A number of weeks in the past or no matter it was, Trek shocked the world of broccoli when they launched the fully-suspendered Checkout:

Nicely, as if that wasn’t modern sufficient, they’re already at work on an up to date mannequin that may hone the idea even additional, and I’m now capable of share that I’ve been using the prototype:

In accordance with Crap Packing Dot Com, the primary iteration of the Checkout weighed in at about 26 and a half American Freedom Kilos, with out the rack. In the meantime, the prototype I’m using shaves round a pound and a half off that–regardless of being product of aluminum! That is largely as a result of two groundbreaking improvements:

• Since broccoli bikes don’t require the identical rollover functionality as mountain bikes, Trek lowered the wheel barely, leading to much less weight, quicker acceleration, and snappier dealing with. This new “26er” wheel dimension is poised to develop into the brand new broccoli commonplace going ahead
• Trek had been capable of cut back weight additional by shifting the brake calipers from the hub to the rim and integrating the braking floor into the wheel system. Not solely does this configuration protect all the ability and modulation of the now-obsolete disc brake system, however it’s additionally simply serviced with only a multitool and is totally fluid-free, making it perfect for an journey bike

You’ll word plenty of different refinements too, such because the elimination of the vestigial “drops” on the outgoing model’s handlebars for weight financial savings and extra management on extra technical terrain, in addition to the whole and whole elimination of all batteries from the drivetrain, that means–and this an actual game-changer—you’ll by no means, ever must cost it. (Rumors have abounded for years in regards to the improvement of a totally battery-free drivetrain, and I can now verify that it’s lastly imminent.)

So if you happen to’ve been considering spending $8,999.99 on the present model of the Checkout, I extremely suggest holding off, as a result of the brand new iteration goes to be an enchancment in each manner.

However sure, since final week, I’ve disappeared down kind of an AMP-hole, and continued to experience it just about all weekend. That is partly as a result of it’s a enjoyable bike, but in addition as a result of it’s simply so nice to be within the woods at the moment of 12 months:

Actually I’d practically forgotten how satisfying what we used to name “mountain biking” could be:

Not least of all due to the extremely favorable trees-to-people ratio:

Versus, say, using within the metropolis:

I nonetheless take pleasure in a great commute each once in a while however I’ll take the woods, thanks.

I additionally discovered myself considering of one other thumb-shifted polished aluminum specimen that lived with me for awhile:

Right here’s the way it seemed when it arrived:

Although over time I made some adjustments with a purpose to make it extra comfy on longer rides:

Nicely, as a lot as I hate to offer credit score to suspension for something, I might simply experience the AMPer all day lengthy, and it’s extra comfy and extra succesful than its predecessor while retaining the identical boisterous spirit:

Although after all we’ve since realized it’s doable to handle these points with rider place and tire quantity as an alternative of shocks:

I look ahead to returning to the Jones pending completion of a badly-needed drivetrain overhaul.

Talking of ’90s mountain bikes, I occurred upon this video on YouTube:

I believe a change of bars, tires, brake pads, and probably saddle on the mountain bike would erase the hole fully.