I thought you all might enjoy my RatRod story...
Idea:
In September, 2007 a bunch of us singlespeed racers from Misfit Psycles wanted to finish off our race season with a fun MTB relay race. So we signed up for the 'Corporate' category in the Dukes Fall 8-Hour relay.
Typically raced with everyone on their own bikes, we decided to mess with the format a bit and all race on a single bike. To give everyone else a chance...
Concept:
We wanted something that would stand out and be noticed so i suggested a RatRod style. If i could build it, they would come... and i only had 2 weeks.
I started with a stock 2007 Misfit Psycles diSSent 29er singlespeed frame. I stripped of the existing graphics and made my own from red reflective tape. The frame was also pinstriped with auto tape and drilled and nut-serted many times to hold on the accessories.
Knowing of no 29" whitewall tires at the time, i made my own experimenting with different kinds of paint.
I bought a chainguard and made brackets to hold it on to the frame including a heavily modified e-mount front derailleur. Painted and pinstriped with tape again.
I also bought a set of 26" cruiser fenders and stretched them to fit. Bent brass rods were used to provide long enough struts. Also painted and pinstriped with a couple of extra handcut graphics. They were't used in the race however.
Most of the parts were spares from other bikes and the rims were painted red of course.
Chrome-capped skull gripped were killer on the hands.
And that sprung saddle was a bit wide for racing. And bouncy!
Result:
Despite starting late, and our self-imposed handicaps, we came very close to winning the category. Our silver medal for second place was hard-earned. And the team that won first place was worried for quite awhile during the race as we were so close. I'm sure they could hear our chain rattling against the chainguard...
love the action pics!
, but welcome aboard.
