We reported a few times on Bombtrack and those who follow me for a long time, know that I started riding Ultra Distance Bikepacking events on Bombtrack bikes. A lot has changed since then except the bike lineup Bombtrack offers... or did it?
There will be no new Model between the bikes Bombtrack has on offer for 2024, however a look into the details shows us quite some differences to this years bikes. Some big news like a totally new HOOK EXT-C but also some nice little updates like UDH derailleur hangers on some models and making full use of their new component brand SEIDO.
Bombtrack continues to deliver a very complete range of bikes for all kinds of off-road use cases. (Yes there still will be no follow up Road specific model.) And that does actually include ready to go bikepacking setups with the likes of the Beyond 2 that even has dynamo hub and lights pre installed. A special offering is also the Beyond Junior which enables the youngster and future of this sport to get on a propeer bike similar to their parents adventure machine!
Bombtrack stays true to their routes with this release:
Down to earth bikes for a fair price, durable and capable. They also put a lot of emphasis on the routes of the sport, catering very specific and niche rider communities. (Hello Audax, Tension, Arise Tour and co.)
On the downside you might say there is no crazy innovation in the Bombtrack lineup and some trends and proven tech in the bike industry still hasn't made it to Bombtrack bikes. This doesn't need to be bad, however it is a point for you to consider and will come down to your preferences and needs when choosing your next bike!
Lets look at some of the most prominent bikes from the lineup.
The new Bombtrack HOOK Gravel bikes
The Hook range is probably one of the most versatile frames on the market. Attracting Commuters, Gravelbikers, Adventure Bikers and more it is one of the most iconic bikes in Bombtrack's treasure hall.
The steel Hook offers size-specific wheels and geometry so that all riders get that same Hook experience. The EXT models come with more robust 27.5 x 2.0’’ wheelsets and the carbon model, true to its racing heart, has a fast 700 x 40 mm wheelset. The Titanium model also stays.
The new HOOK EXT C 2024 Gravelbike
The big news first:
The carbon version of the Hook gets a completely new frame coming from a Bombtrack specific mold!
Just sitting in your kitchen, the Hook EXT C screams fast. Whether you are gravel racing or bikepacking with your friends, you’ll be going ‘full-gas’ with a smile on your face. New for 2024 is the T800 carbon frame, complete with optional internal cable routing and Bomtrack's signature collection of mounting points, for when you’re riding fast and light with only frame bags. Upfront you’ll find Seido’s MGV fork with its huge tyre clearance, internal cable routing and multiple mounting points for your kit. Sram’s Rival 1x groupset provides braking and shifting duties via a 10 – 42T cassette, running with a 38T direct mount chainring our Bombtrack Lyer crank.
The cockpit is from Seido, with the new Tackle handlebar and it’s 16˚ flare. All this is tied in with the multi-award winning Hunt 4Season Gravel hoops, sporting WTB 40 mm Venture tyres.
A big one for me:
A UDH derailleur hanger makes life so much easier, not needing to fear where to source a hanger when you have a mishap. It also makes the frame future proof with SRAM Transmission drivetrains killing the Derailleur hanger all together. (Shimano already filed their own patent.)
The same UDH derailleur hanger made it onto the HOOK EXT Ti titanium frame. I would like to see it everywhere, but i might be biased. ;)
There is only one version with electronic shifting in form of a SRAM Rival AXS groupset (on the HOOK) and one with a Shimano GRX Di2 815 (on the Ti Model.). Still a debate, but widely adopted I feel like more options for electronic shifting might be worthwhile.
No one needs electronic shifting, but when you get used to it you never want to ride anything else again.
The Hook comes in different colors, depending on the Model you choose. Charcoal black, light blue, titanium black, metallic black, matt teal, and metallic red.
New colours for the CALE Mountainbike
The CALE is a trail oriented mountainbike that comes as a steel and an aluminium version. The AL aluminium frame comes in a bit lighter and has unique looking tube shapes.
A 35mm chassis RockShox suspension fork, 150mm dropper post, SEIDO 800mm flat bars and a short stem in combination with 2,4" tires demonstrate the purpose of this bike clearly!
Top Models equipped with SRAM's GX Eagle 12Spd groupset, 10-52t cassete and Guide RE 4 pot calipers and a Deore XT with 10- 51t x 30t gearing and XT four piston brakes, offer capable bikes for an affordable price.
Correct me if I am wrong I can't spot any large technical updates/changes, but the updated components and the general setup with durable and REAL MTB components make this a real attractive bike for your local trail adventures.
The Beyond is Bombtrack's swiss knife
The Beyond was my entry to bikepacking. It is you do it all Dropbar bike. I rode the Silkroad Mountainrace in 2019 and the Atlas Mountainrace 2020 on this bike. and now it has become my everyday commuter and my Skimo, "haul cargo" bike.
The frame hasn't changed much. Since I bought my Beyond 2 the range evolved with an Aluminium version, a junior bike and the Beyond 2 has received an upgrade with dynamo hub, lights and pizza rack. The massively flared dropbars have stayed and the ADV+ version sports an ADV bar. The SUS version even comes with a RockShox Rudy XPLR gravel suspension fork. The Aluminium version sports a SRAM Apex groupset. Weirdly the catalog states 1x11 instead of the newly announced 12 speed groupset. Maybe that's a mistake but surely the Apex is THE groupset of the people atm.
I am attaching the catalogue for you to go through here.
Bombtrack 2024 bike range catalogue
Those are my most interesting finds while just reading over, but I'm sure you will find more!
What do you think? Are you excited? What are Bombtrack missing? Let us know.
