I’ve been an avid off-road rider for about 10 years in Minneapolis and have never owned a dedicated winter bike. On occasion I would take out my hardtail on some hard pack or gravel-frozen trails but always felt under-prepared.
Not this year! I started shopping in June to get a winter beater that I could toss some parts from my bins on, wanted to keep the cost way down on my first season not knowing if I would actually enjoy it. I found this pretty beat up and crusty complete and rideable 9Zero7 for $350 locally.
The grip shift 3×8, the bar end extenders, handlebars, brake disks and pads, all cables and pedals hit the bin.
I striped the bike down to almost nothing and cleaned up the crusty frame bits with some sandpaper and a rattle can of gloss black. The end result looks great from 10 feet but the gloss is all wrong and I did a pretty crap job of masking the good parts. Oh well, winter salt roads will ruin it again in no time.
In the parts bin was an 11spd XT rear mech, cassette and trigger, Raceface 30 tooth front, some Raceface affect pedals and slightly swept bars, Wolftooth FatPaws grips. I flipped the stem down to give me a little more reach (frame is a M and I could use a L). The tires are 26×4 Jumbo Jim but I scored a 75% studded set of Surly Nate’s for $40, I will finish off the studs this week before some actual winter rides.
I didn’t know slow bikes could be so fun. Honestly this thing is a total riot and I haven’t even used it on anything soft or snowy. Cruising around my local cross county ski trails while they are still grass is so much fun. Pulling my kids in the burly or riding two-up with the shotgun seat is a blast. I was not expecting this at all. I can’t wait for some crappy seasonal slush days to really get out and party.
Next up looking for some fenders or maybe just wear rain pants over some tights. Only time will tell.
by Brilliant_Pen_2544
1 Comment
I have the same frame/fork