The History of Frankenbike
I have a bike.
It’s my favorite bike.
My last trip back to ABQ I got a ton of time on it.
It’s name is “Stumpy” aka Frankenbike.
I bought Stumpy back in 2000 when I was working at Adventure Cycle and Ski in Winona, MN. It’s a Stumpjumper Pro, M4 technology. Hence, the name Stumpy.
Disc Brakes, well, they had come out, it was still more cool to have rim brakes. Stumpy had rim brakes, with the option of adding disc brakes. Stumpy came with XTR, which I quickly switched to SRAM Grip Shifts. I kept the rim brakes, because at the time, well, it was similar to the current conversation with disc brakes on road bikes. There wasn’t super solid evidence that disc brakes were the way to go, even though that was beginning to trend.
I did my 1st Mountain Bike Race on Stumpy. It wasn’t pretty. It also happened to be my 1st mud race. I didn’t know how to treat my bike for mud racing, I didn’t have disc brakes, and I’m pretty sure I was still running SPD. Let’s just say, I wasn’t about to quit, succumb to Cherry Hill. I stopped at least a dozen times to remove fistfuls of mud filled with worms, just to make my wheels spin. It was ugly. They had torn the race down, and the only people left were the locals, and it took me so long, I’m pretty sure they were drunk before I finished.
I 1st began riding Stumpy pulling the Burley while being pregnant with my 2nd child. I wasn’t pregnant for my 1st race, I was for my 2nd Chequamegon 40.
In the olden days they didn’t have the same category structure they have today. Back then, I signed up for Expert, after all, I had been riding since at least 1994, and I was training for the 40, so why wouldn’t I want to race 32 miles?!? There wasn’t the same qualification system, as today. So my very 1st mountain bike race was Expert.
Chequamegon went a lot better. I had learned a few things from that 1st go, like how to keep as much mud from sticking to your bike. 🙂
I don’t remember the year I switched Stumpy to SS. I know I was in Texas.
From my very 1st ride, I loved riding SS. It just put a smile on my face. It still does.
I did some fun races on stumpy. I raced 65% of a Terra Firma Racing 12 hour win on it.
I raced the 1st 6 hours at Samson on it.
When I retired the Kona Hei Hei, I recycled the wheels onto Stumpy. I also recycled the fork. The biggest change I made when I dismembered the Kona was transferring the disc brakes to the Stumpy. These 3 changes made a huge difference. I really enjoyed the lighter wheels, and the front fork that locks out. I love that on a SS. It makes it so smooth. And yes, finally, yes, no more rim brakes!! Totally set for mud racing!! These changes made ALL the difference in the world!!
When I 1st relocated to MN, I put the X9 back on Stumpy. For 2 reasons, I thought Ken Nance would ride it, and winter training. That was 2 years ago.
2 years since I had ridden SS.
Unbelievable!
I have learned so much the last 15 years!
I had decided that I wanted my Boyfriend Scott in MN for the winter, with my training wheels. That way I could do outdoor training with power, on a bike that most closely assimilates Bat man. Important stuff. And Batman is safe and sound in NM, anxiously awaiting my return.
So Frankenbike goes under the knife again. This time to keep the X9 carbon crank, and newer pedals. Frankenbike is even a little lighter now!
When I was in ABQ over Winter Vacation, I realized I forgot how to ride SS. I had to relearn how to drink on SS. Usually I drink when I climb. On SS I’m up out of the saddle pumping from my legs through my arms. Needless to say, I was a little thirsty. Over the vacation I relearned the skill of SS, and realized how much I have really missed the joy.
I will NEVER be without SS again!!
Stumpy is still in NM, I’m back in MN; there is no real good SS action here right now. I have Hank the Tank, which is close enough, my Boyfriend Scott, and when needed the road bike on the rollers.
I rode some snow on the Maxxis Ikons on Batman. The Ikons did great on the snow, so my next trip back home I will switch the tires on Stumpy, this will take off close to another pound.
Frankenbike is alive and well in Living in High Desert
Oh, Frankenbike I will miss you so!!
I managed to take 10 minutes off over vacation.
And I can’t wait to get back!
At this point, I am uncertain if I will be racing SS at the DORBA NS 6 hour. It is dependent on whether or not the X1 will work with the BB of the X10. I have everything else. That’s what I am hoping, I still have so much to overcome to get there.
It’s good to dream.
Frankenbike, I miss you so much, and can’t wait to ride you again!!
Stay well, and thanks for checking in!