Cain Bike Co.

One of two customer frames where form followed function, and then followed brexit and covid.

We were aiming to simplify our frames. Create more standover and use fewer tubes, but use them better to create a more compliant rear end. We had a plan, but unfortunately the massive disruptions to supply chains over 2020 and 2021 forced us to substantially review and reevaluate.

Then we came across these yokes. Loads of clearance. A little vertical flex. And quite different to look at. Made in Finland. Yes, they could potentially require a little more hose-time to clear after a muddy ride, but we consulted the customers and they were willing to give it a go.

One customer has described it as "amazing", which is always nice to hear.

Angles by us, tubing by , yokes by .

Maximum credit to everyone that is braving the filth this time of year.

How’s ‘summer’ working out for you so far?

Details, details #4: mud

You may not have been mountain biking in the UK's East Anglia during winter, and to be honest it's not generally advised. Other than a few well-drained sandy forests it's generally flat, bleak, and round the edge of fields on wet clay. It could be argued this is atmospheric and character building, but it's also bloody hard work because clay clogs ab-so-lutely everything.

Bikes designed to work here would need to have a vast amount of space between the frame and tyres to keep on moving, and admittedly you are unlikely to ever really beat the clogging clay monster. But should your thing be circling East Anglian fields in the depths of winter, on one of our bikes you'll have a fighting chance.

The bike industry is often mocked for its love of introducing new standards. Online cynics chase bandwagons to decry SRAM's latest trick for increasing demand and speeding up obsolescence, or Shimano's newest way of making sure nothing old works.

There may be some truth in this, but – and this may be a little controversial – what if these new standards sometimes worked? Or what if they were actually trying to make better what already exists? (Yes Hollowtech 2, take a bow)

Cain bikes are designed to be as simple, adaptable and future proof as possible. Frames are designed around Boost spacing because – well – it makes more sense. Similarly threaded English bottom brackets are specified because time has shown them to work well.

(For what it's worth, we hope that there will be a better bottom bracket standard at some point in the future with a thick axle and internal bearings. But let's cross that bridge should we get there.)

Cables are all external so they're easy to replace and stop rattling. The rear brake mount is International Standard and easy to get to. The headtube is X44 so practically every fork out there fits.

But – and here's the clincher – these standards work. Sure, they will be replaced at some point in the future, hopefully by something better. But, at the moment, they aren't faddy or gimmicky. They can be worked on while covered in filth. Spares are easily available.

They work.
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Collecting scuffs, scrapes and memories.
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It pleases us to say that the new Cain Bike Co. warehouse has opened!

Seeking to position ourselves strategically we have secured premises on a former Solent sea fort to take advantage of trade heading toward the Isle of Wight, mainland UK and even from Southampton as it goes into the wider world.

From our new base we can easily access passing trade and strike easy, frictionless deals to get our frames to customers around the globe.

This is a bold new step in unilateral cross-channel distribution and we are excited to see how it works!
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We've done a very limited run of branded One Green Bottle (.gb) bike cage-friendly riding bottles.

These bottles are great. They are made of stainless steel which means they are very, very tough, hygienic and recyclable. The Cain Bike Co. graphic is laser etched onto the raw finish so the logo will always look sharp while the steel will age beautifully, every scuff a record of your adventures. And, of course, steel is real.

And, because they're One Green Bottle, there's loads of other leak-proof cap options should you fancy a change.

Bottles cost £25ea including postage, but there's only a few left. If you would like one drop us a DM.
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Between the freeze and the thaw.
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There’s dry trails out there, if you know where to look...
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Definitely not designed in California.
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