It’s been said that All-City bikes is coming to an end. Once inventory is sold through, that will be it for the brand. That’s a shame. No stranger to rad, QBP’s All-City is the anti-bike; an unapologetic homage to yesteryear when steel frames, horizontal top-tubes, and exposed cables were the norm.
The standout
Well, the frame. It zips and zings. Load it up, lean it in, and exit sharp turns at speed. Like a slingshot. The Zig Zag lives up to it’s “steel is real” billing and delivers on the frame material’s promise of smooth compliance. It’s quiet too. For those unfamiliar with the unique ride qualities of a good steel bike, perhaps this makes little sense. While true that not all steel frames are built the same, All-City’s blend of butted tubing, thickness, and diameter work in concert to deliver an experience on par with frames thousands of dollars more.
A quick word about the rear end. That reads weird. Anyway, while clever engineering allows for dropouts to accommodate various standards on many brands’ frames, the Zig Zag’s dropouts are purpose built and dedicated. Nothing bolted on and unapologetically 142 x 12mm. Only. I’m a fan.
While certainly not a tank, it’s not race bike light. It goes up. It goes down. And does both with relative ease and efficiency. The 142 x 12mm thru-axle plays a role adding rigidity when hammering and helps minimize wheel deflection and rotor rub out back. This is nice because when it is time to hammer, the bike’s endurance category mannerisms get temporarily shelved, and a beast emerges. A fast one. Think Lincoln Hawk when it’s time to arm wrestle. The hat is reversed and a new kind of dude emerges from underneath the brim’s shadows. Sylvestor Stallone fans, you’re welcome. The bike can scoot when it’s time.
Whiskey Parts Co.
The fork requires some overlooked attention. Enve is the best. Their quality and attention to detail are hard to ignore. Ritchey is still excellent. Both have potential buyers’ mindshare as reputable full carbon forks. Whiskey Parts Co. does not. At all. The only reason I know of the company is because it’s what was spec’d on my bike. Another QBP house brand, Whiskey components are not often found in the wild; less so as individual upgrades and aftermarket purchases. This is strange to me. Does QBP lack marketing resources? Are other projects more important? Like, say, distributing bike parts as the nations largest bicycle part distributor? Perhaps Whiskey is just an excuse to build more cost efficient bikes with decent kit sourced in-house. Whatever the reason, the fork is excellent. It tracks straight, mitigates wheel deflection, helps to smooth the front end, and plays nice with the steel frame. Well done Whiskey, um, QBP. For what it’s worth, I’m considering a wheel upgrade to Whiskey’s carbon options. More to come there.
Nice touches
There are a couple of design choices that the marketing minds behind the Zig Zag should get more credit for. In a trend for greater integration and more aero everything, it’s nice to see an external headset cups. Who doesn’t want to show off their King bling. . .even if it is black? The top cap isn’t enough. With the Zig Zag, the cups are on full display. The flared tube is thoroughly modern with 1.5″ bottom and 1 1/8″ top cups but doesn’t look out of place alongside the rest of the bikes skinny steel tubes.
Something not found on modern bikes, even custom ones, is posts for downtube shifters. Initially bummed at the aesthetic, I’ve learned to appreciate how their uniqueness draws the eye and adds interest to the frame. Functionally, they’ve been used more than once to adjust cable tension and they work so very well.
Should you get it?
If asking which bike to get between this and a Specialized Allez, Trek Emonda, Cannondale SuperSix, Canyon Ultimate CFR, or other modern superbike, you’re asking the wrong question. The Zig Zag wasn’t made to compete and doesn’t want to, but it’s not afraid to. If in the market for a new ride, a better question is required. And it’s this: Do you want a bike? Yes? Then get a Zig Zag. Enjoy the relaxed and quiet disposition or unleash Lincoln and send it. You won’t be disappointed.