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Whisky Shows off New No.9 Carbon Thru Axle CX forks with Incredible Retrotec Build

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Whisky no 9 carbon fork thru axle retrotec matt larson (7)

Sometimes things don’t work out quite the way you hoped. That seems to be the case with the original Whisky No.9 disc fork which was pulled after their supply chain couldn’t keep up with the demand. Going back to the drawing board along with a completely new vendor, Whisky took the chance to rework the No.9, building on the success of the original. Now with an increased front to rear compliance of 15% while increasing torsional stiffness by 17%, the fork is better than ever and ready for a full relaunch.

Following up the incredible Inglis fat bike build we saw out at Saddle Drive, Whisky Brand Manager Matt Larson had this absolutely gorgeous Retrotec on hand to show off the No.9 fork. More than just a beautiful bike though, Matt incorporated some touching tributes to his and his wife’s late grandfathers which take the build to the next level….

Whisky no 9 carbon fork thru axle retrotec matt larson (8) Whisky no 9 carbon fork thru axle retrotec matt larson (4)

Whisky no 9 carbon fork thru axle retrotec matt larson (10) Whisky no 9 carbon fork thru axle retrotec matt larson (9)

Whisky no 9 carbon fork thru axle retrotec matt larson (11)

Obviously custom painted to match the rest of the Retrotec, the paint colors were inspired by a ’56 Chevy Bel Air as well as a toy car.Fitted with full fender mounts, the fork has clearance for 42mm tires and new aluminum inserts for the fork axles for improved durability for repeated wheel changes. Available by the end of April, full stock of the forks will arrive in June.

Matt Larson Retrotec Whisky components photos c marty wood (2)
Photo c. Marty Wood

As for the bike, in addition to featuring the new fork, Matt wanted the build to be a rolling tribute two his and his wife’s grandfathers who in Matt’s own words “were both badasses.”

Matt Larson Retrotec Whisky components photos c marty wood (7)

Matt Larson Retrotec Whisky components photos c marty wood (3)

The saddle bag is actually an Ammo bag that his wife’s grandfather used in the Korean war.

Matt Larson Retrotec Whisky components photos c marty wood (4)

Whisky no 9 carbon fork thru axle retrotec matt larson (19)

For a tribute to his own grandfather on his mom’s side, shotgun shells take the place of bar end plugs. These aren’t just any old Winchester shells though. Matt told us that he loved to go hunting with his Gramps and after he passed away the family gathered together and shot his ashes out of the shells on a lake by the cabin they used to visit while sipping his favorite drink. If that isn’t one of the most rad ways to remember your grandpa, I don’t know what is. Both pieces serve as a little reminder to Matt to “keep on keepin on, and push past the hurt” when crushing long rides.

Matt Larson Retrotec Whisky components photos c marty wood (9) Matt Larson Retrotec Whisky components photos c marty wood (1)

Matt Larson Retrotec Whisky components photos c marty wood (5) Matt Larson Retrotec Whisky components photos c marty wood (6)

Even without the touching tributes, the Retrotec is a complete stunner. You can see it for yourself in Louisville, KY at NAHBS in just a few weeks!

Thanks to Matt for opening up about the awesome build and to Marty Wood for the amazing photos!

 

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satisFACTORYrider
satisFACTORYrider
9 years ago

much want for any inglis. pass on nahbs, though.

trailmiser24
trailmiser24
9 years ago

Simply gorgeous!!

Superb
Superb
9 years ago

Amazing bike, loving the ammo bag and bar end caps.

I wonder why they didn’t raise the seat tube bottle a tad, lower the down tube bottle, then place the third bottle higher on the down tube.

Rp
Rp
9 years ago

I need a carbon gravel fork with a straight steerer tube.

Jay
Jay
9 years ago

Is this the same fork as is on the Foundry Overland? That one uses the DT Swiss RWS. Is it possible to use an RWS with this fork? I think the Maxle and RWS have a different thread pitch.

rileymartin
rileymartin
9 years ago

is this a revamped Whiskey no 9 fork that will be on the new Harrow as well? Since last year it was scraped due to production issues?

bocho
bocho
9 years ago

@superb – bottle placement is probably for maximized frame bag clearance.

Frank
Frank
9 years ago

Incredible. Best bike I’ve seen all year.

joenomad
joenomad
9 years ago

This bike is a total badass!

Sam
Sam
9 years ago

@Jay
Incorrect! DT Swiss and Maxle share the same thread pitch (for once!)! Check this out: http://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum/f46/15mm-maxle-replacement-40039.html

CebuTriathlonBlog
9 years ago

Amazing bike, and love its color scheme.

rupert3k
rupert3k
9 years ago

TASTY

JPS
JPS
9 years ago

If that fork had low rider mounts though . . .

Original Mark V
Original Mark V
9 years ago

it’s a good thing that QBP/Whisky put fender mounts on the fork, because the moment ENVE makes a thru-axle CX fork that’ll be where we order forks for our custom bikes who don’t absolutely need the front fender. I have a little more confidence in ENVE’s ability to deliver product since they make the product themselves.

It’s more than a little annoying to builders who are selling bikes to customers rather than building show bikes. We had to roll back a complete bike order and just ship a frame w/ headset….because the finished frame had sat in the frameshop for months waiting on a fork. Full stock in June? Thanks…

Matt
Matt
9 years ago

@Original Mark V
If your customers do want fender mounts on their ENVE fork, Ruckus Composites in Portland, Oregon can add them. A bit pricey, but really good looking as you can see on Breadwinner Cycle’s B-Road bike (http://breadwinnercycles.com/products/b-road).

GrindMyGears
GrindMyGears
9 years ago

@Mark V, “they make the product themselves”? Enve makes forks the same way Whisky makes forks. With molds on the other side of the globe. Do you have some special knowledge you want to drop on us?

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