When we asked Retrotec builder Curtis Inglis what he was bringing to this year’s show in our Road to NAHBS interview, he said coffee mugs. And he hinted at some 40th anniversary goodies from Chris King and “special parts” on another bike. Well, from what we can tell, those Olive Crate hubs and headset made it onto this bike, which also had an as-yet-unseen Plus fork from X-Fusion…
We haven’t heard back from anyone at X-Fusion yet, but some of the details are apparent. Based on the tires and it’s stance, it’s a 27.5+ fork, which means it probably doubles as a 29er Boost fork with reasonably sized tires.
The crown is smooth, but we could see the steerer pressed into it, so it’s likely not their more expensive hollow formed, one-piece Uni-Crown steerer/crown part. They look small in comparison to the tires, but it seems likely they’d stick with their 34mm stanchions since the bigger tread has so much more grip.
The dual knobs up top mean high and low speed compression adjustments…
…and a single rebound knob underneath controls low speed rebound. Our guess it the internals are their new HLR Roughcut sealed system they introduced this time last year. We’re hoping to get the scoop on this fork at Taipei show this week.
Tire clearance on both ends of the bike is good with WTB’s 27.5 x 3.0 Bridger. So, you now have the option of getting Retrotec’s beach cruiser aesthetic with the latest axle standard.
He had a few examples, showing off Boost spacing with both Fox and Rockshox forks, too.
The twin top tube design works for road/cross/gravel bikes, too. That’s the builder back there toasting his beer with a handlebar mustache and plaid pants. Gotta love Curtis!
It’s not flat mount, but his custom brake tabs are minimal and good looking.
If you prefer the traditional double triangle design with straighter lines, he also builds under the Inglis name. This S&S coupled travel gravel bike was a fine example, putting thru axles front and rear.
And true to his word…
