*BLACK MOUNTAIN CYCLES* mod zero frame set (chili flake)

In stores : Aug. 29th (Sat) 2026 12:00pm JST
Online : Aug. 31st (Mon) 2026 7:00pm JST

BLACK MOUNTAIN CYCLES, a small bike shop with passion and understanding towards bikes. Based in Point Reyes Station, CA, US.


The MOD ZERO is designed from the ground up by BLACK MOUNTAIN CYCLES owner Mike Varley himself.

Born as the successor to the MCD and Road+, the MOD ZERO carries forward the spirit of both models while bringing them up to date.

Despite those modern updates, Mike went back to basics and started the design process again from a completely blank slate—hence the name MOD ZERO (= Model Zero).

The artwork on the seat tube was inspired by empty Modelo beer cans Mike often spots on the roadside while riding around the West Marin area. It’s also a little play on words: Modelo… Model-O… MOD ZERO.

Based around the geometry of the MCD, the MOD ZERO features flat-mount brakes, which offer a wide range of component options today, along with an oversized 44mm head tube for added stiffness and easy compatibility with aftermarket carbon forks.

Generous tire clearance allows for either 700×50C or 27.5″×2.25″ tires, giving the bike a distinctly different character depending on how and where you choose to ride it.

There are two bottle cage mounts, plus two pack mounts positioned above and below on the seat tube. The frame is also compatible with a dropper post and features plenty of rack and fender mounts throughout.

Starting with this production run, the fork has also been updated with routing holes for internally running a dynamo light cable. This keeps the cable protected from external interference while allowing for a cleaner-looking build.

Mike Varley began his career designing numerous frames for major manufacturers during the golden age of mountain biking in the 1990s. After taking a few different paths along the way, in 2007 he arrived at the approach he still follows today: designing his own frames and selling them through his own shop.