The question is questioning if 'grountain' could be a substitute for 'groad', and expressing a request for the term to cease.
In the ever-evolving world of cycling, a new trend is emerging - the drop bar mountain bike. This intriguing concept has been gaining traction, with brands like Assos, Lee Cougan, and Ridley jumping on board, introducing winter jerseys with sunglasses holders on the upper arm and retrofitting bikes to resemble a unique blend of road and mountain bikes, which some have dubbed 'grountain bikes.'
However, the term 'grountain bike' is not yet widely accepted, and the author of this piece proposes a more elegant and applicable alternative - the ATB (all-terrain bike) label. This label, in his opinion, could be a unifying term for a variety of bikes, including those designed for gravel roads, commutes with gravelly diversions, or even more rugged terrain.
The bicycle industry has generally used 'gravel' or 'all-road' to describe variations of gravel bikes. Yet, there have been attempts to create portmanteaus from 'gravel,' with 'groad' being the only one that has stuck to a lesser degree. The author laments the current nomenclature of bikes, expressing a desire for a more straightforward and consistent terminology.
One notable figure in the context of drop bar mountain bikes is John Tomac, whose contributions have undoubtedly influenced the evolution of this emerging trend. Another significant player is Dylan Johnson, who, along with others, has been fitting drop bars to mountain bikes, leading to the rise of this intriguing new category.
British brand Pashley has entered the fray with their new bike, the Wildfinder. Introduced in 2018, this steel, suspension-corrected-frame bike boasts 2.4in tyre clearance and mounting points galore. The Wildfinder, with its versatile design, could be considered a prime example of the ATB concept.
In conclusion, the rise of drop bar mountain bikes and the debate over their nomenclature is a fascinating development in the cycling world. The author's suggestion for the adoption of the ATB label to more bikes could potentially bring a much-needed sense of unity and clarity to the industry.
