Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Porter

My new (to me) snow bike arrived from Dave yesterday. Thanks a lot Dave! It's sweet.

A nice large Kona frame (actually I think I'd be on the small side for this thing, and I never feel that way) built up with some decent components. Phil hubs front and rear, rear being fixed/fixed - 18/16 - with a 21 chain ring for now. The frame has custom chain stays via the good guys at generic cycles. Large Marge rims of course shod with Endomorphs. Race face stem with a no-name alloy bar and Ergon grips. Avid disc brake lever controlling a cheep tektro front caliper. No rear brake, it's a fixie! None of the components are drool worth, some of them roughed up, but the price was right and I won't cry the first time I go for a real ride.

Sounds very low, but somehow it seems to work quite well for the bike. This obviously is a bike about speed, more about going anywhere and running over anything that might be in your way. I actually assembled the bike at work yesterday, but didn't have a pump to handle presta valves so I had to wait until I got home to take it for a ride. This thing feels really sweet when you're riding around. Very high too. I think that there's 14 inches of clearance under the bottom bracket!
The Ergon handles are great too. I've never tried a pair before, and right off the bat they feel nice.
I can't wait to get this beast out for a ride. Right outside my front door is an irrigation canal that connects with a whole network for irrigation canals and natural creeks. I know of 3 creeks within 1/2 mile of my house. These are generally in ravines and well treed. I think they will be great exploring, and this bike, Porter as I've named it, will be a great bike for doing it on. Then, when winter comes, I'll be ready also. She's a little dirty right now, but with some soap and love, she'll soon shine!

















3 comments:

Vik said...

Nice....enjoy your "monster truck" bike rides!

rigtenzin said...

That bike is really nice. I'd love one, but it's not in the cards. I think if you post that on the Morc site (Minnesota Offroad Club), you'd get people who'd pay to have it shipped to them. It's a great deal!

Jerome said...

Hey Thanks for the tip. I think I might just slap it up there.

I did get a good deal on the bike also and with shipping it was just over $800. Hopefully someone out there has been itching for one and can pick this up for what is probably on of the cheaper routes to getting a snow bike.

Cheers.