The Allure of the BOMBTRACK HOOK EXT

Hello, this is Ikeda.

We are currently holding a BOMBTRACK test ride event until Monday, July 1st.

At this test ride event, you can try out three models: ARISE SG, AUDAX, and Hook EXT.

While it's good to check bike information online or on YouTube, actually riding one instantly reveals its true qualities.

If you're considering a purchase, please come and test ride during the event period.

Well, if there are test bikes, I have to ride them! So, I took the HOOK EXT, which I was most interested in, to gravel and trails.

Murakami, who rode with me on the gravel, tested his new Ortlieb Gravel Pack.

Please ask him how amazing the pannier bag named "Gravel" was.

The HOOK EXT's main feature is its 27.5-inch wheels, making it an off-road touring bike.

Since the wheels are more compact than 700c, it's easier to secure clearance around the handlebars and saddle, making it easier to attach bags.

Also, compared to bikes with 700c, it allows for more clearance inside the frame, even for the same size, making it easier to attach larger bottles or frame bags.

The 2024 HOOK EXT has been updated with SEIDO's MGV carbon fork.

This versatile fork actually supports internal dynamo cabling, racks, and cargo cages, with wide clearance and accommodating tire sizes of 29x2.25 / 27.5x2.5.

The SEIDO MGV fork is also sold separately, making it recommended for those looking to customize their current bike.

Also, since this was a test ride, we rode on gravel with inner tubes.

However, if you want to enjoy it more, running it tubeless would improve both the ride feel and stability, making it more fun.

The gravel road I rode this time was a mix of small pebbles 2-3 cm in size and rocks as big as a fist.

It wasn't a clean, flat gravel road like you see in overseas videos, but a rough, hilly Japanese road.

Midway, Murakami and I swapped bikes. His first words after riding the HOOK EXT on gravel were, "It's light! The handlebars are light!"

The uphill climb was so tough that we took a break by the river and leisurely pushed our bikes.

We enjoyed the HOOK EXT while savoring the natural environment unique to mountain trails.

In the latter half, we entered a trail.

Honestly, it was surprising, but the HOOK EXT felt more stable and fun on the trail than on the gravel road.

I think it's due to the excellent maneuverability, allowing it to nimbly navigate rocks, tree roots, and narrow gaps between trees on the trail.

Riding on such roads makes you grin without realizing it!

At the summit, we had freshly prepared food as part of an "Okazu Ride".

Cooking and eating outdoors is truly delicious!

So, after riding the BOMBTRACK HOOK EXT on paved roads, gravel, and trails this time, what I enjoyed most was actually the trail ride.

Although the HOOK EXT is categorized as a gravel road bike, its ability to accommodate wide tires and its robust frame construction make it perfectly enjoyable on satoyama courses typically ridden by MTBs.

Riding downhill on trails was surprisingly good, enjoyable and without fear.

There are indeed things about bicycles that you can only understand by riding them.

The Bombtrack test ride event is being held at Grumpy until Monday, July 1st.

We have various models and colors in stock, so immediate delivery is possible.

Please enjoy the unique characteristics of each model!