Fort Collins, Colorado’s Black Sheep Bikes won the NAHBS Best Offroad category for this, a 29-er, built for a customer to ride this year’s Tour Divide race – 2745 miles self-supported race over the Western continental divide in August.
Almost as much time went on making the fully integrated TI racks as the frame, said the Black Sheep brothers, and the results certainly bear this out. Super-smooth welding, sweeping curves and a host of useful features for the owner, who – as you can see – plans to race single speed. He hopes to complete it in about 21 days – 2 or 3 days longer than the quickest geared riders.
The belt-drive is a relatively new, self-centering model, but, when asked, the Black Sheep brothers said they were looking forward to the feedback on how a belt drive withstood such a test!
More pictures of the racks and other features after the jump.
UPDATED 3/11 – Pricing added at bottom of post.
The bike is 20.5lbs complete. Telescoping chainstays for tension, and the frame splits at top of seatstays. This allows the bike to be taken apart for travel. Similar pricing as their other bikes: $3,250 frame, fork is $1,000 racks are $650.
