WeThePeople Releases BMX-Inspired 27.5″ Klunker

Nov 28, 2019 at 8:41
by Ed Spratt  
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BMX brand WeThePeople has come up with their own take on the classic Klunker mountain bike with their new 27.5" cruiser bike called the Avenger. Featuring a full steel frame and some decent size trail tyres, this bike is built for playing in the woods as well as street riding.

The full 4130 Chromoly steel frame is TIG welded and matches the 33mm offset fork and 790mm cruiser bar which features a 14° backsweep. The crankset also gets the 4130 treatment and this bike has a spec sheet that appears to be pretty bombproof. This does all come at a cost because even when built as a single-speed the whole bike comes in at a claimed 32.84lb/14.88kg, this is definitely not a bike you are going to worry about breaking.

This is not the first cruiser style bike from WeThePeople with their first bike of this style coming out 17 years ago and featured 24" wheels. But for the new Avenger, they have built something that combines BMX, classic cruiser style and some modern trail sensibilities to make a bike that is meant to be fun both on the street and in the woods. To improve upon their past efforts the new Klunker features bigger 27.5" wheels, disc brakes and some chunkier trail tyres to cope with some off-road fun. Alongside the modern changes, they have still kept in some classic details such as a straight 1 1/8" steerer, quick-release hubs and a 27.2mm seatpost.

To keep things simple and keeping with WeThePeople BMX heritage the Avenger comes in one size that is designed to fit a range of different riders. Alongside the single size option, the geometry is nothing modern with a steep 70° head angle and now slack 68° seat angle. These numbers don't exactly sound exciting but this bike isn't really about having the most efficient ride possible.

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Specifications:

Frame: WeThePeople "Avenger" frame, 4130 full crmo
Fork: WeThePeople "Avenger" fork, 4130 full crmo, 33mm offset
Bars: WeThePeople "Avenger" bar, 4130 full crmo
Grips: Salt “Clamp on” flangeless grips, 145mm
Stem: WeThePeople "Avenger" cnc top load stem, 1-1/8", 49mm reach
Headset: FSA "Orbit UF-NO.2N" headset
Lever: Shimano "BL-MT200", disc brake lever
Brakes: Shimano "BL-MT200", hydraulic disc brake with 160 mm rotors
Cranks: Salt "Avenger" tubular 3pc "TSS" crank crmo 175mm, 8 spline
BB: Saltplus "BSA" (68mm), 19mm, external, sealed bearing
Pedals: WeThePeople "Logic" nylon/fiberglass pedals
Chain: WeThePeople "Supply" chain, Z510HX type
Sprocket: WeThePeople "Patrol" 6061-T6 alloy, 42t cnc sprocket
Driver: 18t cog, cassette driver, sealed bearing
Front Hub: WeThePeople "Avenger" disc front hub, fully sealed, M6 female bolts, 36h
Rear Hub: WeThePeople "Avenger" disc cassette hub, fully sealed, 3/8" female bolts, 36h
Front Rim: WeThePeople "Avenger-DB-32" 27.5" double wall, 36h
Rear Rim: WeThePeople "Avenger-DB-32" 27.5" double wall, 36h
Seat: WeThePeople "Avenger" railed seat
Seat Post: WeThePeople "Avenger" 27.2mm, seat post, alloy
Seat Clamp: WeThePeople "Avenger" 29.8mm forged alloy seat clamp
Tires: WTB "Breakout" tires, 27.5"x 2.3" front & rear


Weight: 14.88kg / 32.84lbs



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Geometry:

Frame Geometry:
Top Tube Length: 24.5”
Chain Stay Length: 18.75”
Head Tube Angle: 70°
Seat Tube Angle: 68°
Bottom Bracket Height: -63mm
Stand Over Height: -
Handlebar Geometry:
Rise: 4.3“
Width: 31.1”
Back Sweep: 14°
Up Sweep: 4°



Pricing:
949.99 USD
999.99 GBP
999.95 EUR
16999.95 AU


Launch Video:



PRESS RELEASE:

A mix of the old and the new, our 27.5” clunker is something unique, to say the least. Taking our BMX heritage and combining it with modern MTB technology, the Avenger is perfect for smashing it down the single track on the weekend or just getting from A to B in style. With an injection of aftermarket parts from Shimano, WTB and FSA the Avenger is also stacked with some very special components we designed specifically for this bike based on some of our favourite parts from our mid-school BMX roots. The full Chromoly frame, fork and bar keep the Avenger tough and agile, whilst the larger 27.5” wheels with 2.30” tires allow you to tackle any terrain in your path.

