Why is a good question when it comes to a new bike brand. There are already so many companies trying to make a go at producing bikes and it seems like there is a new one launched every day. But for Adam Miller and Ben Craner of Why Cycles, the answer is simple – they are building the bikes they want to ride based on their industry and riding/racing experience. If you’re into fat biking, the name Adam Miller might sound familiar as he was the founder of Borealis Bikes. After selling the company, Adam moved to Ogden, UT, where he met up with local Enduro/DH shredder Ben Craner and the two started making plans for a new company, Why Cycles. While acknowledging the statement might sound cliche, Adam mentioned that they really wanted to build bikes that were all about having fun. The bikes needed to be fast, but more importantly they need to be comfortable, durable, and versatile, so you can get out there and forget about Strava or racing. Adam went on saying that they weren’t trying to create something to maximize units, but to truly offer exactly what they wanted out of a bike, then chuckled and said he hopes that resonates with consumers so they can stay in business.
The new brand may be starting with three interesting titanium creations, but we’re assured there is plenty more in the pipeline. Their first three bikes are all in completely different categories, but as Adam puts it, at Why they ride just about everything. Which is why you’ll find quite the variety of Why Cycles…
Starting with the “road bike,” the R+ isn’t your typical skinny tire or even fat tire gravel bike. Using what they call the highest quality Grade 9 3/2.5 titanium tubing, the R+ frame has clearance for 700×42 or 27.5×2.1” tires, but is optimized for use with 700x40mm tires. Featuring 142×12 rear hooded thru axle dropouts, the frame is optimized for 1x drivetrains though it is 2x compatible with 50/34t clearance and the ability to run a clamp-on front derailleur. There is no routing for the front derailleur cable, so it will have to be run externally, but it can be done.
Like all of their bikes, the R+ uses a threaded bottom bracket and even offers internal dropper post routing for a 31.6mm post. Adam points out that even on a gravel bike, dropper posts can make a huge difference and wanted to add that option for consumers. The Why Cycles are made overseas but hand built at one of the premier titanium facilities that supplies a lot of other name brands. Because of that, custom frames are not an option, but Why Cycles will be offering custom build kits as each bike is assembled in Ogden, UT.
On the R+, complete builds will have the option of an ENVE or Lauf gravel fork, and frames will run $2,050, while complete builds start at $3,999.
Moving on to the S7, or Supple Seven, the plus size ripper is designed to be a slacked out, flickable plus size hard tail, but with features that will make it great for bike packing as well. The sliding dropouts with Boost 148 spacing allow for 14mm longer chain stays which lengthens the wheel base for better loaded riding, and the seatstay is split to allow for a potential belt drive. Sized to fit a 2.9″ tire max, the bike will ship with 2.8″ tires and a 130mm Boost spacing fork. The namesake suppleness is achieved through various tubing shaping and butting, again using Grade 9 3/2.5 titanium tubing.
Frame details include a 73mm threaded BB, 1x only, internal cable and dropper routing, and rack and fender mounts and like the R+, three bottle cage mounts with the downtube mount featuring three bolts for compatibility with a number of accessories.
Frames will start at $2,250, while complete bikes will start out at $3,999 with a SRAM GX1 drivetrain.
Finally, there is the Why TF, or WTF. Why WTF? Because it’s an absolutely ridiculous titanium, belt drive, 27.5″ dirt jumper. And it’s awesome. Originally something they just wanted to build for themselves, Adam says they were surprised when they launched the site this morning and sold more TFs in a single day than they forecasted for the entire year.
TF details include Boost 148mm rear spacing with a belt drive compatible adjustable dropout system, 73mm threaded BB, and 27.5 wheels built around a 120mm fork. Pricing starts at $1,850 for the frame and $3,499 complete chain drive single speed.
One of the best features or added bonuses is the shipping container. Instead of using cardboard boxes that are just going to end up in a landfill, Why Cycles is shipping all complete bikes in a custom EVOC bike bag! How’s that for value added?
All Why Cycles include a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects, and a lifetime crash replacement program. Everything above is available for preorder with frames and framesets shipping in 3-4 weeks and completes shipping by the end of September.
Head over to Whycycles.com for complete build kits, geometry, ordering, and more.
