We’ve talked about collabs, Retros and 26″ Cruisers before…but at this year’s Interbike they really came to the fore.
In some cases, certain bikes had a more than one of these things going on at the same time.
Subrosa got on the “collab cab” earlier this year with their collaboration with Slayer.
They had a range of sizes on display in their booth, including a 26″ cruiser. Cool color way, graphics…the whole bit.
Apparently the Slayer-emblazoned seat is also going to be available as an aftermarket item too…kinda stoked on that.
They also had their own 26″ Subrosa Malum on display.
Haro continued their push into the retro market with with a number of updated classics (all 20s) from the 80s “golden era” of freestyle. Unfortunately, no cruisers…with the exception of the 24″ Downtown we featured in yesterday’s post.
SE, of course, is no stranger to the retro or collaboration game.
The STR-29 brings back the old school era Stu Thomsen STR frame, re-imagined as comfortable riding 29er.
Likewise, SE ups the collaboration game with another 29er in the form of the Public Enemy Big Ripper.
And the 26″ We The People Avenger…it’s so retro it has a threaded headset!
GT is also dipping their toes into these trends.
GT, with the help of industry icon Ben Ward, brought back the classic Pro Performer…this time as a 26″.
As we discussed in the previous post on the 26″ Pro Performer, this bad boy is tricked out with the iconic Power Series cranks, Mohawk hubs and other goodies.
The rep that I talked to was — as he should be — pretty stoked on it.
In our conversation, he also dropped a line that seems to perfectly encapsulate what seems to be pushing this drive back to the classics:
We’re pulling on the heartstrings to open the purse strings
No doubt about it.
It looks like all these trends have staying power.
We’ve been talking about 26″ cruisers moment in the sun for years now.
More and more companies are also seeing the market respond to the retro-oriented bikes and accessories.
And the collaboration game…that’s just adding a whole other layer to things.
With all these trends starting to intersect at this year’s show, it will be interesting to see how things continue to evolve in the year ahead.
cruiser revolution 