There’s a motion going down proper now on this planet of touring bicycles. Throngs of people are altering from their conventional 700c and 26 inch bicycles to the brand new 650b wheel/tire dimension – a wheel/tire dimension that’s mentioned to journey like a 700c highway wheel, however is able to dealing with the off-road terrain that has, up till this level, been finest suited to a motorcycle with 26 inch wheels and tires.
My Expertise With Co-Movement Cycles
I wished to see what all of the fuss was about with this new 650b wheel/tire dimension, so I received myself a model new Co-Movement Cycles Siskiyou touring bicycle and have been using it around the globe for the final 12 months now. Within the final 12 months I’ve cycled throughout Sweden, Finland, Norway and a number of other totally different US States on my Co-Movement Siskiyou and I’ll be taking my this bike again to Europe with me this summer time as I cycle throughout Portugal, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland as effectively.
I’ve now received sufficient expertise with the Co-Movement Siskiyou and its 650b wheels and tires that I feel it’s time I sat down and wrote out my ideas on this wonderful 650b touring bicycle, which I had fitted with S&S couplers and a Pinion gearbox and Gates Carbon Drive System.
These which have been following me for the final a number of years know that earlier than I received this new Co-Movement Siskiyou touring bicycle with the 650b wheels and tires, I used to be using a Co-Movement Pangea touring bicycle, which was fitted with normal 26 inch wheels and tires. I liked my Pangea a lot, that when it got here time to search for a brand new touring bicycle, I opted for one more Co-Movement bicycle.
Reality be advised, I didn’t really want a brand new bicycle. The Co-Movement Pangea is a tremendous bicycle and I find it irresistible. Anybody who has ever learn my detailed evaluation of that Co-Movement Pangea is aware of that I’m a hard-core fan. The one cause I received this new Co-Movement Siskiyou touring bicycle is as a result of I wished to see if 650b wheels and tires had been all they had been made out to be. There’s an enormous pattern going down proper now towards 650b wheels and tires… and I wished to see if there was something to be mentioned about this sudden swing towards this irregular wheel/tire dimension.
I’ll speak in regards to the 650b wheels and tires in only a second, however first, let’s check out the body and fork on the Co-Movement Siskiyou touring bicycle.
The Body & Fork
The body and fork on the Siskiyou is product of tremendous powerful, giant diameter 725 Reynolds metal. The bicycle’s metal body makes for a powerful car able to carrying heavy hundreds, but is versatile sufficient to offer you a snug journey – one thing that’s tremendous necessary if you spend hours and hours within the saddle every day, using for days, weeks or months on finish.
On the rear finish of the body, lengthy touring-specific chainstays mean you can mount rear panniers of virtually any dimension to the rear rack of the bicycle with out you having to fret in regards to the heel of your foot interfering with the entrance portion of the panniers when you journey (a standard drawback on many touring bicycles, however not the Siskiyou).
The Siskiyou’s body is accessible in eight ready-to-order sizes (46cm, 50cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, 60 cm and 62cm).
One of many issues that makes ordering a Co-Movement bicycle totally different than buying a inventory bike made abroad is that the corporate goes above and past to be sure you get the appropriately sized bicycle on your wants. Which means earlier than you even full your order for a motorcycle with Co-Movement, all of your measurements will likely be taken and an in-depth evaluation of your physique dimensions will likely be carried out. If Co-Movement determines that you just want a customized bicycle body (possibly since you are both very tall or have actually quick legs), the corporate will offer you a body that has been personalized particularly for you.
Lastly, in relation to having the braze-ons wanted to mount water bottle cages, fenders and entrance and rear racks, the Co-Movement Siskiyou comes fully-equipped. Not solely are there mounting factors on each the entrance and rear ends of the Siskiyou body for racks and fenders, however the bicycle is provided with mounts for 2 water bottle cages as effectively.
650B Wheels & Tires
The primary factor that differentiates the Co-Movement Siskiyou touring bicycle from the opposite single-person bicycles within the Co-Movement Cycles line-up is that the Siskiyou is provided with 650b wheels and tires.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the 650b wheel/tire dimension, then I extremely suggest you watch the next video, which was produced by the World Biking Community and does a fairly good job ox explaining how 650b is totally different from the 700c wheels/tires you could be used to seeing on so many highway and touring bike fashions.
