shop talk #6: hobootleg

Shop Talk is a regular feature in which we take you through the technical characteristics of our bikes much the same way a shop owner might, should you visit one of our authorized dealers, with a few extra details you can only get here in Milan!

“Shop Talk” #6 is dedicated to the Hobootleg, our original and most iconic unsupported bikepacking bike.

The original design specifications of the Hobo were forged over two successive editions of the Tour d’Afrique, in 2012 and 13. Together with athletes Dario Tosi, Lucas Brunelle and Chas Christiansen our goal was to create the ultimate, indestructible, self-supported touring bike for the world’s most epic adventures. Ten years on and a million kilometres on we think we’ve succeeded!

The Hobootleg has been continuously fine-tuned across more than a million kilometres, all of the world’s seven highest mountain passes, the Guiness World Record-holding globe crossing and many other adventures to become the world’s most reliable adventure bike. Thanks to obsessive details such as double-butted Columbus tubes, electrophoretic paint, Tubus racks, ovalized handlebar, spare wheel spokes, and bartape decorated with sign language of early 20th century American hobos the Hobootleg is ready to ride straight out of the box, anywhere, for as long as you like, any way you like…

ERGO STEERING STOP AND EXTERNAL CABLE ROUTING Steering limitation system (Ergo Steering Stop) that prevents contact of the handlebar with the top tube of the frame preventing damage.Cable routing above the top tube protects the cables from mud and dirt always allowing optimum operation of the derailleur and brakes.

EDP PROTECTION Electro Deposition Painting - Extremely uniform thickness internal and external coating of the frame tubes that protect from rust formation.

THE TRAVEL MACHINE DETAILS Increased wheel clearance allows the assembly of the fenders and tires up to 40 mm to tackle any terrain with confidence, also in the darkness due to reflective bands. Shimano Deore 9-speed group to easily overcome the steepest of climbs with heavy panniers. TUBUS carriers can haul up to 40 kg of load in the rear and 18 kg in the front. Two spare spokes have the duty of chainstay. The triple butted Columbus Cromor tubes undergo a special anti-corrosion treatment internally and externally to provide total protection against the elements.

BAR END FINE TUNING Rugged bar-end shifter is less prone to damage with respect to integrated shifter brake. In the event of poor shifting, the bar-end shifter can switch from index to manual shifting to ensure clean shifts at all times.