We spent a lot of time achefully spec’ing and dialling in the Avenger for this model year and we couldn’t be prouder of the absolute fun-machine we’ve created. A bike which is as fun to look at as it is to ride, if you’re looking for the ultimate weekend machine then look no further!



Author Info:
edspratt avatar

Member since Mar 16, 2017
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93 Comments
  • 64 0
 Damn those Aussies are really getting screwed.
  • 2 12
flag fupa-trupa (Nov 28, 2019 at 20:24) (Below Threshold)
 Currency difference..
  • 14 0
 @jakedewar90: current conversion is around 1400 still getting screwed come to nz and get f*cked even more
  • 8 0
 European company, USD price is lower than the Euro/GBP price before you even convert it! We’re all getting screwed!
  • 3 0
 @abgs87: usd is usually without local tax I think
  • 27 1
 @abgs87: I'm not totally up to date on GB politics, but isn't it GB that is screwing the GBP?
  • 1 0
 @likehell: that makes a lot of sense!
  • 2 0
 @likehell: I think your right. The GBP price includes 20% tax and the USD price usually has the tax added at checkout (6-7ish% depending on state).
  • 1 0
 @kittenjuice: No. India! Without them suddenly wanting to be a sovereign country GBP would be much stronger
  • 4 1
 Hmm, 17 grand for a steel clunker or a top spec e-bike and 5 grand to spare!? Decisions decisions
  • 3 0
 @ctd07: They both sound like bad decisions. ...How much coke does that buy?
  • 1 0
 @kittenjuice: lol kinda my point
  • 1 0
 @philv: or zero %, in some states!
  • 29 1
 Really missed an opportunity making that seat angle 68 instead of 69
  • 5 0
 nice.
  • 4 0
 Yes, but klunker means testicles in Danish
  • 2 0
 @Christopop: nice.
  • 28 4
 Finally the perfect bike for a millennial working a second job as a paperboy to afford his rent. The market demanded it and the industry provided.
  • 16 1
 I remember Transition tried to sell basically this exact bike around 2013. ‘The Klunker’. They made a big deal about it, and shot some pretty kickass videos. It was a slightly lower budget build, but exact same geometry and idea, aside from 26” wheels.

I worked in a bike shop at the time, and my older boss ordered a couple thinking they were the coolest shit ever. Sadly they were the eternal test pilot favourite. Everybody and their dad said they loved them, and talked a big game about how much fun they were to ride, but I never saw anyone actually put money down. I left at the end of the season and they were still kicking around the shop.

There definitely is a market for this stuff in BMX and urban biking circles, however I don’t know much about it. Look at all the weird oversized BMX cruisers sold by SE bikes, etc. Someone is buying this stuff, but I don’t think it jives with your average suburb dwelling mountain biker. For the curious, search ‘Bike Life’ on YouTube.
  • 4 0
 I remember that bike — but I couldn’t find them anywhere, and it seems like they were sold out quick on the Transition website.

Anyway, you’re right. They’re cool looking and all that, and there are a bunch of companies making cool retro 26ers these days, but when push comes to shove, I only have a limited amount of money to spend, and I’m going to use that on my mountain bike.
  • 6 0
 Whhhaaaaaatt? The Klunker was a huge success for Transition and became their most sold bike until the Patrol took over that title. I've been looking for a klunker for years now but people around here just won't sell them.
  • 3 1
 Not anywhere near me. Sold trans for years and never sold one @panaphonic:
  • 7 2
 @alreadyupsidedown hipster nonsense. If they market them in Seattle and Austin etc they'll sell a bunch of them.
  • 9 0
 IMO the problem with the Tranny Klunker is that it was too original ie coaster rear brake and no front brake and 26 wheels. It would be fun at first but a bit limiting. At least with this you have front and rear discs and 275 wheels. I still wouldn't buy it tho as it is expensive for what it is. You are better off getting a modern rigid single speed with a dropper post. I run my Krampus single speed rigid and ride it as much as my Starling.
  • 3 1
 @fartymarty: spot on, Surly Karate Monkey or Krampus is way better than this, I saw the video and thought, man I'd rather have a Surly or Stooge
  • 4 0
 @sewer-rat: Surly or Stooge all the way.

