This happens when you combine an XC race bike with a suspension-corrected gravel bike? You get the Sage Droptimator, a drop bar mountain bike that’s equal parts fast and fun.
According to Sage Titanium founder Dave Rosen, it’s a “purpose-built singletrack shredder that’s wicked fast on the roads, too.”
OK, but why?
“When Keegan and Dylan grabbed headlines at Leadville last year with their modified mountain bikes,” says Rosen, “I wondered what a drop-bar mountain bike would look like if it were actually designed with that cockpit and short travel fork in mind.”
After playing with a few designs, including a “monster gravel” bike concept (which he documented here and here) that is a bit ahead of the industry in terms of suspension fork specs, Rosen decided to go bigger on both travel and tire size.
The Droptimator is built around his Optimator XC mountain bike and Storm King gravel bike. The frame is made in the USA using their 3/2.5 titanium tubing with 3D-printed titanium dropouts and chainstay yoke. Like the Optimator, it’ll clear 29×2.4 XC tires.
It has a 69º head angle, splitting the difference between the Optimator’s slack 67.5º HA and Storm King gravel bike’s 70.5º HA.
The headtube and top tube are shortened, and it’s paired with a negative-rise stem over a 100mm XC fork.
Combined, it puts the rider in a faster, more aero “gravel” riding position, but with 29×2.4″ tires and shreddy handling to tackle the singletrack.
“I have my own Droptimator built up and it’s so much fun,” he adds. “I knew I had to offer this as a special edition.”
Droptimator Pricing & Availability
The Droptimator will be made to order, with custom geometry included in the purchase price. Rosen says this is important, especially for smaller riders where there are a more fitment and clearance challenges around MTB fork crowns.
Pricing is TBA and should be finalized soon. It’ll be sold only as a frameset with frame, fork, and headset. Customers will have a choice of various Rockshox and Fox suspension forks.
Select drivetrain, cockpit, and wheel options are also available for customers wanting a complete bike, as are custom anodizing and Cerakote finishes.
For now, the Droptimator is a special order only, it’s not yet listed on their website. If you want one, reach out, and check it out in person if you’re at the Sea Otter Classic this week.
