The bicycle industry is getting to be a pretty crowded place. As more and more brands seem to emerge from the primordial ooze that is the intersection of passion and ideas, it’s getting harder to stand out.
A long time industry veteran, Tim Krueger knows his way around a bike. After working for years as the project manager for Salsa Cycles, when it was time for a new adventure Tim was looking for not only a way to pursue his passion for bicycles but also for bicycle advocacy. Hoping to continue giving back to the community with events like the Chequameggon 100 that he has run for years (with all of the profits going back into the trails), Tim learned of a new type of business arrangement that is recognized by the state of Minnesota where he calls home.
Instead of operating as a 501c3 non-profit, Advocate Cycles will run as a Special Benefit Corporation (SBC) which falls into one of three categories – sharing, giving, or helping. While designed to give all of the profits back to cycling advocacy, the SBC is not tax exempt which and is really only recognized by the state of Minnesota. The Advocate Cycles site has a break down on how all of the tax structure will work out, but the main story is that the company is organized to give back.
And make cool products – starting with the new Hayduke mountain bike. It’s 27+. It’s 29″. It’s Boost or standard 142. It’s all of the above…
Advocate cycles tells us that they have a number of bikes in the works, but their first ride is a rather unique hard tail. After Tim spent some time on the 27+ platform he really liked the way they rode and decided to build their first bike around the new wheel size. Using a heat treated Reynolds 725 chromoly steel frame, the bike is designed around a 120mm travel suspension fork (51mm offset) and is internal dropper post compatible.
If you’re interested in plus sized tires but already have a set of 29″ wheels, the Advocate Hayduke is one of the first bikes we know of that allows riders to use both 142×12 and 148×12 rear hubs. Using adjustable dropouts that are made for geared or single speed use, the plates are also available in different widths allowing the use of either hub standard. Since standard 29″ wheels are almost identical in size to many 27+ options, you could buy the bike in 27+ configuration and with a separate set of dropouts still run your old 29″ wheels. If you like options, this is looking like a pretty rad bike.
Aavailable in “Hayduke’s Jeep Blue” and pearl white, both frames include a clenched fist head tube which is meant as a symbol of empowerment. Specifically, the empowerment of cyclists through advocacy. Other details on the white frame include Ojibwe art from a local artist with a thunderbird and fish which represents ‘defense of land.’ Elsewhere you’ll find a BB92 press fit bottom bracket, ZS44/28.6 and EC44/40 compatible head tube for tapered or straight steerers, 31.6mm seat post, and clearance for a 27 x 3 or 29 x 2.4″ tire. As a little sneak peek, we’re told that silver chainring might be a new model from WTC that has the correct offset for Boost rear ends for a RaceFace Cinch crank.
Frames will be sold in 2 colors with the choice of one of four dropouts for $750. Additional dropouts will be available separately.
