Nothing better than a late 80's/early 90's hardtail mountain bike. You could beat the shit outta them and they'd keep on rolling. Cheers to the innovations at the time.
What the hell. Mr Bontrager looks about forty-five but he was winning MX races forty-two years ago. ??? And I love his cluttered shop. Looks like Everyman's garage. Oh, and reinventing rims at the kitchen table.... priceless. Thanks for the videos!!
Keith is humble and modest. Always underrated among the legendary mountain bike designers/builders. One-bike Willerton in '94 is a testament to Bontrager's buiild quality and that bike is still going, today.
Keith is such a dude, and I had no idea he had a hand in so many different aspects of mtb evolution. He must have a bit of spare cash, but he seems still really humble. Chapeau
OK, we all know that Keith Bontrager made the first narrow double wall 26 inch rim. But now 26 inch is supposedly obsolete while 29er (700c) is a standard. So, if 26 is such a bad size, then why didn't he cut 26 inch tires, and sew in a piece to make it fit the superior 700c rim? The fact is that 26 inch is a great size, and the new sizes are just a gimmick to make everyone want a new bike. Why do You think they made 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 speed shifting systems? Seriously, how come no leading component manufacturer ever upgraded it's latest system by more than one cog at a time? What technology, or material became available in the late 90s that they couldn't have gone from 7 speed right to 9 speed back in the early 90s?
It'd be fun to find out--those look like Preston Petty fenders--and I would add that anyone who won a motocross race in California in the Seventies was fast because everyone rode WFO. I was just a 14-year-old on a Sting-Ray in Pacifica in '74, but we had our good times, too, my friends and I on the street and in the dirt, and we were pretty fearless about flying down hills and flying over jumps and we had so much fun on our bikes. Racing of all stripes--maybe a pun is intended--was a big part of life in California back then and it was all really cool. Thank you, GCN, for chatting with Keith and showing us that a whole lot of speed on and off the road originated from such California artisans.
Still find it funny that for a man whose name is plastered over some of the slickest modern components and raced at the highest level, his workshop looks like my workshop. And I don't have a workshop. I just have a shed.
HOPKIRK I think it's great. He's such a swell, chilled, thoughtful guy. It just makes me laugh thinking of all the marketing graduates in their crisp shirts trying to make the Bontrager brand seem as slick and desirable as possible. And then there's Keith in a shed, wearing a crumpled fish t-shirt and being a dude.
Well basically Keith cut down the size of Mavic's road race rims so that they could fit mountain bike tires. He wanted to demonstrate the advantages of a lightweight off-road rim. This was back in 1984. Ironically today they're back to the same size again with the 29'ers.
I have a bike with Bontrager wheels. Functionally they are fine but the front wheel hub design was dire. The caps screw on and grab the bearing cartidges but insanely when you come to remove them to do any maintenance of the cartridges, you get one cap off (which ever one is loosest) but then no way to secure the axle to unscrew the other one. I had to replace the whole axle and lightly grease the threads so hopefully it can get both caps off in future. I probably could have got the cap off by cutting it with an angle grinder but no spare caps. Terrible piece of design.
Most of it is technology or speed over enjoyment. Racers sell bikes...which is a shame. You get innovation but, you get shit to make it easier and less weight and unnecessary consumer spending. Good with bad...I guess. Comfort and innovations for riding is great....but zero money in that. Racing is horrid but, gets some good stuff done. He's not a magic guru that you rub....he's a creative man.
Nothing better than a late 80's/early 90's hardtail mountain bike. You could beat the shit outta them and they'd keep on rolling. Cheers to the innovations at the time.
Im still mind blown that he was able to do all of this in his garage. Especially designing rims that actually worked.
FU! I thought my screen is scratched
wow what a legend. speechless at the roles he has played in biking. amazing. proud of trek and rockshox that i own now
Si, this is your best video yet. Actual journalism. I've waited a long time for this. Thank you.
Fantastic, great insight from one of the dons... please tell me you got a truck load of footage, I could listen to that man for a life time.
Brilliant and modest, I like him! Oh And Keith seems ok too.
comment of the week
for sure lol
i guess I am pretty off topic but does anyone know a good site to stream newly released movies online?
@Reyansh Trey Try Flixzone. Just google for it :)
@Nicolas Korbyn Definitely, I have been using FlixZone for since march myself :D
I didn't realise that he's influenced so many bicycle related designs and innovations. Cool guy
What the hell. Mr Bontrager looks about forty-five but he was winning MX races forty-two years ago. ??? And I love his cluttered shop. Looks like Everyman's garage. Oh, and reinventing rims at the kitchen table.... priceless. Thanks for the videos!!
Keith is humble and modest. Always underrated among the legendary mountain bike designers/builders. One-bike Willerton in '94 is a testament to Bontrager's buiild quality and that bike is still going, today.
I always find that a strong front end gusset is key in life.
Great insight btw. Thanks
Keith is such a dude, and I had no idea he had a hand in so many different aspects of mtb evolution. He must have a bit of spare cash, but he seems still really humble. Chapeau
He is an example of the canonically constructive and creative engineer.
I bet he is also good at talking with people to get buy in to build his ideas. He seems to have a good handle on partnering with people and companies.
A true legend!
My 1996 Bontrager TiLite is still the best bike I own ... the feel is incredible and it climbs faster than any other hardtail I've ever ridden.
Keith is my Oprah, he's the man.
what a legend!!!! very cool guy!!!
I Love to listen to the old school Sheldon Brown(rip) Bontrager, Fisher, Ritchey type of guys
Hansthehorrible need to get Charlie Kelly, Joe Breeze, and Gary Fisher in a convo to really hear some cool old school stories.