The Kona Unit is another I would add to the list - add a -2 headset and you have new school geo on a rigid bike.
  • 2 0
 @fartymarty: and a feckin quick one
  • 1 0
 @panaphonic: That’s interesting to hear. I’d love to see some data on that.
  • 5 0
 I bought one of Transition’s klunkers used, it sucked to ride, but it looked cool in the garage.

Don’t waste your money, it’s a throwback that should be thrown back.
  • 3 0
 Lars Sternberg made an awesome video showing how great they were and that you could ride everything on them and have fun. Lots of people bought them and realised that the bikes were heavy, hard work to ride and that they didn't have an ounce of his talent so had no fun whatsoever on them.
  • 4 0
 I agree with everyone’s points above. End of the day, these klunker bikes aren’t worth much from an actual trail-riding perspective, and I don’t think disc brakes really change that equation. The geometry really dictates what you can do on them given a certain skill level, and limits their versatility and long term use case. At least the Transition was kinda affordable.

Maybe if you live somewhere like the hills of California, with lots of drift-able downhill fire roads, (like the original klunker guys) owning one of these bikes could be fun.

Sadly my experience with niche or novelty bikes, (fixed-gear freestyle for instance) is that they’re really only a good time if you’re doing it with other people. That’s the fun part- Having a laugh with your friends as you collectively push the boundaries of bikes that have no business going off-road, or doing tricks.

I think people buy these sort of bikes from a place of nostalgia, as it reminds them of their youth, hacking around on old beaters and kids bikes without a care. But then they ride the thing, and realize it’s their friends they miss, not the shitty bikes.

Rewatching the video above from this perspective makes the ending seem extra sad. The guy makes a fire and has a lonely beer by himself... What kind of a depressing sales pitch is that???

0/10 does not make me stoked to ride!
  • 1 0
 @alreadyupsidedown: try a modern klunker with decent geo and big wheels. I can ride all the stuff I can ride on my full sus bike, just slower.
  • 1 0
 @fartymarty: Not to be pedantic, but I don’t really think of a steel bike with decent geometry as a klunker? Isn’t that just a modern rigid MTB? I thought the cruiser geo is kinda what makes it a klunker.

