This week’s Reader’s Rig comes from builder Yann Babelian of Cycles Khelonys in France, who shares the one-of-a-kind 27.5-inch klunker he made for a longtime client and friend, Joseph, complete with a truss fork and an upcycled main triangle. See it here…

Words and photos by Yann Babelian

To understand this bike, you need to understand its owner. Joseph is always on a bike, whether to pick up his kids at school, go to work, or play in the forest. What is certain is that his way of life and riding style are unique, as is his bicycle collection. Single speed, mullet, BMX handlebars—his riding style requires very special builds.

Anyway, concerning his MTBs, he’s never quite found exactly what he was looking for. He was one of the early testers of Khelonys bikes, as well as a riding partner, a workshop neighbor, and a regular customer. It was time for him to ride a Khelonys of his own.

Usually, Joseph receives people when they’re sick, but this time the roles have been switched: “Yann, I’ve been looking for the perfect bicycle for years, looking for old parts and bikes, but I’ve never found it. I’m now an addict. Please help me… make the bike that will save me!”

Indeed, Joseph’s riding style is halfway between trial and enduro. He likes shredding flowy singletrack but also enjoys picking his way through technical terrain. He likes simplicity, fully rigid bikes, and high cockpits. It’s very difficult to find the perfect balance of these three.

• Frame: Khelonys (with an old MTB front triangle)
• Fork: Khelonys truss
• Rims: Velocity Dually 27.5
• Hubs: Hope Pro 5
• Tires: Duro Miner 27.5 x 3.25
• Handlebars: Khelonys stainless
• Grips: Lizard Skin Northshore
• Headset: Hope
• Crankset: Miranda
• Chainring: Miranda Narrow wide 32T
• Bottom bracket: BSA Stronglight
• Derailleur(s): Box 9s 11-51
• Brakes: Hope Evo TR4
• Saddle: Brooks C17
• Seatpost: KS Lev Si 27.2 x 120mm travel
• Stem: Profile Racing Acoustic
• Frame bags: Pop Pin’s custom made
• Rear rack: Khelonys stainless
• Bash guard: Khelonys stainless

Making it simple is often complicated, especially when Joseph wanted to reuse the front triangle of his old steel MTB. All of that led to a contemporary klunker, with many hours spent finding the perfect geometry: high cockpit, high BB, and short chainstay, all while maintaining its trail prowess. And, of course, there were many hours of craftsmanship, too.

More accustomed to single speeds, we chose the 9-speed BOX transmission, which allows for a burly chain while offering a large ratio range with an 11-51 cassette. Per his request, I made a custom stainless steel bash guard to protect the chainring and frame. I also made custom handlebars to accommodate his distinctive riding position on the bike, plus a minimal rear rack that will let him attach cargo cages for his adventures.

You can see more of Yann’s work on Instagram.

Further Reading

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