The Bontrager Racelite is the best frame I've ever owned.
I'm lucky to have the TiLite, and climbs so faster than any modern hardtail, it's magical!
Absolute legend
Spotted a Principia from Denmark ...nice Mr. Bontrager :-)
Paul van Zijl - yes, originally superbly built lightweight aluminium frames but with such good welds they can look like carbon or steel
Had one for a while, should never have sold it :-(
Dude!! I have a Bontrager Privateer which someone repainted in that exact creamsicle orange with the same silver and white decals!! Sweeeet!!
Sweet!
Fascinating
I have much more respect for Keith Bontrager after having watched this
at 2:04 Si so desperately wanted to say 'it is a bodge?'
this guy pretty much revolutionised road/mountain bikes. I'm going to revolutionise the Penny Farthing with front fork suspension.
Legend!
Legend.
This was great. I always assumed Bontrager was some name they came up with. this makes more sense. :)
DFTA (Don't Feed The Animals)
I thought he was dead
lol he looks like a badass in that old black and white photo
Alternative video title: "Si goes geeky fanboy upon meeting his hero in Bontrager's Batcave"
Ask him about those twin spoke wheels that always cracked at the rim 3:46
Si enthusiasm meeting Bontrager is just like if me , meeting James Jemerson
funny how I was changing the battery in my trip 2 cyclo computer which has his name on it today . didn't know he designed those ?
Cool guy
fresh fish for the win!
Does anyone remember the Muddy Fox Intereactive? Any pictures, videos? Please let me know. Do you know the inventor (I've met him)?
OK, we all know that Keith Bontrager made the first narrow double wall 26 inch rim. But now 26 inch is supposedly obsolete while 29er (700c) is a standard. So, if 26 is such a bad size, then why didn't he cut 26 inch tires, and sew in a piece to make it fit the superior 700c rim? The fact is that 26 inch is a great size, and the new sizes are just a gimmick to make everyone want a new bike. Why do You think they made 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 speed shifting systems? Seriously, how come no leading component manufacturer ever upgraded it's latest system by more than one cog at a time? What technology, or material became available in the late 90s that they couldn't have gone from 7 speed right to 9 speed back in the early 90s?
The drugs kicked in @8:13
That looks like a CZ 250 that Keith is riding. Am I right?
It'd be fun to find out--those look like Preston Petty fenders--and I would add that anyone who won a motocross race in California in the Seventies was fast because everyone rode WFO. I was just a 14-year-old on a Sting-Ray in Pacifica in '74, but we had our good times, too, my friends and I on the street and in the dirt, and we were pretty fearless about flying down hills and flying over jumps and we had so much fun on our bikes. Racing of all stripes--maybe a pun is intended--was a big part of life in California back then and it was all really cool. Thank you, GCN, for chatting with Keith and showing us that a whole lot of speed on and off the road originated from such California artisans.
It's kind of funny to think that I've got his name on my shoes.
Danish frame in there, Principia. Nice.
Seem that Si's maths skills have left him. He asked for five but only seems to be able to count to four...
Lol I stumbled over that as well.
Keith Bontrager is a fabulous super-babe, and full of insight.
Still find it funny that for a man whose name is plastered over some of the slickest modern components and raced at the highest level, his workshop looks like my workshop. And I don't have a workshop. I just have a shed.
Grass roots baby, where some of the best innovations come from... for the love of it more than anything else, and I happen to love that.
HOPKIRK I think it's great. He's such a swell, chilled, thoughtful guy. It just makes me laugh thinking of all the marketing graduates in their crisp shirts trying to make the Bontrager brand seem as slick and desirable as possible. And then there's Keith in a shed, wearing a crumpled fish t-shirt and being a dude.
That honestly makes his brand cooler than any slick marketing campaign.
William Keys I agree. :)
"Famous for Rims" (I almost died)
"yeah" times infinity. yeah?
5 innovations Simon? I think someone needs to review their 123's and ABC's.
Seems like the down and dirty idea guy, leaves the fit and finish up to the other guy. Good stuff though
I don't understand what was special about his rims at 2:55
Well basically Keith cut down the size of Mavic's road race rims so that they could fit mountain bike tires. He wanted to demonstrate the advantages of a lightweight off-road rim. This was back in 1984.
Ironically today they're back to the same size again with the 29'ers.
Thanks.
Dr Moulton had suspension on a bicycle long before this.
Sy's top 5 turned out to be 4...
this video feels like early GMBN :V
I have a bike with Bontrager wheels. Functionally they are fine but the front wheel hub design was dire. The caps screw on and grab the bearing cartidges but insanely when you come to remove them to do any maintenance of the cartridges, you get one cap off (which ever one is loosest) but then no way to secure the axle to unscrew the other one. I had to replace the whole axle and lightly grease the threads so hopefully it can get both caps off in future. I probably could have got the cap off by cutting it with an angle grinder but no spare caps. Terrible piece of design.
First?
MY goodness, it happened. I'd like to thank my parents and God probably.
No problem son
Congrats!
Most of it is technology or speed over enjoyment. Racers sell bikes...which is a shame. You get innovation but, you get shit to make it easier and less weight and unnecessary consumer spending. Good with bad...I guess. Comfort and innovations for riding is great....but zero money in that. Racing is horrid but, gets some good stuff done. He's not a magic guru that you rub....he's a creative man.
Too much use of the word "gusset". It's given me The Quickening...
i bet all of his bike is so will lubed
And that's the edited version ... i'd hate to read the unedited version!
Did he not get paid for his work? Why is his garage such shit?
A lot of geniuses are totally chaotic as it looks like in this garage...
some people despite their riches, live modestly