advocate Cycles get off the ground without need for investors since that would conflict with the business model, the upstart has turned to crowdsourcing for the first run. To keep things interesting, the announcement of their Indiegogo campaign just happens to coincide with the launch of their second model – the Watchman fat bike. If that wasn’t enough, Advocate Cycles is also rolling out new seamless, 3/2.5, double butted titanium versions of both the Hayduke 27.5+ and the Watchman fat bike…
Building on the momentum of the Advocate Hayduke, the Watchman fat bike looks like a fun entry into the fat bike market with a Reynolds 725 double butted chromoly frame. Using the same Portage swappable dropout design that was introduced on the Hayduke, the Watchman uses 177mm spacing with a thru axle but will be compatible with quick releases with different plates. The adjustable dropouts will allow for single speed usage, and the frame will still clear 26 x 4.5″ fat bike tires without resorting to the widest Q-factor cranks.
While the steel Watchman will be available in Grey (above) and teal, the fat bike along with the Hayduke will also be offered in a new titanium build. The aptly named Titan frames are still in development but will use seamless, 3/2.5 double-butted titanium and provide all of the same features.
Both bikes are available in 4 sizes with both steel and titanium frames and complete builds available through the company’s Indiegogo campaign. With pricing starting at $650 for the steel frames and $1,650 for the titanium frames, if you’re thinking the Advocate bikes might be a good addition to the stable this would be the time to jump on it. Almost halfway to their first goal in less than 24 hours, all frames and completes are expected to ship by the end of the year.
