Can we be told in advance about BOTM?

[FMJ]

after all this, I really can't wait to see what next months category actually is

UNICYCLES !!!!!

Its stopped me from just actually taking the bike out for a ride, because I needs to have it perfect for the Photo shoot to use for BOTM

I can't fathom that.

When I took over stewardship (for lack of a better description) of my 91 Xizang it had been ridden once up the street and back by the previous owner. A piece of history? Probably. They didn't make a lot of that particular version of frame. In the end, it's still a mountainbike, and I had it out last Monday and wailed on it on the local trails.

I personally think that the actual bike is often forgotten in favour of clever photography. We have POTM as a separate contest, but I still think people get caught up in voting for whichever is best presented rather than looking at the substance.

If I'm entering a bike I post 2 pics. One of the ubiquitous MBA standard bike test side shot, and one "artsy-fartsy" shot. Seems to cover the bases.

 

[mfh126]

In the end, it's still a mountainbike, and I had it out last Monday and wailed on it on the local trails.

I smell Photoshop all over that picture. Those tires are too clean to have been used on a trail!

 

[sinnerman]

best thread ive read in a long time....

A taiwanese bike of the month would be awesum......could you imagine the amount of entries, i can imagine the variety now.....that could be a great botm...!!!!

 

[JeRkY]

I agree with every one except the people others disagree with, but only when I'm not agreeing with them. .. It's the retrobike way!

 

[mikee]

didn't realise BOTM was competitive

can i submit this for next months BOTM then

 

[Dr S]

I've got to say that Ameybrook has got it right. Hasn't he won BoTM in the past with an old Kona? Doesn't that point to something?

It doesn't have to be about the money guys. For a start, folk can't complain about not being able to afford high end bikes when they have a dozen low/mid range bikes in their sigs. I'm all for inclusion but BoTM should be about excellence- be that a rare as hens teeth 'ham or something like WDPros Marin. Great bikes don't cost the earth, they cost time, effort and love. I can't remember the owner, but there was a Muddy Fox in readers wives a few weeks back that demonstrated perfectly how to restore a bike properly. It was a real labour of love and it showed through in bucket loads. It wasn't exotic, it wasn't expensive, but it deserved inclusion in BoTM for sure.

My first BoTM win cost me less than £250 and won in a straight fight- not a special month. I've also bought a Mountain Goat frame and fork on eBay for £160 in the past. Don't let money be an excuse. Its piss poor and doesn't wash with me. Look and you will find, but don't ask for the bar to be lowered because you lack ambition. And how many people throw a bike together and then take a crap photo of it leant up against a bin? Does that person deserve to win BoTM? What does it say about Retrobike?

Let BoTM be a showcase of all that is great. Aim high!

 

[FMJ]

didn't realise BOTM was competitive

can i submit this for next months BOTM then

Those are 1998 --> and are ineligible.

 

[mikee]

they're not mine either

 

[Tazio]

they're not mine either

And all entries must have pedals fitted.

 

[mikee]

well SI i cant disagree with you there