Old vs New
Rune’s bike design incorporates a mix of old and new standards for both aesthetic and functional reasons. This isn’t the conventional approach, but it’s one we feel captures the best of both worlds. It allows you to use parts you may have owned for years, while also integrating modern components that enhance ride quality without compromising the overall look of the finished build.
Much of the build process comes down to personal preference and what works best for you. For example, we see many people building our bikes with older ’90s shifting, often favouring friction over indexing. I personally love bar-end shifters, but I run a more modern derailleur with indexed shifting. I prefer simpler brake levers over brifters for both ride feel and aesthetics, but I still need a clutch derailleur. I can’t stand my chain slapping around all over the place. It’s all about finding that balance to create the right blend of standards.
Sometimes things don’t need improving. They already work exactly as they’re supposed to, and the urge to make something new can often overshadow its original purpose. A bike is inherently simple, and for us at Rune, that simplicity is its beauty. It’s easy to get lost trying to fix something that isn’t broken, instead of focusing on the design and culture that give people something to truly feel part of.
A lot of companies that constantly chase the newest thing end up lacking a clear sense of brand identity. Instead of building a culture their customers can truly connect with, they rely on a steady stream of new products to keep people engaged. The problem is that the latest thing doesn’t always stick, and someone else can always release the next best version a week later. Designs that look good and perform well for the simple purpose they were created for rarely go out of style.
Most business models are built around studying the market and trying to give people what they think they want. I believe this approach can be slightly different when you’re building something rooted in personal passion. Focusing on what you care about, what you believe works, and what you’d genuinely like to see in your chosen industry has proven, for us, to be a better path. People are drawn to that authenticity, especially when they’re tired of chasing the next best gimmick.
New or old, the key is finding what works best for you. The connection with your bike and where it can take you is central to everything we do. For me, if something feels off on a build, the joy of riding it just isn’t the same. When your setup is right, you feel at one with the bike, and that experience is unmatched. It’s what keeps us coming back for more.