Developed alongside the our flagship Silkroad II, we are pleased welcome the Blueridge to our touring-focused Expedition series of bicycles. The new models (which replace our 5th Avenue) have been completely redesigned with updated tubing, modular rack system, frame features, geometry, and fork options that build upon the classic character of of the previous models, but bring efficiency, convenience, and reliability to the next level.
The crossroads of performance and efficiency. The Blueridge (the successor to the 5th Avenue) is named after America's longest National Parkway and is designed specifically for the high-mileage asphalt adventurer. Why the name change from the 5th Avenue? Simply put, naming this family of bikes after a street in New York City was just a little too “urban” for models that have “expedition” crafted into every frame. The Blueridge family shares frames with the Silkroad family (as did its predecessor), but we designed the Blueridge models for those seeking to travel the globe whose routes are principally on pavement. With its updated geometry, the Blueridge also now takes the place of the Grande Route in our lineup. It can be configured in a drop bar "GT" configuration with a carbon Cinq Touring Fork just like the Grande Route, making it our fastest and lightest expedition bike.
Blueridge Expedition Touring Model Highlights
Developed alongside our flagship Silkroad, the Blueridge is fast and efficient but is packed with the features and options that make it ideal for long days in the saddle.
Frame Features
Touring Optimized Geometry
Our Expedition II Geometry keeps you stable and confident while carrying your gear, yet still maintains a lively and agile ride. We have extended the head-tube for a more upright riding position and shortened the fork axle-to-crown height to 400 mm to offer more fork options. The long chainstays help the bike track well, while providing balanced weight distribution and increased heel clearance to your panniers. Generous toe- and stand-over clearance give you the confidence to maneuver in tight situations.
Thermocrom Tubing
The Blueridge is stronger than ever with the weight capacity now at 180 kg, an increase of 20 kg over the 5th Avenue. The thermocrom tubeset brings our frame construction to the next level. Heat treating the steel allows us to strategically use thinner wall tubing in certain, areas reducing weight without sacrificing durability. We can fine-tune the classic steel ride of each frame to its specific application, balancing weight, stiffness, and compliance. Thermocrom shares virtually all of the characteristics of our Dedacciai tubing, but represents a massive reduction in your bike's overall carbon footprint due to a reduction in the shipment of the raw materials and tubing between countries.
Expedition Rack II
The Expedition Rack II is the latest iteration of our stainless-steel integrated cargo rack. Welded directly to the frame, the latest generation is even lighter while maintaining its load capacity. The optional, modular EX-Rail system replaces the lower mounting strut providing three configurations: 1 - Stay fast and light by using the Expedition Rack on its own. 2 - For more stability and less wear-and-tear, mount the stainless-steel EX-Rails. 3 - Attach the optional Quick-Lock3 mounting kit and take advantage of Ortlieb's low profile, easy-to-use mounting system. Additional Expedition Rack II highlights include updated geometry, and improved wiring and light mounts. The maximum load capacity of our Expedition Rack II is 40 kg.
Ex-Rail System
See our Silkroad Blog for details on the EX-Rail system. It bolts quickly and securely to our Expedition Rack II, allowing you to mount your cargo lower and further back for increased heel clearance, more cargo carrying options, and a lower center of gravity. This results in increased stability and better ergonomics with larger panniers. Like the Expedition Rack II, the EX-Rails are constructed of stainless-steel to prevent corrosion. We use a raw, sand-blasted finish on the Rails - not only does this look good, but it is also extremely wear resistant. Your frame and integrated rack stay scratch-free, looking their best for even longer.
Ortlieb Quick-Lock3 mounting kit
See our Silkroad Blog for details on the Ortlieb Quick-Lock3 mounting kit. The optional kit lets you take advantage of Ortlieb's practical Quick-Lock3 and 3.1 bags. With the mounting points on the rack, Ortlieb designers are able to minimize protruding hooks and rails on their bags, making the panniers lighter, more durable, and much more comfortable to carry while off the bike. Mounting and removing the bags is easier than ever, and wear-and-tear on the rack is virtually eliminated.
