Can you believe we’re already talking about 2024 bikes? Wait! It’s 2024! Where does the time go? (Hopefully, on the trail!)
This year, the bike world is excited about new innovations and trends that promise to elevate your riding experience. From advancements in suspension technology to the introduction of new ebikes, the cycling landscape is ever-evolving. At Owenhouse Cycling, we pride ourselves on offering a selection of bikes from our favorite brands, each bringing its own unique strengths to the table. Santa Cruz, Juliana, Rocky Mountain, Ibis and more–we have bikes for every skill level and every riding desire.
These brands have proven time and again their commitment to staying at the forefront of new technologies, constantly pushing boundaries to deliver bikes that exceed expectations. With this dedication in mind, we’ve selected four standout models to feature, each representing the pinnacle of performance, versatility, innovation, and FUN. Let’s get started!
Bike #1: Santa Cruz Stigmata
The Deets:
- Travel: 40 mm (optional, front)
- Wheel Size and Tire Clearance: 700x50c
- Head Tube Angle: 69.5°
- Preferred Local Terrain: Stigmata is fun on all of the gravel north of town or even up Sourdough.
Why We’re Excited:
Three words: fast, light, efficient! Leave the bikepacking gear at home. This bike wants to go fast and light all day with the added bonus of sleeping in your own bed at night.
New Features:
The Santa Cruz Stigmata has been through some changes, but its vibe remains focused on adventure. It used to lean more cyclocross, and then it went pretty far gravel. These days, it sticks to gravel but is a little more relaxed. Its geometry is longer and more laid-back. It’s not the best for tight cyclocross courses anymore, but it’s killer for long rides on rough terrain. The Stigmata isn’t trying to be the lightest or most aggressive gravel racer, but it can still handle races like the Gravel Unbound 200 just fine. It’s kind of like the middle child between a speedy gravel bike and a mountain bike. It’s versatile, comfy for long rides, and still pretty fast when you need it to be. (Hello, Keegan Swenson!) The Stigmata’s all about finding that sweet spot between chill rides and kicking butt on the gravel track.
Team Testimonial:
“The Santa Cruz Stigmata is one of my favorite bikes in the shop right now. I love the tire clearance up to 50mm and the progressive gravel bike geometry. This is an all-around gravel bike with plenty of adventure capabilities.” – Eric
Bike #2: Ibis Ripley
The Deets:
- Travel: 120mm – 140mm front, 120mm rear
- Wheel Size and Tire Clearance: 29”, up to 2.6” tires
- Head Tube Angle: 66.5°
- Preferred Local Terrain: This is a great bike for the Bangtail Divide.
Why We’re Excited:
When a brand describes its bike as “ snappy, flickable, playful, fast, lightweight, and versatile,” we’ve heard enough. Count us in! The 2024 Ibis Riply + Bozeman = The Perfect Match
New Features:
The 2024 Ibis Ripley has undergone some significant updates, making it a top contender for riders seeking versatility and performance on the trails. Originating as a cross-country trail bike, the Ripley has evolved into a versatile trail shredder capable of tackling a wide range of terrain with confidence and agility. It’s the perfect bike for our Bozeman area trails.
With updated geometry, the Ripley now offers improved stability and control, allowing riders to push their limits with improved confidence on technical trails. It strikes a perfect balance between efficiency on climbs and feelin’ good on descents, making it an ideal choice for riders who want a do-it-all mountain bike. Learn more about Ibis and why our team loves their bikes!
Team Testimonial:
“I usually ride a big downhill bike, but I’m excited to get on a shorter travel bike this year. The Ibis Ripley catches my eye with the tried and true DW link suspension platform and is the perfect travel for the Bozeman area. Definitely one to look at when in the store!” – Jamie
Bike #3: Santa Cruz Blur
The Deets:
- Travel: 110mm or 120mm front, 107mm or 115mm rear
- Wheel Size and Tire Clearance: 29”, up to 2.6” tires
- Head Tube Angle: 68.3°
- Frame: Carbon C and Carbon CC
- Preferred Local Terrain: Perfect on the Sourdough trail.
Why We’re Excited:
If this bike can win World Cup XC races, so can we.
New Features:
This latest iteration of the Santa Cruz Blur boasts significant enhancements, solidifying its status as a premier cross-country racing machine. Originally designed specifically for speed and efficiency, the Blur has undergone refinements to its geometry and components. The result is a bike that’s even more nimble and responsive on the trails than before. With its lightweight frame and advanced suspension system, the Blur is sure to deliver you to the top of the climb before anyone else. It’s a race-ready rocket that’s equally at home on technical singletracks as it is on smooth, flowing trails. Whether you’re chasing the Gallatin Valley Trail Series podium or a QOM Strava segment, the 2024 Santa Cruz Blur promises to deliver.
Team Testimonial:
“This bike has been a favorite for the past few years, and with good reason. This bike is for the person who wants to go fast up and down the mountain. Definitely, a bike that reminds me fun is fast, and fast is fun!” – Isabel
Bike #4: Santa Cruz Skitch
The Deets:
- U.S. Class 3 ebike with 28mph max speed
- Wheel Size and Tire Clearance: 700×45, 50mm
- Head Tube Angle: 69°
- Preferred Local Terrain: Skitch is a great do-it-all bike you can ride on the road or gravel. We recommend gravel roads north of town for this one, but it is a great commuter or bike for around town.
Why We’re Excited:
Bike commuting during the week while saving our legs for the weekend!
New Features:
It’s all new! The Santa Cruz Skitch was just introduced this year. You can set it up as either a gravel bike or a commuter. In our opinion, it’s both of those and more! The Skitch combines sleek design with practical functionality. With its lightweight frame and nimble handling, this bike offers a smooth and responsive ride, perfect for weaving through traffic or cruising along gravel bike paths. The Skitch is equipped with reliable components and offers features such as fenders and a rack, making it ideal for daily commuting.
It’s Saturday morning, and you can’t get enough Skitch? Maybe Friday night was too much fun, and you’re feeling tired? Bonus–it can handle smooth trails and gravel paths like a champ. Whether you’re zipping through downtown or exploring the outskirts of Bozeman, the Santa Cruz Skitch delivers a fun and efficient ride every time. It’s the ultimate urban companion for riders on the go.
Team Testimonial:
“The Skitch sounds like the ultimate E-bike for me. It is light, comfy, and zippy. I can comfortably commute to work, take it for a long gravel ride the next day, and have fun doing both! I can’t wait to ride it more come summer!” – Ethan
Gear Up for Summer 2024 Adventures with Owenhouse Cycling
Are you as excited as we are? We can’t wait for summer! Now is the perfect time to gear up and start planning those unforgettable summer adventures. Whether you’re staying local, planning an epic road trip, or dreaming of summer sunset rides, having a new bike is guaranteed to make your ride a good time.
From 2024 mountain bikes & gravel grinders to versatile urban commuters, the options are endless at Owenhouse Cycling. Whether it’s the Santa Cruz Blur, the Stigmata, the Ibis Ripley, or the Santa Cruz Skitch, you’ll be ready to tackle any terrain and create memories that last a lifetime. So why wait? Swing by Owenhouse Cycling today to explore our wide selection of bikes and gear up for your best summer yet!
