This year, I've had the good fortune of building and riding a new Drifter X gravel/all-road bike. The frameset was handcrafted by the artists and alchemists at No.22 Cycles in Upstate New York and came together at AC at the beginning of summer. With its mix of raw titanium, anodized accents and Cerakote delights, there's no doubt the X delivers on No. 22's promise of balancing form and function. And sure enough, this flying freedom machine and I have already become fast friends in what seems like no time at all.
Before I got the Drifter X, I wondered if an "all-road" bike would be great at anything—not as quick as a road bike and not as capable as a fatter-tired gravel bike (like its big brother, the Drifter). I wondered how it would fit my riding style.
Once I got a chance to turn the wheels, my first impression was that it was fast on the road, something I was thankful for as I knew I would put in plenty of road miles between gravel miles. Then the question became, is this thing tough enough for rocky trails, agile enough to take on single track and a good climber? Yes, yes, and yes.
I had no intention of giving up my hardtail MTB, so the Drifter X would target longer, faster-paced, mixed-terrain riding. If the trails are rough enough, I'll grab the mountain bike. But for a good 50/50 mix of road and gravel, I found the light, quick, yet durable Drifter X made to order. The sportier of the two Drifters, the X has a shorter wheelbase and slimmer profile and fits 40mm tires with no problem. There have been more than a few occasions when I've been out driftin' and realized I needed to get back to "reality" quickly, whether to get home for a family event or work when I'm still two ridge lines away. Sometimes, time trialing can actually be part of an all-road bike's resume.
I've always had a bit of wanderlust, curious about what might be around the next corner. So, riding my new Drifter X around the mountain roads, coastal highway, fire roads, singletrack trails and city streets of Marin County felt perfectly natural because it excels at doing it all. I've never defined my riding style, but after a few months on this bike, I realized I'm an eclectic rider. I love road riding and, fortunately, live near some great road climbs that are lightly trafficked. I love mountain biking, and when I get going on that, I want nothing else. But really, I love it all. The Drifter X inspires my riding by encouraging creativity and rewards an adventurous spirit.
I'm looking forward to the months of riding ahead and taking in the golden California summer landscape, sun in my eyes and dust kicking up behind me as I pass under the shade of the oaks and redwoods, hunting down wild blackberries or plums that can keep me fueled for a few more miles. Maybe I'll head home before dark.
I doubt it.
Thank you, Drifter X.
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