2016 Interbike: Bombtrack Hook EXT Gravel Plus

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We understand Bombtrack Bicycle Company takes their name from a song by Rage Against the Machine – the terminology “bomb” is hip-hop slang for great. The German brand has been around since 2011 and mostly known for single speed and fixed gear bicycles. However, they changed that a few years ago, and for their 2017 range, Bombtrack is expanding again.

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The 2017 Bombtrack Hook EXT – EXT being the company’s nomenclature for “extreme”, “extended” or “extraordinary”, leaves the factory with 27.5″ / 650b wheels, shod with WTB’s Nano 2.1″ in the 27.5″ size.

bombtrackhookext2016-5A tyre such as the Nano 2.1″ in the 27.5″ size effectively measures the same outer diameter as a 700c x 28mm road tyre.

bombtrackhookext2016-14Bombtrack designed the Hook EXT to have the geometry of a gravel / cyclocross bike – the bike is at home on gravel roads – and those gravel roads of the gnarly variety (i.e. West Virginia, Pennsylvania) – and should do well if you decide to the take the EXT to your local MTB trail.

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Bombtrack fit the Hook EXT with a single chainring drivetrain, a growing trend among manufacturers. On the display bike, SRAM’s Rival 1 crankset was fitted with a 44 tooth chainring.

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SRAM’s Rival clutch rear derailleur keeps the drivetrain running smooth if conditions get rough. Note the provision for rack / fender mount.

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Thru-axle on the rear, 142mm x 12mm.

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Bombtrack routes brake and shifter cables on the Hook EXT externally.

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But, fans of double chainring drivetrains (like the Gravel Cyclist crew) should note Bombtrack did include a cable guide for a front derailleur.

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Bombtrack designed the Hook EXT to feature a wider bottom bracket, but at the same time utilize a short rear end. With the 2.1″ 27.5″ tyre in place, there is plenty of clearance. If you choose to run 700c / 29’er wheels in the EXT, a 700c x 45mm tyre will fit between those stays.

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Unfortunately, we don’t have complete technical specifications on the Bombtrack Hook EXT available, but we assume the bottom bracket is based around the PF30 standard. The SRAM Rival 1 crankset is available to support a variety of bottom bracket standards.

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Columbus Cromor double-butted steel tubing is light but durable, perfect for rolling on gravel roads.

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The Bombtrack’s fork features an aluminium tapered steerer tube with carbon fork blades.

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The crown on this fork is extra-wide, providing for excellent tyre clearance. The front brake cable is neatly routed internally through the fork.

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Bombtrack have adopted the latest flat-mount standard for disc brakes. Due to a lack of available technical information, we assume the front thru-axle is 15mm.

bombtrackhookext2016-16Likewise, the rear brake utilizes the flat-mount standard.

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bombtrackhookext2016-10Properly bled, SRAM’s hydraulic road shifters have superb brake feel.

bombtrackhookext2016-7Despite all of the cables being run externally, Bombtrack did a nice job of keeping everything looking clean.

bombtrackhookext2016-6Unfortunately, pricing information is unavailable on the 2017 Bombtrack Hook EXT at this time. However, we expect pricing and more technical information will appear soon on the company’s website (link below). Alternatively, readers in the USA can reach out to the official distributor for Bombtrack in the USA, North America Cycles.

Bombtrack Bicycle Company

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