Within the video, you’ll study {that a} 650b wheel has a rim diameter of 584mm, whereas a 700c wheel has a rim diameter of 622mm. The benefit to having a smaller rim is that with out making any dramatic adjustments to the design of a 700c bicycle, you’ll be able to match a a lot bigger tire on a a motorcycle that makes use of a 650b wheel.
Due to this fact, a 650b wheel could also be barely smaller than 700c wheel, but it surely has a bigger tire, which is healthier suited to off-road using. And since the tire on a 650b bicycle is bigger than that of the tires discovered on 700c bicycles, the surface diameter size of those two wheel/tire sizes is sort of similar. Which means you’ll be able to hold the geometry and dealing with traits of a 700c highway bike, however due to the added tire quantity discovered on 650b bicycles, you’re not restricted to using solely on paved roads.
So, how precisely does the Co-Movement Siskiyou really feel if you’re using it with these non-standard 650b wheels and tires?
To be fully trustworthy, it feels quite a bit like a conventional 700c highway bicycle. The using place is ridged and upright, whereas being each agency and quick. In case you had been to take away the racks and fenders from the Siskiyou and stand again at a distance, you’d have a tough time telling it was not a conventional highway bike (except you seemed intently on the tires).
The truth that the Co-Movement Siskiyou and its 650b wheels and tires really feel quite a bit like a 700c highway bicycle is an efficient factor, as a result of most individuals conducting a bicycle tour spend the overwhelming majority of their time biking on paved roads. The broader contact patch on the 650b tires does require a small quantity of additional power so as to transfer them ahead over the pavement, however in relation to using off-road, the Siskiyou actually shines.
700c wheels and tires are nice for road-based bike excursions. And whereas 26 inch tires have been used for years as the perfect selection for off-road bicycle touring adventures, there’s been a motion in recent times in direction of bigger, fatter tires. Now, the 650b presents the proper in-between tire possibility for individuals who need one thing that’s finest ridden on paved roads, however may deal with a good quantity of off-road using.
The one main draw back to utilizing a touring bicycle with 650b wheels and tires at this cut-off date is that this specific wheel/tire dimension shouldn’t be obtainable in most bike retailers around the globe. Whereas 26 inch wheels and tires will be discovered virtually wherever, 700c wheels and tires are normally solely obtainable in additional trendy locales… and 650b wheels and tires are so new, that they’re actually solely obtainable in specialised retailers in restricted areas around the globe.
Which means in case you had been to go on a motorcycle tour in a distant nook of the world and also you wanted to buy a brand new tire, tube, rim, wheel or spoke on your 650b bicycle, you may not have the ability to discover the components it’s good to restore your bike and proceed in your approach. You’ll have to have the components shipped to you, which might delay your bike tour by a number of days or even weeks, or put an finish to your bike tour totally.
Once I first bought my Co-Movement Siskiyou touring bicycle, I introduced it into 5 totally different bike retailers in my native space in Southern California and requested if that they had any wheels, tubes or tires within the 650b dimension. None of them did! So, whereas I like the best way these new 650b wheels carry out on the Co-Movement Siskiyou, it does make me a little bit nervous using a bicycle that makes use of a wheel/tire dimension that’s so troublesome to search out at this cut-off date.
Disc Brakes
Like all of Co-Movement’s bicycles… and like my earlier Co-Movement Pangea touring bicycle, the Co-Movement Siskiyou is provided with a pair of high-quality cable disc brakes. Or extra particularly, TRP Spyre 160mm disc brakes.
Whereas conventional touring bicycles had been designed with rim brakes as a result of the components for rim brakes are simpler to search out wherever on this planet, disc brakes have just about develop into the usual within the touring bike world. Nearly each good touring bike is now geared up with a pair of disc brakes, however few bicycles have brakes nearly as good as those on the Co-Movement Siskiyou.
S&S Couplers
I opted to have S&S couplers put in on my Co-Movement Cycles Siskiyou touring bicycle… however you’ll be able to order your bike with or with out this feature.
In case you don’t know what S&S couplers are, they’re steel attachments/fasteners which are constructed into the body of a bicycle that permit it to be cut up aside when it’s being transported (through automotive, bus, boat, airplane or prepare) after which simply put again collectively once more if you find yourself able to journey the bike.
