Fresh Gravel: Twin Six Standard Rando

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Twin Six is a well known apparel company from Minneapolis, Minnesota and was started in 2005 by partners Ryan Carlson and Brent Gale. Since the beginning, Twin Six has developed a very unique, identifiable look and feel to their apparel which has struck a chord with cyclists from all across the globe. Clothing for cyclists. Right. We get that. So, what the heck is an apparel company doing making bicycles?

That’s a great question, and since I’ve known these guys almost from the onset of the company, I will give you my two cents. I believe it is because Brent and Ryan are designers at heart, and they definitely love bicycles. So, you know……why not design your own bicycle? Seems simple enough to me. So these guys did just that. Without delving too far into the subject of the origins of the bicycle line, which we may get into later, Let’s get into what we have here in front of us- The Twin Six Standard Rando.

The Standard Rando is offered in a few configurations. You can get the frame and fork in green or black. Then Twin Six also offers painted to match fenders for an up-charge of $30.00. Cable guides are a special clip on design and can be ordered for single speed, 1X, or 2X drive train set ups. By the way, there is a dummy single speed specific drop out available if you choose to go without shifty bits. Cable guides in any of the three choices are a no-charge option. You can order up the “Standard Rando Bundle”, which includes a Cane Creek 40 Series head set a Stan’s “Grail” wheel set, and your choice of Panaracer Gravel King 32mm or Pasela 32mm tires. There is also a Beer Components eccentric bottom bracket which can be added for single speed set ups. All of these choices are available singly as well. Twin Six Standard Rando frame and fork sets go for $600.00 and depending upon your choices you could spend up to $1425.00.

Here are some bullet points on the frame taken from the Standard Rando webpage:

• T6 Standard Steel tubing
• Collared 1.125″ head tube
• Collared PF30 BB shell
• Wishbone seat stays
• 135 mm rear hub spacing
• Clearance for 43cc rubber
• T6 Standard low profile cable clips
• Full cable housing
• Low mount ISO disc tabs
• T6 Standard dropouts
• Replaceable derailleur hanger
• SS dummy hanger
• Fully loaded rack and fender eyelets

The Standard Rando is what Twin Six describes as a “jack knife” of a bike which can be suitable for several purposes. A townie, sport touring bike, or a solid choice for an everyday road bike. Of course, we are looking at the bike from a “gravel-centric” viewpoint here for our test, and Twin Six believes the Standard Rando will slot right into that role.

We will be getting into all of that when we come back with our “Getting Rolling” post which will come up here soon. Until that time, we will leave you with Twin Six’s description of the Standard Rando:

Guided by untamed winds and the pursuit of unexplored territory, the Standard Rando was born. With an everything you need and nothing you don’t philosophy, this jackknife is equipped to pedal beyond the horizon, across town, or to the corner store. Paired with our steel fork and adorned by a Twin Six silver plated brass head badge, the Standard Rando is your ticket to freedom.

Note: Twin Six sent over a complete Standard Rando bicycle to Riding Gravel at no charge for test/review. We are not being bribed, nor paid for this review and we strive to give our honest thoughts and opinions throughout.