Ibis Tranny action

Justin Loretz introduces you to his ‘alternative’ side…

Published: October 27, 2009 at 3:21 pm

We’ve been interested in the Ibis Tranny ever since we first spied it at the Interbike trade show a few years ago. The company’s concept for the bike is simple: make a carbon fibre hardtail that has a removable and adjustable rear end.

But why? The reasons are varied and each one may only make sense to different riders. For the jet set, it means you can break the Tranny down into two parts in under two minutes, fitting it into a bag half the size of a traditional hardtail – making transportation simpler and avoiding certain airline charges…

There’s also the fact that you can build it as a geared hardtail with a rear end that’s either short for climbing or longer for increased stability. Or you could build it as a singlespeed – which, even with its vertical drop-outs, is a cinch and possible without a separate chain tensioner or awkward eccentric bottom brackets, as you’re able to tension the chain simply by adjusting the length of the rear end to suit.

Our stunning green over gold metallic model just landed here at WMB Towers and we’re about to set out on a ride to try it in all the ways Ibis intended. We’ll see if the concept works in the real world, find out whether the adjustable rear end squeaks – and if we get flak for being see out with a Tranny in public…

Stay tuned for more Tranny action!

Ibis is now imported into the UK by 2pure Ltd of Edinburgh, Scotland.