Chattanooga, Tennessee’s own Obed Bikes has launched a bike that they claim defies categorization. The new Obed TTR is the brand’s “most capable, do-it-all off-road machine”. We’ve seen bikes like this one a lot lately, but let’s take a closer look at what it’s all about.
The Obed TTR is a drop-bar bike designed for riders who want to push beyond the limits of typical gravel riding. Where most bikes in the category seem to fit nicely into the race or adventure gravel categories, the TTR was designed for rougher, more technical terrain.
The TTR bridges two worlds: the drop bars give you the familiar riding position and handling that gravel riders are used to. The added suspension and ample tire clearance open up the rider to more trail options.
Let’s take a look.
A Cross Country Soul
The TTR uses a frame design that’s been borrowed from the XC mountain biking world. And that shows up in some practical ways. For instance, the Detour Seatstay system. This system disconnects the seat stays from the seat tube.
This means the rear end of the bike can flex vertically to absorb rough terrain. That translates to more comfort without sacrificing stiffness for high-torque situations.
This isn’t just another drop-bar bike that borrows MTB DNA to hodgepodge it together. The TTR’s geometry is actually dialed in specifically for drop bars, and the reach and handling reflect that. So you’re not fighting an awkward position that was clearly designed for a different kind of riding. The TTR will feel right at home on a gravel road and rocky singletrack.
Like many new bikes lately, the TTR also includes a Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH). This keeps it compatible with current Full Mount drivetrain setups.
This will be great if you plan on upgrading components down the road (or just want to find readily available derailleur hangers). It features great tire clearance of up to 2.4″. This means you can run proper mountain bike tires if that’s your jam. Plus, that tire size gives riders more tire options, as well as more traction, cushioning, and confidence on loose or technical surfaces.
Frankenbike: The Best of Both Worlds?
If you’ve ever thought about slapping drop bars onto a mountain bike frame, you’re not alone. I’m pretty sure we’ve all done it at one point. But, that being said, doing it right does take some tinkering. But with the TTR, Obed takes that DIY spirit and turns it into a refined, ready-to-ride package.
Obed made sure that the TTR was built around a deliberate mix of gravel and cross-country components. And they let you choose your drivetrain flavor. The Shimano build pairs an XT Di2 rear derailleur and cassette with GRX shifters. This offers electronic precision alongside a wide gear range.
But if you spend most of your time in the SRAM Camp, then you’ll love the mullet setup. Combining a GX Eagle T-Type derailleur with Force shifters gives you mountain bike range with drop-bar control.
Customizable & Adaptible
Obed made sure the TTR was designed to handle whatever you wanted to throw at it. Everything from a multi-week, loaded bikepacking adventure to a quick lunchtime spin on some of your favorite local trails. With the TTR, you don’t need to commit to one type of riding.
To back up that kind of versatility, the TTR comes equipped with the options for both a 100mm suspension fork and dropper posts. Together, these features make longer trips more comfortable and technical sections more manageable.
If you’re a cyclist who likes to customize your setup, then you will enjoy the external cockpit cable routing. Because the cables run on the outside of the frame, swapping handlebars or making adjustments is straightforward.
Obed Base Build & Retail
The retail cost for the base build is $4,449, which features Industry Nine 1/1 Sector Alloy wheels, a SRAM Apex Eagle mechanical drivetrain, and RockShox SID SL Select.
The new TTR is painted, built to order, and shipped worldwide, ready to ride from its factory in Chattanooga. You can make your build truly your own, choosing from a massive selection of paint, logo designs, and build options through our online bike builder at the link below.