I had S&S couplers put in on my Co-Movement Pangea touring bicycle and, whereas I used to be fearful at first that they could make the body of my bicycle extra prone to break, I discovered the S&S couplers had been extremely agency and, in the long term, saved me some huge cash when flying with my bike.
To have S&S couplers put in in your Co-Movement bicycle, you must anticipate to pay someplace near $800 USD further. However in case you plan to fly together with your bicycle fairly incessantly, the S&S couplers pays themselves off reasonably shortly.
Many airways now cost between $75-$200 USD per course to fly with a bicycle. However with S&S couplers and the Co-Movement journey case, you’ll be able to fly now fly your bicycle without spending a dime as common checked baggage! That is how I flew my bike to and from Europe this previous summer time and wasn’t charged even a single cent for the flying with my bike. And it’s how one can get monetary savings your self when flying together with your new bicycle sooner or later.
Simply think about in case you saved $100 every time you flew together with your bike. If the S&S couplers price $800 USD, you’d solely should fly together with your bicycle 8 instances (or 4 spherical journey flights) earlier than they began to truly prevent cash!
That’s why I selected to have S&S couplers put in on my Co-Movement Pangea and Siskiyou touring bicycles… and it’s why you must take into account having them put in in your bike tour in case you plan to fly together with your bicycle fairly incessantly.
Click on right here to study extra about Co-Movement’s S&S couplers and the way they can be utilized to pack your bicycle contained in the airline-friendly Co-Movement journey case.
The Pinion Gearbox & Gates Carbon Drive System
Along with the 650b wheels and tires, one other factor that makes the Co-Movement Cycles Siskiyou touring bicycle distinctive is the truth that it may be fitted with both an ordinary chain and derailleur setup, a Rohloff inside rear hub, or a Pinion gearbox with the extra Gates Carbon Drive System.
The Pinion gearbox, in case you don’t know, is a small steel field that’s welded into the underside bracket of your bicycle, and inside this field is fitted an inside gearing mechanism. In different phrases, as a substitute of getting your gearing on the surface of your bicycle such as you see on most bicycles, the gearing is all contained inside this small, steel, waterproof field that’s welded into the underside of your bicycle. And as a substitute of a steel chain that extends out of your backside bracket/ pedals to the rear wheel of your bicycle, there’s a carbon fiber belt that works to drive your bicycle ahead as you pedal.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the Pinion gearbox and the Gates Carbon Drive System, and also you wish to study extra about the way it works, please see the detailed article I wrote on the topic. Whilst you’re there, I encourage you to hearken to the audio podcast I recorded in regards to the Pinion gearbox and the Gates Carbon Drive System. Each the article and the accompanying audio podcast will train you a large number about this new, trendy, inside bicycle gearing system.
To make a protracted story quick, I selected to have my Siskiyou touring bike fitted with a Pinion gearbox and the extra Gates Carbon Drive System…. and I’m actually fairly pleased that I did!
To be trustworthy although, I had some reservations about getting a motorcycle with a Pinion gearbox put in on it. I had reservations as a result of this expertise continues to be pretty new. I wasn’t positive if I used to be going to get one thing that may dwell as much as its unimaginable claims… and I nervous that if the gearbox or the carbon fiber belt had been to ever break whereas I used to be out on the highway, it will be practically inconceivable for me to repair. So, I undoubtedly had some issues about selecting this distinctive gearing system over the extra conventional and confirmed chain and derailleur setup that I’ve had on my bicycles for my complete life up till this level. However ultimately, I’m actually glad I made the choice so as to add the Pinion gearbox to my new Co-Movement Siskiyou.
Whereas including the Pinion gearbox to your bicycle does make the bike considerably extra heavy, all of it however eliminates the common upkeep that’s required with a conventional steel chain and derailleur gearing system. And this alone (the truth that I can journey this bike for months on finish with out having to scrub or oil the gears/belt) is the primary factor I like in regards to the Pinion gearbox and Gates Carbon Drive System. It’s simply so good to not should take care of continuously cleansing my chain, making use of oil, getting my arms soiled, and so forth. All of these issues are eradicated if you journey a bicycle with the Pinion/Gates system put in.
