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We’re probably beating a dead horse over here by promoting the restoration of vintage mountain bikes into resto mod beauts. Even a run of the mill frame can become something extraordinary, with the right amount of time, parts, and money. Today, Lucas from Tune Germany shares just that, an überlight resto mod of a 1995 Rockrider 520 that weighs a scant 9,7KG with pedals! Let’s check it out below!
I get it. I understand the necessity to keep the peloton safe from those dangerous, butcher shop-grade, flying death discs in the event of a Nascar pileup on a descent but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. Late last week, Germany parts manufacturer and all around Black Forest component wizards, Tune, unveiled what I will say is the sleekest, most design savvy protective cover for disc brakes yet. Still, though, the fact that the UCI is fighting this issue so hard is mind-blowing. What about chainrings? Or barbed wire fencing lining race courses? Or stupid wheels exploding? Or press motos? If the world is afraid that disc brakes are going to end a race by fatality, perhaps there’s more to this debate. Anyway, I saw Tune’s attempt at solving this problem and felt it needed a share. Carry on with your morning…
This Tannenwald Luchs 29 was hanging at the Tune Factory and I just had to shoot it. From what I gather, Tannenwald is a local favorite. Honestly, I didn’t know much about the brand besides the frames being built in Germany. I reached out to to them and got a little bit of information about the company.
Tannenwald is Rüdiger (Rudi) Kupper and Stefan Lichtner. The frames are all handcrafted by Stefan in Palatinate, Germany. “Back to the roots” refers to their “commitment to the finest steel construction and craftsmanship”. The LUCHS 29 was inspired by a 42km long MTB trail near the builder’s house. This LUCHS is built with Tune components and has the Schwarzwald-themed paint scheme.
I love how much this bike represents the region, all the way down to the Tune Componentry. She looks like quite the ripper if you ask me.
Fairwheel Bikes in the US stocks all of Tune’s componentry. If you see something you like, they probably have it in stock. If they don’t, they can order it for ya!
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With a number of high-end component manufacturers and brands to choose from, I find it helpful to narrow the decision by knowing where and how the products are made. I’ve ridden the Schwarzwald Giro the last three years and each year I’ve wanted to visit the Tune factory, but never could until just a few weeks ago.
The story of Tune started in 1988, when Uli Fahl lived in Munich. He wanted to lighten his mountain bike and began prototyping parts in his kitchen. In 1989, the company was established and Tune’s first product, a lightweight quick-release skewer, was born. Fast forward to today and Tune has a portfolio of different lightweight components for road and mountain bikes. And now, nestled on the edge of the Black forest, it’s near some of the best testing grounds in the world.
One of my favorite builders this year at NAHBS were the Czech builders Festka. Their work with oversized Ti and stainless tubing is impeccable. While most of their paint jobs are pretty over the top, this Union Jack Di2 disc road was actually pretty subdued.
Built for Richard Hardy, this particular frame was constructed from Columbus XCR tubing and sported a British racing green coat of wet paint, overlaid with a pattern inspired by the Union Jack flag of the UK.
When people asked me what the overall theme of NAHBS was this year, my reply has been: Di2 and disc brakes. Staying true to that observation, Richard’s bike is equipped and ready to rip. The addition of Rocket Wheels and Tune hubs gave this bike some European flavor amongst the sea of Chris King and Enve.
Remember, if you are interested in carrying Festka, or ordering one for yourself, contact Cycleast in Austin, TX.
See more in the Gallery!
I love Tune‘s products. I use their skewers on my bikes, would kill for a set of their cranks and I’m stoked that they manufacture everything in the Black Forest, Germany. For their new catalog, the component manufacturers got a little creative. Check out the full catalog here!
You know a steel bike is utilizing the most in technology when an accomplished raconteur like FYXO assumes it’s made from carbon fiber. No kidding. When Gomi rolled into Golden Saddle Cyclery on his 2011 Speedvagen road bike, everyone was drawn to it immediately. What’s not to love about the fabled “surprise me” paint jobs? Or that build. EDGE / ENVE, Tune, EE Cycleworks and Super Record 11 really bring this build in under 16 lbs.
And it’s steel!
See more in the Gallery!
