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SOC15: Advocate Cycles Builds New Plus Size Bikes and Advocacy Based Business Model

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Advocate cycles hayduke 27 plus (9)

The bicycle industry is getting to be a pretty crowded place. As more and more brands seem to emerge from the primordial ooze that is the intersection of passion and ideas, it’s getting harder to stand out.

A long time industry veteran, Tim Krueger knows his way around a bike. After working for years as the project manager for Salsa Cycles, when it was time for a new adventure Tim was looking for not only a way to pursue his passion for bicycles but also for bicycle advocacy. Hoping to continue giving back to the community with events like the Chequameggon 100 that he has run for years (with all of the profits going back into the trails), Tim learned of a new type of business arrangement that is recognized by the state of Minnesota where he calls home.

Instead of operating as a 501c3 non-profit, Advocate Cycles will run as a Special Benefit Corporation (SBC) which falls into one of three categories – sharing, giving, or helping. While designed to give all of the profits back to cycling advocacy, the SBC is not tax exempt which and is really only recognized by the state of Minnesota. The Advocate Cycles site has a break down on how all of the tax structure will work out, but the main story is that the company is organized to give back.

And make cool products – starting with the new Hayduke mountain bike. It’s 27+. It’s 29″. It’s Boost or standard 142. It’s all of the above…

Advocate cycles hayduke 27 plus (2)

Advocate cycles hayduke 27 plus (8) Advocate cycles hayduke 27 plus (1)

Advocate cycles tells us that they have a number of bikes in the works, but their first ride is a rather unique hard tail. After Tim spent some time on the 27+ platform he really liked the way they rode and decided to build their first bike around the new wheel size. Using a heat treated Reynolds 725 chromoly steel frame, the bike is designed around a 120mm travel suspension fork (51mm offset) and is internal dropper post compatible.

Advocate cycles hayduke 27 plus (5) Advocate cycles hayduke 27 plus (11)

If you’re interested in plus sized tires but already have a set of 29″ wheels, the Advocate Hayduke is one of the first bikes we know of that allows riders to use both 142×12 and 148×12 rear hubs. Using adjustable dropouts that are made for geared or single speed use, the plates are also available in different widths allowing the use of either hub standard. Since standard 29″ wheels are almost identical in size to many 27+ options, you could buy the bike in 27+ configuration and with a separate set of dropouts still run your old 29″ wheels. If you like options, this is looking like a pretty rad bike.

Advocate cycles hayduke 27 plus (7) Advocate cycles hayduke 27 plus (4)

Advocate cycles hayduke 27 plus (10) advocate cycles (2)

Aavailable in “Hayduke’s Jeep Blue” and pearl white, both frames include a clenched fist head tube which is meant as a symbol of empowerment. Specifically, the empowerment of cyclists through advocacy. Other details on the white frame include Ojibwe art from a local artist with a thunderbird and fish which represents ‘defense of land.’ Elsewhere you’ll find a BB92 press fit bottom bracket, ZS44/28.6 and EC44/40 compatible head tube for tapered or straight steerers, 31.6mm seat post, and clearance for a 27 x 3 or 29 x 2.4″ tire. As a little sneak peek, we’re told that silver chainring might be a new model from WTC that has the correct offset for Boost rear ends for a RaceFace Cinch crank.

Frames will be sold in 2 colors with the choice of one of four dropouts for $750. Additional dropouts will be available separately.

hayduke-details-for-web1

Advocate Cycles Geo 2

Advocate Cycles Geo

advocatecycles.com

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D
D
8 years ago

Rad looking bike, and a good price too. To add, “Hayduke” is a reference to the novel “The Monkey Wrench Gang” (and for that matter the sequel, “Hayduke Lives”) written by Edward Abbey concerning the environmental movement and general badassery. The fist is also in there, referencing the organization Earth First. Great reads for the mountain bikers out there, and a good connection to make for an organization that’s looking towards trail building and protection of the woods we ride in. Well done all around.

groghunter
groghunter
8 years ago

The blue one better have “Chemicals, chemicals, I need chemicals!” printed on it somewhere, or I’m out.

WheelieH
WheelieH
8 years ago

Listen Folks.

The good people at Advocate know how to do it right.

I have had the pleasure of seeing & playing with the Hayduke.

Thumbs up at all levels……fast,simple, fun & versatile.

Mavis
Mavis
8 years ago

All the way to Hayward!

Tim Krueger
Tim Krueger
8 years ago

Grog – I will make you a decal that says that. I need it for my truck, thats for sure!

D – thanks for the good words! You hit it right on the head, that is where it all comes from.

Lancelot
Lancelot
8 years ago

This thing looks legit and it should appeal to the Boost haters.

tim werts
tim werts
8 years ago

Great looking bike Tim. Long travel hardtails are soooo much fun in MN. Can’t wait to see that in person

groghunter
groghunter
8 years ago

@ Tim Krueger

hahaha, awesome. I might very well take you up on that, the more I think about this frame, the more I want one.

I’m a board member for a local trails advocacy organization, this sort of stuff is important to me. Increases my stoke level to know that my dollars would be going back into advocacy.

David Lewis
8 years ago

Does the fabrication of the bicycle frame employ any Americans?

Sevo
Sevo
8 years ago

David Lewis-The cost to make frames in the US easily doubles the sale price. And sadly, all manufacturers I know who decided to move production overseas saw quality go up, returns go down. The american made frame is now more a thing of custom builders, who can make fantastic products. If you’re dying for American made, support a small builder like Strong, Bruce Gordon, Soulcraft, Tessier, and REEB to name a few.

Ryan D
Ryan D
8 years ago

Looks great!

Any updates on availability?

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