Have I had any issues with the gearbox or the belt? No, I’ve had no issues in any respect. From the second I obtained my new Co-Movement Siskiyou to this very second virtually one 12 months later, I’ve not had a single drawback with this bike. Not solely has the gearing labored flawlessly, however I’ve by no means had a flat tire, I’ve by no means needed to change the brake pads, and I’ve by no means performed another upkeep to the bike (different than simply wiping it down with a towel).
I like bicycling, however I actually do hate the upkeep that’s concerned with using a bicycle… and my Co-Movement Siskiyou with the Pinion gearbox and Gates Carbon Drive System has all however eradicated my must recurrently preserve my bicycle. Now I can merely bounce on my bike and go… day after day… and benefit from the expertise of using my bicycle with out having to continuously work to scrub and preserve my journey.
As soon as once more, in case you’d wish to study extra in regards to the Pinion gearbox and the Gates Carbon Drive System, you’ll want to learn my article and hearken to my podcast, “50 Issues You Want To Know Concerning the Pinion Gearbox and Gates Carbon Drive System.”
Generally Requested Questions
I’ve owned my Co-Movement Siskiyou touring bicycle for nearly a 12 months now and in that point I’ve obtained plenty of totally different questions in regards to the bike.
How does the Co-Movement Siskiyou journey? How does it really feel?
The Co-Movement Siskiyou feels similar to using another highway bike. It’s a bit heavier than your conventional 700c highway bicycle and will not be fairly as quick (due to the bigger tires and the bigger contact patch these tires make with the bottom), however in any other case, it feels quite a bit like using another highway bike or road-based touring bicycle. Not like most highway bikes, nevertheless, the Siskiyou is snug to take a seat on and pedal for days, weeks or months on finish, because of its longer wheelbase and touring-specific geometry.
How a lot does the Co-Movement Siskiyou price?
The Co-Movement Siskiyou is a really customizable bike, so you may get it configured in a wide range of alternative ways. You may order the bike with the SRAM mountain bike package (which may have the normal steel chain and derailleurs you’re used to) and it will price you about $3,495 USD. Or you may get the Co-Movement Siskiyou with a Rohloff 14-speed inside hub, which is able to price about $5,295 USD. Or, you could select to get the Siskiyou fitted with a 12 or 18-speed Pinion gearbox, which is able to price you wherever from $5,605 to $6,425 USD. In case you selected so as to add the optionally available S&S couplers, you’ll must tack on an extra $800-900. And there are a bunch of different extras you could select so as to add to your bike as effectively (resembling customized sizing, a nickle plated head-badge, the Co-Pilot journey case and body padding package, Tubus entrance and rear racks, the Pathfinder dynamo hub USB energy package deal, or a kickstand plate). All of which is able to add to the general price your bike. Full pricing particulars will be discovered at: https://co-motion.com/bikes/siskiyou
How a lot does the Co-Movement Siskiyou weigh?
My Siskiyou, with the 18-speed Pinion gearbox, entrance and rear racks, and two water bottle cages, weighs roughly 37.2 lbs (16.87 kg). The burden of your Co-Movement Siskiyou goes to rely, nevertheless, on the choices you selected so as to add to your bike, which water bottle cages and racks you selected to make use of, and so forth. In case you had been to purchase the Co-Movement Siskiyou with the SRAM Mountain Equipment gearing, the burden or your bicycle can be considerably much less.
What sizes is Co-Movement Siskiyou obtainable in?
The Co-Movement Siskiyou is presently obtainable within the following sizes: 46cm, 50cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, 60 cm and 62cm. Co-Movement does a extremely good job of working with you to search out the bike that’s going to be finest suited to you, so in case you don’t know which dimension is finest on your specific physique sort, simply get in contact with Co-Movement Cycles straight or work with one in all their native sellers. They’ll be pleased that can assist you discover the appropriate dimension bicycle for you.
Which paint colours can be found?
The Co-Movement Siskiyou is accessible in plenty of totally different paint colours and kinds. You may principally customise the bike to have it look nevertheless you need it to look! Co-Movement bikes are hand-made by a talented set of bicycle makers in the US of America, and if you order a motorcycle from Co-Movement, the body is constructed, your customized paint type is utilized, and the parts are then added. Click on right here after which scroll to the underside of the web page to study extra in regards to the varied Co-Movement Cycles paint colour choices.
Why does the Co-Movement Siskiyou have drop handlebars?
