My idea was to create a multi-purpose military bike; not exactly a “theme” bike, but its theme is to look real. It is more of a “phantom” model, something that never existed. The bike will be used for exploration, camping and hiking (left behind concealed under a camo net); running errands, pulling a trailer, etc.
This is what I started with, an old and ratty Specialized Rockhopper MTB:
The buildup included completely refurbishing the mechanicals to make it reliable for desert exploration; increasing the cargo capacity with racks, military MOLLE gear and custom parts like panniers and a frame bag. A front light and bar ends make it more versatile and the color scheme helps to blend it with the terrain.
Buildup link: viewtopic.php?f=50&t=28556
After being used in Desert Storm for reconnaissance and target laser designation; the old girl was overhauled and repainted and now does security patrol duties at industrial installations near Kuwait city.
Congratulations to all the 2010 participants; live long, ride free!
This is what I started with, an old and ratty Specialized Rockhopper MTB:
![S6006486.jpg](https://proxy.imagearchive.com/323/323962562cacd270af378bfa5c935851.jpg)
The buildup included completely refurbishing the mechanicals to make it reliable for desert exploration; increasing the cargo capacity with racks, military MOLLE gear and custom parts like panniers and a frame bag. A front light and bar ends make it more versatile and the color scheme helps to blend it with the terrain.
Buildup link: viewtopic.php?f=50&t=28556
![S6006929.jpg](https://proxy.imagearchive.com/64f/64fd47fbdc85e5dac2bdad77f80342b7.jpg)
![S6006931.jpg](https://proxy.imagearchive.com/144/14436a0c70a08af5aea7ecb9a975b0f4.jpg)
![S6006927.jpg](https://proxy.imagearchive.com/186/186212e76d5d0f1088942a43577b41d4.jpg)
![S6006919.jpg](https://proxy.imagearchive.com/8e4/8e48b9f302092660fbaeebb69873ce7f.jpg)
![S6006915.jpg](https://proxy.imagearchive.com/3aa/3aab32a7c86a020cfc823dce624da519.jpg)
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![S6006900-1.jpg](https://proxy.imagearchive.com/aaf/aaf54e85ecb6c852683cd7305a3a5ef9.jpg)
![S6006908.jpg](https://proxy.imagearchive.com/f08/f08c4af59d7e4179262c2525ec45250a.jpg)
After being used in Desert Storm for reconnaissance and target laser designation; the old girl was overhauled and repainted and now does security patrol duties at industrial installations near Kuwait city.
![S6006926.jpg](https://proxy.imagearchive.com/fa8/fa8304ff26bacb28cc4021b8bca23ec3.jpg)
![S6006930.jpg](https://proxy.imagearchive.com/253/2532e07058f76ba2487bafa4f5b3685c.jpg)
![S6006921.jpg](https://proxy.imagearchive.com/59d/59dc637fc9ef7ba3f9e7b6b8708e8c11.jpg)
![S6006914.jpg](https://proxy.imagearchive.com/b0e/b0e6833acc4e4adf43599da852127d60.jpg)
![S6006912.jpg](https://proxy.imagearchive.com/b38/b38d918f18c8981584e08a55ec05901a.jpg)
Congratulations to all the 2010 participants; live long, ride free!