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TPC Staff Picks: September

It's September already and we're back with another round of Staff Picks. See what the TPC crew has been swooning over.

Written by: Adam Vadeboncoeur

Published on:

Posted in:Bikes

Check out some of our "Staff Picks" below:

Week of September 22nd:

First off, drop-bar hardtail conversions are all the rage. Go to races like Leadville, Big Sugar, etc... you're seeing tons of them these days thanks to wireless SRAM/Mullet setups. Second, I like Santa Cruz bike a lot. My Stigmata is one of my favorite bikes I've ever owned and this Highball conversion is like taking the Stigmata and turning the rowdiness up to 11. This Highball is decked out with a top of the line kit and capable of accepting huge tires to handle as rowdy of gravel as you can find. Whether you're looking to change it up on the single track with a little added speed or you're pushing the boundaries of gravel, this Highball is ready for action!

Adam V. - eCommerce Merchandising

TLDR: Drop-Bar Hardtail Conversions are All the Rage

[product-block handle="8309312749760-santa-cruz-highball-c-drop-bar-mountain-bike-2023-large"/]

The Specialized Crux is such a versatile bike. Originally designed for Cyclocross, the Crux has blurred the lines to become a lightweight gravel race machine and even a high performance road bike. Whether you only have space for 1 bike or the budget for 1 bike and need it to check multiple boxes - keep your eyes peeled for a Crux! In my opinion,  they also come in some of the coolest paint jobs like this sweet copper with subtle black stripes

Matt S. - Intake / Shipping

TLDR: One bike, three disciplines. 

[product-block handle="8306167251136-specialized-crux-expert-gravel-bike-2024-58cm"/]

The day this bike rolled into the warehouse I don't think a single employee didn't comment on it. The paint is both eye-catching and timeless. Speedvagen knows how to build a bike that rides like a dream. If you're searching for a gravel steed that inspires you to ride, this Speedvagen GTFO might just be the one. You'll also want to buy a wall mount bike rack for your living room, because this bike is a piece of art.

Richard S. - Catalog Specialist

TLDR: Inspiring Artwork on Wheels

[product-block handle="8307902349504-speedvagen-drop-bar-gtfo-gravel-bike-2023-medium"/]

Week of September 9th:

The new Stumpjumper 15's are awesome bikes, but this one feels a little extra awesome. The new Genie shock feels plush but extremely supportive, and makes for a poppy, playful ride. The Maven Silver brakes are incredibly strong and seem like they know you're going to brake even before you pull the lever. I would feel confident riding this bike on any trail in the Front Range area. This Stumpy 15 is truly the quintessential trail bike, and the beautiful green paint job is the cherry on top!

Aaron S. - Warehouse Manager

TLDR: Colorado front range quiver-killer.

[product-block handle="8292760846528-specialized-stumpjumper-15-pro-mountain-bike-2025-s3"/]

The 3T Strada gets up and goes. These bikes are insanely responsive. It might not be the lightest bike out there, but the stiffness from this frame will give you plenty advantage. From the narrow handlebars, big chainring, Pirelli P Zero Race RS tires - this bike has a clear purpose: going fast.

Seth P. - Master Technician

TLDR: Purpose specific crit-master.

[product-block handle="8289761034432-3t-strada-road-bike-2024-medium"/]

This might be the most bada** bike we have on the site right now. Top-of-the-line components, stealthy, murdered-out components, and just about as aerodynamic as you can get. It was fascinating watching Jonas Vingegaard choose this bike exclusively in this years Tour de France for every stage, including the climbs. 

James P. - Warehouse Assoc.

TLDR: The bike you reach for when you want to go fast.

[product-block handle="8278199402688-cervelo-s5-red-axs-road-bike-2024-51cm"/]