Anyways I believe you! Personally, I’d love to own the new 2020 Kona Unit X.
  • 2 0
 @alreadyupsidedown: "lonely beer" lolololololol.
  • 1 0
 I actually see more and more bikes likes these on the trails now. It's not an urban thang. The local LBS are building retro mtb bikes now too for 1200 USD. Customers may just think "Why not just order a new turn key option like this? Seems like it makes sense.
  • 1 0
 @alreadyupsidedown: I guess it depends on your definition of Klunker. I would call it rigid single speed and steel (as it is getting back to the simplicity of the original klunkers albeit moved on with the times) but I get where you are coming from.
  • 1 0
 @alreadyupsidedown: the only downside (or could also be seen as a positive) to riding modern rigid bike is your arms and shoulders get an absolute workout if you ride anything bumpy. I rode my Krampus this morning and 2 hours was my max before my shoulders give up.
  • 19 2
 And it has We The Beople tires. Cool.
  • 17 3
 For the man who has everything and can afford to drop $1k on a lark
  • 6 0
 I look at that bike and think fvck I want one. If I dropped some money on it, on ride, I’d immediately realise why modern geometry and components were invented and properly never ride it again...
  • 1 0
 see my comments above. Get a Karate Monkey, Krampus or Stooge and you wont regret it.
  • 4 1
 Buy a f*ckin $150 mtb off craigslist. “Combining it with modern mtb technology”.... like QR’s? Frame, fork, and cockpit looks sick, and obviously not gonna get a heater build for $1000 but idk seems like a weak build.
  • 2 0
 typo in the sale pitch, the bike has bolt up hubs
  • 3 1
 I actually got one of the Transition Klunkers in 2014 and still have it and use it regularly. Its so fun making really easy trails challenging and gets you back to basics having a blast on a bike. The coaster brake on the back really makes it a totally different and sketchy experience and something that is seriously missing on the WeTHePeople version.
  • 1 0
 I was thinking this isn’t a klunker. Coaster brake!
  • 2 0
 All the companies of the world are just throwing stuff out into the marketplace to see if it clicks with the buying public if it does great if not it’s gone simple, if you like buy it if you don’t then don’t, if I had the extra cash I’d buy it.
  • 9 4
 You too can drop $1k on overpriced garbage. Perfect!
  • 10 1
 No, saving money for Enve pump station
  • 5 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Don't bother, peasant. Enve don't take savings, only platinum credit cards and dividend payments.
  • 2 0
 @Phillip: You can't straight up pay for goods with a dividend payment but this is till my favourite thing from today. Can I give them some of the stock options in my employee incentive plan?
  • 4 0
 I give it the We the People's "Choice" award for most house-branded parts and overuse of quotation marks.
  • 6 0
 Just picture Dr. Evil doing the air quotes - “Avenger”, “Logic”, “Supply”
  • 2 0
 @PocoBoho: Cheers sir, first laugh of the day while still having breakfast.
  • 2 0
 If I lived in a college town, with a short commute of relatively flat single track and lots of stairs I could hop, had a bike park on the way, plus had a decent job and no family, I would definitely buy this.
  • 1 0
 ha -- yeah, I bought a Tranny Klunker for the shop, just for kicks, at the time, had a little extra spending money. pretty cool looking but, that's about it. they needed to toss the coaster brake, it would be better with V or disc even if it was el cheepo. kinda cheesey material and build kit, wouldn't buy them for anything other than just tinkering around, walk the dog, etc
  • 2 0
 They really missed a great opportunity. Tapered Head tube, through axles, and modern geo would have been an easy home run for them.
  • 3 0
 My Transition Klunker is still rolling fine, it was NZ$500 about 5 years ago :-)
  • 2 0
 Why would anyone spend that kind of money for an incapable bike? You can find real Klunkers on Ebay for $100 or less. I found mine at the local trash dump for free
  • 1 0
 What the point? There are plenty of beach cruisers with nice design and colors, and actually serf bindings which is one of important accessories
  • 6 3
 Can’t they make an ebike inspired by a clunker?
  • 3 0
 Shhhh. Stop it.
  • 1 0
 3.bp.blogspot.com/-DiRQVcBiIbk/WsJmCCjtvUI/AAAAAAAAOkc/VAvYeXUnT38jU68vSegDtOuPrPwYIgbzwCLcBGAs/s1600/Ocean%2BCurrent%2BSC.png
  • 4 1
 @themountain: it ain’t the same, I want a meep it real BMX brand make ebikes. I want to see the fall of sanctity, defile the artificial purity!
  • 2 0
 @WAKIdesigns: You are a masochist , right? Big Grin
  • 3 1
 @themountain: no, no, by all means, on the contrary: A sadist! Big Grin
  • 1 0
 So fat people can ride up rails?
  • 2 0
 @mkotowski1: yes and stupid people too deserve to be in nature
  • 1 0
 I have a set of WTP ‘magma’ bmx bars in that finish from about 10 years ago. I can’t bring myself to get rid of them because they’re such a nice piece of metal lol.
  • 4 0
 www.pinkbike.com/photo/12710612
  • 1 0
 Nice! Volume bikes had a beautiful clunker a while back but our importers didn't bring it in to the UK Frown
  • 2 0
 Anyone know this song in the video?
  • 1 0
 I want the space and bike budget to allow for me to have this as my 6th bike.
  • 1 0
 Just went to order one for my shop. ETA APR 2020 so I'll probably forget about by then
  • 1 0
 Just buy a Kona unit......
  • 2 0
 You’re probably thinking of the Kona Humuhumu. I love my Humuhumu 29er I bought used for $350! Had to wait until I found one used because there’s no way I’d spend retail $ on a clunker...
  • 1 0
 Love my Kona Unit. Essentially a 29” BMX and so fun
  • 3 0
 @mtbikemccoy: I feel like not spending retail is the definition of a klunker
  • 1 0
 Good call. The new Unit has good geo especially with a -2 headset.
  • 4 3
 man, that bike is ugly like me.
  • 2 0
 Just post a picture..we will decide Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @iridedj look at this, booze cruiser
  • 1 0
 I love my 1998 Kona Humuhumunukunukuapua'a
  • 1 0
 Helmet? That bro mop ain't going to cut it.
  • 2 3
 ...bike comes in at a claimed 32.84lb/14.88kg, ...
14/88.
Perfect!
Running to the shop!
  • 1 0
 No thank you.
  • 1 1
 Surly lowside copy cat. Even the video....and no helmet?
  • 1 0
 Needs Gumwalls
  • 1 0
 Dope campin’ bike.
  • 1 0
 This bike is awesome.
  • 1 2
 A Klunker by definition is an old bike, this is not.







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