The primary cause the Co-Movement Siskiyou has drop handlebars, I feel, is as a result of virtually all 650b bicycles are geared up with drop handlebars. 650b bicycles are designed principally for road-based biking, so the drops turn out to be useful for this specific type of using. They’re quick, sporty and cozy over the long-haul.
Which do you favor? 650b, 26 Inch or 700c wheels & tires?
To be trustworthy… it relies upon. If I knew that I used to be going to be biking just about solely on paved roads, I’d go for a bicycle just like the Co-Movement Americano, which is provided with 700c wheels and tires. But when I used to be planning to cycle throughout Africa or South America, I’d most likely selected to journey the Co-Movement Pangea with its 26 inch wheels which are simpler to search out in these specific components of the world. However for a motorcycle that’s principally road-based and may deal with its justifiable share of off-road using, the Co-Movement Siskiyou and its 650b wheels and tires is actually the proper bike to journey. The large hesitation proper now with 650b wheels and tires is that they’re presently fairly troublesome to search out at many native bikes retailers. Because the 650b wheel/tire dimension turns into extra widespread, nevertheless, we’ll probably start to see extra bike retailers carrying tubes, tires, spokes and rims on this dimension.
Why does the Co-Movement Siskiyou not have suspension on it?
Only a few touring bicycles come geared up with suspension of any variety. Whereas suspension may make your journey extra snug over bumpy terrain, this suspension would additionally work to drastically cut back your effectivity on the bicycle as you journey. As a result of the Co-Movement Siskiyou is a highway bike first and an off-road bike second, it simply doesn’t make sense to place suspension on this specific bicycle.
The place can I buy a Co-Movement Siskiyou touring bicycle?
The easiest way to buy a Co-Movement bicycle is to contact your native Co-Movement Cycles supplier – you probably have one. In any other case, you’ll be able to contact the corporate straight. Their web site is www.co-motion.com. Their cellphone quantity is (866) 282-6336 and you may contact them through e-mail utilizing the net type on this web page.
Is the Co-Movement Siskiyou obtainable Internationally?
Whereas it’s potential to buy a Co-Movement bicycle and have it delivered to you in case you dwell exterior of the US, there are some further prices related to the acquisition. You will have to pay further for transport (and insurance coverage, in case you resolve to insure the bike throughout its transport). Then you could must pay further customs and/or import charges. Every nation is a little bit totally different with reference to how they deal with supply of bicycles. For extra data on worldwide orders, contact Co-Movement straight.
Who ought to I contact if I’ve further questions in regards to the Co-Movement Siskiyou?
You probably have any further questions in regards to the Co-Movement Siskiyou that I’ve not answered right here, please go away a remark on the backside of this web page, go to the official Co-Movement web site at www.co-motion.com or give the corporate a name at (866) 282-6336.
The Co-Movement Siskiyou: My Remaining Ideas
Strengths
The Co-Movement Siskiyou is a high-quality on-road/off-road touring bicycle able to round-the-world journey.
The 650b wheels/tires make for a wonderful highway using expertise… whereas being each snug and enjoyable when ridden off-road.
The body is snug and the handlebars and saddle mean you can sit on the bike for hours at a time.
Gearing choices embrace the SRAM 2×10 Mountain Equipment, Rohloff 14-speed inside hub or with the 12 and 18-speed Pinion gearbox and Gates carbon drive system.
The Siskiyou has wonderful stopping energy because of its cable disc-brakes, which not solely work effectively, however are additionally very straightforward to regulate.
Customized paint colours permit for a very distinctive bicycle.
Elective S&S couplers permit the bike to be cut up in half and brought on buses, boats, planes and trains at no further price.
Weaknesses
Components for the 650b wheels and tires could also be troublesome or inconceivable to search out in lots of components of the world.
Ought to one thing go unsuitable together with your Rohloff hub and/or Pinion gearbox, it might be troublesome or inconceivable to restore by yourself.
The bike solely has mounts for 2 water bottles cage as a substitute of the three you see on so could different long-distance touring bicycles.
Lastly, the value of the Co-motion Siskiyou could also be exterior the finances limitations of some people.
How To Buy A Co-Movement Siskiyou
In case you’d wish to buy a Co-Movement Siskiyou touring bicycle for your self, all it’s good to do is contact your native Co-Movement Cycles supplier or contact Co-Movement straight by calling (866) 282-6336 or visiting their web site at www.co-motion.com