The DROPtimator is finally here!
Imagine a secret love child created by our highly shred-able Optimator XC hardtail and aggressive gravel crushing Storm King GP.
That’s the Droptimator, and it’s finally real!
Built around a 100mm suspension fork and a shorter, negative-rise stem, it has a 69º head angle.
That’s a bit steeper than our Optimator (67.5º), but slacker than the Storm King GP (70.5º). A slightly shorter top tube and head tube keeps stack and reach dialed.
Basically, it fits like a gravel bike but shreds like a mountain bike. Which is what I wanted – a bike that’s fast and a bit more aero on the roads, but far more capable on singletrack. It’s wicked fun, and surprisingly fast!
Because of the unique nature of this bike, they are only offered as a full-custom, built-to-order design. Available as a frameset with fork & headset, or go all the way with a full build!
Drop your name here if you’d like more info. For now, the Droptimator is a special order bike, each one custom made based on your dimensions to ensure a perfect fit. Reach out if you’d like pricing and options for this genre-defying (and defining!) new bike!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a Drop Bar Mountain Bike for Gravel?
Yes, absolutely you can! The versatility in how you use the bike is entirely up to you. Gearing choice and component spec can change the ride dynamics, but in the end a drop bar MTB can be used on gravel. Sometimes you have to ride the gravel to get to the singletrack, so why not have fun at both!
Can’t I just convert my current Mountain Bike to a drop bar Mountain Bike?
Technically, yes you could. However, the geometry of the bike you are altering may be negatively impacted by this change. Reach/ Stack/ Fit numbers will change as you change the position on the bike. The bars and shifters are longer so you need a shorter stem than your MTB. Also, what type of fit position are you trying to achieve on the bike? Are you looking to maintain your current MTB fit or do you want a fit more akin to your gravel bike? These are questions you should ask yourself before making the switch as the results between the 2 different setups will vary greatly.
What’s the best handlebar for drop bar Mountain Bikes?
Handlebars usually come down to personal preference and there are a lot of great options out there. Personally, I like a bit of flare in my drops but no more than 11-12 degrees. Some bars go wider and while they work great in singletrack, I find them to be not as comfortable on gravel or road sections. It’s a personal choice for sure.
How does this differ from an aggressive gravel bike?
A drop bar MTB is going to be more capable in rougher terrain than a gravel bike (aggressive or not). The bigger tires, longer travel suspension, higher BB, and longer wheelbase will make the singletrack experience much more “flowy” while still being super comfortable on gravel sectors. A true gravel bike will be better suited towards the road and fast gravel while the drop bar MTB will chew up the nastiest terrain that a gravel bike will ride on.
What are the benefits of putting a drop bar on a mountain bike?
The benefits include a more aerodynamic position for long flat sections of the course and a more comfortable riding position that is precisely dialed in for your fit as opposed to a MTB that just happens to “work”.