Expedition Frame Details
Exceptional attention to detail makes this our most feature-rich Expedition frame to date:
- 4 bottle mounts (including one under the top tube) for more water- and cargo-carrying capacity
- Internal electrical wiring channels through the top-tube and Expedition rack
- 3D dropout design and construction (belt-compatible) with 12x142 mm thru-axle for Derailleur and Rohloff drivetrains
- Larger diameter, internally-butted head tube increases stiffness with no weight penalty
- Machined bottom-bracket shell
The new Ergo-Stop II and Ergo-Stop II Plus
The Ergo-Stop II builds on the features of the original Ergo-Stop. Like the original, it consists of two elements – a stop integrated into the frame and a stopper mounted on the fork steerer tube. By limiting how far the bar can rotate, it keeps your cables and electrical wiring intact and protects your frame and handlebar. Steering stops at approximately 78° in each direction, making it compatible with both flat- and drop-bar configurations.
Incorporating all of the features of the Ergo-Stop II, the Ergo-Stop II Plus, adds a newly designed parking lock to hold the handlebar in position even if the bike is loaded. It prevents the bike from tipping over, which is especially helpful for bikes carrying front-mounted low-riders, a front rack, or a handlebar bag. The latest iteration adds a stronger, bolt-on interface and CNC machined alloy lock mechanism for increased durability.
Specification Highlights
28" / 700c Wheel Size
The 28" (700c) wheel is the classic wheel size, from its origins in bicycle racing. While the 700c designator is common in North America and the UK, in Europe and other parts of the world the term 28" is used interchangeably. While 28" refers to the rim diameter, 700c references the wheel diameter, including tire. Today, 28" (700c) is a popular tire format for trekking (hybrid) bikes, as they are very suitable for daily use and perform well at higher speeds. They roll well, offer good comfort, and have a sporty look. Lightweight wheels can be built for 28" (700c) tires, reducing the rotating mass providing a quick and agile ride.
Cinq Shift:R Road for Rohloff Option
When built as a Rohloff bike, the drop-bar Blueridge GT includes the Cinq Shift:R Road for Rohloff. This shift system is the result of a collaboration with the leading brake manufacturer TRP and provides enhanced shifting ergonomics on bikes with the Rohloff 500/14 Speedub. The hydraulic TRP Hylex brake system is known for its high quality and braking performance. The Shift:R Box uses only an impact-resistant 6061 aluminium housing, and stainless steel shift mechanism which allowing shifting up to three gears at a time with Rohloff gearhubs.
Fork Options
The fork is in integral part of your bike, and thanks to our updated geometry we now offer two high-quality fork options so you can pick the one that is perfect for your next adventure:
Expedition Fork
The Expedition Fork is our premium, feature-rich chromoly steel fork. With the same precise-yet-comfortable ride as our Allroad Fork, the Expedition Fork adds tire clearance and a bunch of cargo and electrical features:In addition to standard lighting and fender mounts, 3-point eyelets on the fork legs let you attach two-bolt bottle cages, three-bolt cargo-style cages or lowrider racks for maximum flexibility. Electrically, the Expedition Fork is drilled for internal dynamo hub wiring and is compatible with the SON SL (Self-Connecting) dynamo system. It allows the front wheel to be removed from the fork without the need to manually unplug the dynamo and is wired internally from dropout to light. The lack of exposed connectors or wires prevents damage to the system, making it a more reliable and robust lighting and (in combination with the Cinq Plug5) charging solution. These features that make the Expedition fork ideal for touring, bikepacking, and everyday use.
Cinq Touring Fork
The carbon fiber Cinq touring fork is designed to bring cargo mounting reliability and weight savings to traditional touring bikes. The fork has an axle-to-crown lenth of 395 mm and clearance for 50 mm (700c) or 54 mm (650B) wide tires which makes it suitable for a wide variety of wheel, tire and frame combinations. Beyond the basics, the fork has a host of features that really set it apart from other products in the segment: It is compatible with dynamo hubs with the ability to route wiring internally, giving you an elegant and robust connection to your power supply. The fork also uses a unique ""no-thread"" thru-bolt eyelet system which greatly reduces the stress on the carbon sidewalls, resulting in cargo carrying capacity and reliability that are second-to-none. Thanks to a modular design, the included stainless-steel hardware is completely replacable - damaging or cross-threading a bolt no longer means your fork ends up going in for expensive repairs. Lighting and fender mounts give you the flexibility to configure the fork to suit your adventure.
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