When the quest for the perfect disc brake road bike began in 2014, the landscape of road cycling standards was still evolving. Working with the innovative team at Firefly Bikes, the goal was perfection. However, back then, disc brake technology for road bikes was in its nascent stages. Flat mount standards were not yet established, 15mm thru-axles were common on road forks, and SRAM’s 1x XD driver, recently adapted from mountain biking, was just entering the road market. Specifying components for this dream bike demanded extensive discussion and collaboration between the rider and Firefly.
Since the completion of the “Rad Rod” in 2015, this Firefly bikes creation has been through numerous iterations, accompanying its owner on global travels and tours, proving its versatility and enduring appeal. The bike became a beloved companion, leading to a crucial realization: it was truly exceptional. Therefore, when Tyler from Firefly proposed a retrofit to enhance the Rad Rod, it was an offer that sparked immediate interest.
The concept was a rear-end modification, featuring a new Firefly thru-axle dropout and, most significantly, a custom 3D-printed titanium yoke. This innovative component promised to accommodate wider tires and a 2x drivetrain, addressing the rider’s evolving needs and preferences. Having experienced various “all-road” bikes, the desire for a true “chubby road” bike – a disc brake, 650b wheelset, and 2x drivetrain machine – grew stronger.
What was Firefly’s perspective on this ambitious project? Tyler Evans, co-owner of Firefly Bicycles, shared insights into the new yoke and its application to this unique retrofit.
The Innovation of the 3D-Printed Titanium Yoke by Firefly Bikes
“Our 3D printed yoke was specifically engineered to optimize road compact or sub-compact cranksets with both 650b and 700c high volume tires, while maintaining the shortest possible chainstay lengths. Depending on the precise geometry and component choices, this yoke allows us to achieve clearance for tires up to 700c x 44mm and 650b x 2.1”.” This statement from Tyler highlights the ingenuity behind Firefly’s design, showcasing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of bicycle technology. The yoke represents a significant advancement in frame design, especially for firefly bikes aimed at all-road and mixed-terrain riding.
Tyler further elaborated on the decision to incorporate a 2x drivetrain: “While a single chainring setup offers simplicity, we’ve observed that for an All-Road Bike, a 1x drivetrain often lacks the nuanced gear steps required for varied terrain. Our customers, and ourselves, typically ride All-Road bikes across diverse landscapes with frequent subtle shifts in gradient and speed. The tighter gear ratios of a 2x drivetrain make it easier to maintain optimal cadence in these conditions. We believe 1x drivetrains are better suited for more aggressively off-road disciplines like MTB or Cyclocross, where such fine gear adjustments are less critical.” This rationale underscores Firefly Bikes’ dedication to performance and rider experience, tailoring their designs to meet the specific demands of all-road cycling. Their choice reflects a deep understanding of rider needs in varied terrains, a hallmark of firefly bikes philosophy.
The Retrofit Reality: Transforming an Existing Firefly Bikes Frame
Regarding the retrofit project itself, Tyler shared valuable insights: “Initially, we considered this retrofit as a potential upgrade service for our existing customers. However, we soon realized that it isn’t a practical or cost-effective solution for a general upgrade offering. The labor involved is comparable to, or even greater than, building a frame from scratch. Essentially, as a standard upgrade, adding this yoke to an existing bike becomes prohibitively expensive. Nevertheless, it was a fascinating and worthwhile side project that provided us with significant learning opportunities.” This honest assessment offers transparency about the complexities of frame modification, emphasizing the bespoke nature and craftsmanship inherent in firefly bikes.
Front three-quarter view of the Firefly Bikes Rad Rod Volume 2, highlighting the front fork and tire clearance
Rad Rod Volume 2: A New Chapter for a Beloved Firefly Bikes Machine
The result of this retrofit is the “Rad Rod Volume 2,” a testament to the enduring appeal and adaptability of firefly bikes. The owner now enjoys a quiver that includes a drop bar singletrack bike, a classic rim brake road bike, and this newly transformed disc road bike, adept at handling dirt roads and the paved routes connecting urban life to mountain trails. While acknowledging the overlap in capabilities, the rider embraces the nuanced specialization of each bike. For this particular build, the vision was clear: a 650b disc road bike equipped with plush 47mm road tires.
For the component selection, SRAM Rival 22 was a trusted choice based on past positive experiences – known for its reliable performance. White Industries R30 cranks, made in California, were chosen for their aesthetic appeal and proven quality. Adding to the custom touch, new handlebars from GSC and Sim Works were incorporated. While familiar WTB wheels would have been a reliable option, Zipp presented an opportunity to test their new 650B Zipp 303 Firecrest wheelset. Teravail Rampart tires were deemed ideal for the intended riding style of this versatile firefly bikes creation.
Zipp 303 Firecrest 650b Wheels: Elevating the Ride Experience on Firefly Bikes
Zipp’s reputation for quality, dependability, and advanced engineering precedes them. The focus of this wheel test was to assess the feel of a 45mm deep road wheel in a smaller 650b diameter. While not swayed by pure aerodynamic hype, the rider appreciates wheels optimized for wider tires, easy tubeless setup, minimal maintenance, and appealing aesthetics. The 303 Firecrest wheels lived up to Zipp’s standards, performing exceptionally well on climbs and descents, with minimal instability in windy conditions.
Evaluating high-end wheels can be challenging, especially when they represent the pinnacle of available technology. While more affordable options exist in the market, Zipp rims are manufactured in the USA and supported by a two-year warranty. A minor inconvenience noted was the challenge of finding 650b tubes with sufficiently long valve stems for spares, temporarily addressed with a valve extender. The upgrade from a 32h wheelset to the lighter 24h Zipp 303s noticeably enhanced the bike’s responsiveness and agility, reaffirming its status as a cherished and familiar ride. More details on these wheels can be found at Zipp’s website.
A Continual Evolution: The Firefly Bikes Rad Rod Legacy
Mirroring its automotive inspiration – the customized rat rod car – the Rad Rod embodies purposeful use and evolution. Now reborn as a 2x chubby road bike, it exhibits character and enhanced functionality. The bike’s geometry and build are perfectly suited for dirt road adventures in the mountains surrounding Los Angeles and beyond. With increased mileage and each ride, the Rad Rod Volume 2 continues to deliver immense riding joy.
Explore more about Firefly’s innovative technology on their website and follow Firefly Bikes on Instagram to stay updated on their latest creations.
