Photos: Joey Schusler
In the late 80s and early 90s, mountain biking was hitting its stride. This period of time was marked with explosive growth and innovation. Mountain bike racing was all the rage, bright colorful paint jobs were the norm, and no frame design was too wild. The fun was at the sport’s center. Nothing embodies that more than Bob Seals and Retrotec.
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Seals was the inventor of the Cool Tool, a multi-function bike tool for trail-side repairs. While the Cool Tool saw a fair amount of success, Seals would eventually turn his focus to frame building. He was known for showing up to races in an old yellow school bus and pulling up to the start line in nothing more than cowboy boots and a speedo (or tutu, or dress, maybe a tie). Never one to take things too seriously, his curved framed Retrotec bikes harkened back to when we were kids and a Schwinn beach cruiser meant absolute freedom…and fun.
Modern Retrotec bikes. Photo: John Watson
Retrotec frames are a blend of whimsical nostalgia and modern technology. And while the more commonly known cruiser style frames pulled from (a then) 60-year-old design, Retrotec set out to really push the envelope with another offering. Enter the Retrotec Cool Toob Human Powered Dirt Craft Bicycle. It’s a lot to say. And the bike is a lot to look at.
Where to start? There are few bikes that spark up conversation like the Dirt Craft Cycle. With reportedly only about 50 ever made, if you ever come across one on the trail, you won’t soon forget it. The first thing you’ll notice is the 4130 chromoly aircraft mono tube. Those holes drilled through it are for weight savings! No two frames have the same number of holes, hole pattern, or hole size.
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As we move to the back of the frame, we find something that should be at the front — a fork! The fork at the back of the frame is supported by four cables. Believe it or not, the design pulls inspiration from bikes built in the late 1800s with its cable truss format. In this application, the theory is twofold. First, the compliance of the fork offers muted suspension qualities. Tucked beneath the bottom bracket are two skateboard truck elastomers to aid this controlled compliance. As the fork flexes from trail input, it’s held in check by the cables. The second benefit of this design (in theory) is that, as you lean into a corner, the rear wheel is able to remain more upright thus increasing traction. More traction, more speed. The tension of the cables can be adjusted to suit the riders’ preferences.
For as wild as the Dirt Craft Cycle looks, the geometry is nothing out of the ordinary for the time. 71-degree head tube, 73-degree seat tube, 16 ¾” chain stay length. This translates to a bike that rides really…normal. This Retrotec does everything well with no single stand-out characteristic (good or bad). The touted suspension qualities are muted and nearly invisible. You wouldn’t know anything was happening unless you laid a finger on the cables. But when it comes to owning and riding vintage mountain bikes, do we really care? It looks like nothing else on the trail, rides as good as anything else at the time, was handmade in Northern California by a well-respected craftsman, and it’s rare. The Retrotec Cool Toob Human Powered Dirt Craft Bicycle is a delightful representation of the golden era of mountain biking.
The Build
Year: 1992
Frame: Retrotec Cool Toob Human Powered Dirt Craft Cycle
Fork: Bontrager Composite
Stem: Salsa Roller
Headset: Shimano Dura-Ace
Shifters: Shimano XT M732
Front Derailleur: Shimano XT M732
Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT M732
Brake Levers: Shimano XT M733
Front Brake: Shimano XT M732
Rear Brake: Shimano XT M732
Crankset: Shimano XT M730
Wheelset: Bullseye
Seatpost: Syncros
Saddle: Ritchey
Cogs: Shimano XT HG90
Handlebars: True Temper (Fat Chance logo)
Quick Release: Shimano
Pedals: Shimano M737 SPD
Grips: Oury
Other: OnZa Chill Pill straddle hangers
