When your brand produces a wide range of commuter bicycles, it makes sense to partner up with Gates. Their clean, low maintenance belt drive systems are ideal for utilitarian city bikes, so Denver-area manufacturer Spot has sensibly outfitted the majority of their lineup with belt drive systems.
Alongside their commuters Spot also produces mountain and CX bikes, and a small line of components (and there’s a very unique full suspension bike coming). The brand has released two new models of commuters called The Five Points and The Champa and revamped The Wazee. Below the break we’ll also check out their Rallye SS cyclocross bike in some new eye-popping colors with flashy red drive belts…
The Five Points commuter bike, named after a revitalized neighborhood in Denver, is available in either a traditional double-diamond men’s style frame, or an ‘open frame’ model with a lowered top tube. The bike features relaxed geometry to keep you sitting upright with your head up for monitoring traffic around you. The frame is built from 7005 aluminum tubing, and is mated to a chromoly fork. Spot’s new Wagyu dropouts accommodate either chain or belt drive systems, and allow for easy wheel removal with no need to re-tension the belt.
The Five Points comes with a SRAM i-3 three-speed internal rear hub, Avid DB1 hydraulic disc brakes and a Gates Centertrack carbon belt drive system. It also has ideal commuter compatibility with mounts for two water bottles plus full fenders and carrier racks. The Five Points is available in men’s sizes small to XL or one ‘open frame’ size. Fallout Grey is the only color choice.
Following the Denver theme, The Champa was named after one of the city’s prominent streets. This bike features a streamlined road-style steel frame, and does not come in an ‘open’ model, only the double-diamond shape seen above. The geometry is relaxed for comfortable urban riding, and Spot’s chromoly fork is fitted up front.
As for components, The Champa comes equipped with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal hub, Gates Centertrack carbon belt drive, Avid DB1 disc brakes, and Alex aero-profile rims with 700x35c tires. City-friendly features include a generously swept back handlebar and mounts for two water bottles, fenders and racks. Spot likens this bike to a classic grey suit- It’s stylish but not flashy, reliable and good for any occasion! The Champa comes in a graphite finish with 50, 52, 55, 57 and 60cm sizes available.
The Wazee is built upon the same steel frame as the Champa, and is also fitted to Spot’s chromoly fork. The Wazee model comes with Gates’ Centertrack carbon belt drive paired to a Shimano Alfine 11-speed hub providing a huge gear range of 409%. Shared components with the Champa include the Avid DB1 disc brakes, 700x35c tires, and aero rims. It also offers the same water bottle, fender and rack mounting options as the above models.
The Wazee’s glossy black frame is decorated with a color splash inspired by Porsche’s Grand Prix race cars from the 1970’s, and the bike features a red colored drive belt to match. Size options are the same as the Champa.
Spot also has some new colors for their Rallye SS single speed CX bike. Spot says the Rallye rides like a two-wheeled rally car, excelling on all surfaces with precise steering and engineered vertical compliance. The Rallye’s frame is aluminum, and is matched up with Spot’s carbon CX fork. The SS model’s Wagyu dropouts are cross-compatible for single speed or geared drivetrains.
Other noteworthy components include Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes, a Stan’s NoTubes Grail Team wheelset, FSA Gossamer cranks, Clement PDX 700x33c tires, and red colored drive belts. The Rallye is available in its new colors as a complete bike or frameset. Blue frames are available in sizes 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60cms, and orange frames are sold in 50, 52, 54, and 56cm sizes.
Check out their website for complete build specs, sizing and geometry.
