At Bicycle Roots, we’ve just received a shipment of steel cyclocross bikes from All-City Cycles. While the Minneapolis-based bicycle manufacturer has staked its claim to fame as a “party brand,” they’ve also put some serious effort into designing and building high-quality bikes for real-world riding conditions. All-City bikes are built for the kind of epic good times that can put flimsier models to shame. Put it another way: All-City may be a party brand, but they’ve done their homework, too.
All-City bicycles are great for exploring the urban jungle
Each All-City bicycle starts out as a double butted chromoly steel frame, built from premium tubing such as 612 Select, Reynolds 853, or Columbus Zona. The Reynolds and Columbus tube sets are particularly drool-worthy; this is really the good stuff. All-City frames feature handbuilt touches such as internal cable routing, custom dropouts, lugged crown forks, reinforced bottle bosses, and hidden fender mounts. In addition to these high-end details, each frame is pretreated with an E.D. (Electrophoretic Deposition) coating inside and out. The E.D. coating prevents rust and makes the frames more durable. The bikes also get beautiful paint jobs and perfectly spec’ed components. All in all, All-City bikes offer classic construction, great performance, and timeless style.
Twenty years from now, bike geeks will still be fawning over this frameset due to that little Reynolds sticker
For our Fall Assortment, we’re stocking our favorite All-City ‘cross bikes: The Nature Boy, Nature Boy Disc, Macho Man Disc, and Macho King. The Nature Boy and Nature Boy Disc are stripped down single speed models, while the Macho Man Disc and Macho King feature 10- and 11-Speed drivetrains, respectively. Each model is race ready, designed around All-City’s proven cyclocross geometry, but the Macho King is the most well-appointed model of the lot. It features a frame made from Reynolds 853 tubing, a Whiskey 7 full carbon fork, and a high-end build featuring SRAM Rival and Zipp components.
All-City Brand Manager Jeff Frane racing his Macho King prototype at Bandit Cross
Cyclocross is exploding in popularity as a sport, and we couldn’t be more psyched about it. This time of year, our mechanics are busy gluing tubular tires and doing other repairs on hardworking race bikes. That is, when they are not busy racing themselves. Bicycle Roots co-owner Joe Lawler and staff member Joe O’Brien-Applegate race cyclocross most weekends. We also sponsor two local race teams, Arc Racing and The Fifth Floor. Check out this video of Joe Lawler clearing the barriers at the KMC Cyclocross Festival in Providence a couple of weeks ago. (Thanks to Alie Giaime for taking this video!)
That said, one thing we love about cyclocross bicycles is that they are so good at doing dual duty as winter commuters. When you ride a ‘cross bike around the city you get speed, maneuverability, wide tires, and powerful braking. If your winter plans include biking over slippery New York City streets, you’ll be happy to have an All-City ‘cross bike between your legs.
When you commute on a cyclocross bike, a little snow won’t get in the way of your ride to work
So whether you are looking for a podium-worthy race bike or a reliable commuter, Bicycle Roots has got you covered. Browse All-City bicycles in our online store, or stop by the shop to take a test ride. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to explain the differences between all the different models we have in stock, and help you find the one that is best for you.
Bicycle Roots is your #1 source for all things cyclocross in Brooklyn. We stock cyclocross bikes by Giant and All-City, and we also sell custom cyclocross bikes by Gunnar and Waterford. We stock hard-to-find parts for all kinds of repairs, and yes, we glue tubulars! Best of all, our professional staff can provide expert advice to racers, commuters, and beginners alike. Stop by our store at 609 Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, or shop online at www.bicycleroots.com. And party on!
