Ever since the training wheels came off, I have been tooling around on two wheels. There is just something about the freedom and simplicity of biking that gives me goosebumps. If I’m not riding a bike, I’m most likely wrenching on one or putting another one together in the basement. Whether it’s around town on the Portland bike lanes, flying between rocks in the PNW downhill trails, or chugging along on a remote gravel farm road, you will find me pedaling.
Every bike begins with a frame, and every frame has an itch...for more parts!
I went for the plus size 27.5" tires with aluminum rims for this hardtail beast.
I put the Rockshox Lyric 170mm fork up front. I had to make up for the lack of rear suspension.
The Shimano 12 speed 51 tooth cassette is massive! The granny gear never looked so BIG!
Installing a dropper is always fun, but necessary.
Decided to go with the orange as the major accent color. Orange should accent all the mud from the trails nicely.
And... DONE! Ready to ride, but has not seen the sun from the bowels of the basement.
First ride at Rocky Point trails in Portland, what a machine!
Even Maya likes the bike.
On a whim I bought a 29" single speed aluminum mountain bike at a going out of business sale.
The single speed wasn't for me so I rebuilt the rear tire and installed a poor man's 1x10 drivetrain. Hello hill climber!
With the new drive train, huge tires and fixed frame, the bike was perfect for a bike-packing rig.
To gain some extra comfort I installed some Jones H-bar. Now it's a bike-packing beach cruiser!
Bike packing dry run for the 350 mile Oregon Big Country ride in southeastern Oregon.
Another angle, and love those skin wall ardent tires for the long miles of riding.
All packed up an ready for the 7 day, 350 mile back country ride. Here's hoping she holds together!
In 2017 I bought a Lapierre Zesty AM 327 mountain bike online. Getting a bike in a box in the mail is the best feeling!
After some quick installs, the bike was practically begging for dirt and gravel.
3 months into riding the Zesty, it was time for an overhaul.
Changing the 2x10 to a 1x11 drivetrain was an awesome upgrade.
Final bike build with carbon bars, jumbo grips, new Maxxis tires and a longer dropper post.
This bike is a blast and so much fun to tweak to perfection!