The Desert Stormer

[2WheelFlyer]

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!

 

[xddorox]

Let me tell you I have made a few "army" bikes and this is the best looking one I have ever seen. Congrats.

 

[KOTA]

Let me tell you I have made a few "army" bikes and this is the best looking one I have ever seen. Congrats.

AGGREED!...........Your desert pics should be made into posters.

 

[Skipton]

You nailed IT!

 

[2dawgs]

This bike should be on a recruiting poster. Your design features & details totally capture the desert storm theme.

 

[FOUND OBJECTS]

Sweet! It's a top runner in my eye!

 

[2WheelFlyer]

Thanks for the comments guys! I know its not the usual RRBBO entry; and comparing this bike to some of the others here is like comparing a Humvee to a classic Caddy.

I'm glad I was able to make it before the deadline and now that I got this build out of my head I can move on to other ideas; the RRBBOs are turning out to be a good thing for me, if I slowly get parts here and there and build one bike per year my wife won't complain much!

 

[aka_locojoe]

Excellent job. Looks so authentic. Be sure to add it here viewtopic.php?f=10&t=15700

 

[mikek]

Very well done! I have been thinking of doing something similar to ride off road. You have given me a lot of ideas! Your bike and frameteam2003's 'Elgin Old Army" have really established a new level of craftsmanship to shoot for in the military bike category!

 

[Gdcast]

Should be one like this at the back of every HUMVEE, great looking bike!

 

[2WheelFlyer]

Excellent job. Looks so authentic. Be sure to add it here viewtopic.php?f=10&t=15700

Thanks Locojoe for letting me know about that thread, I already posted it!

 

[icyuod2]

Never been big on military builds.............




..........until this year. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
desert stormer and grandpa rockhopper have made me a true believe in both the military theme's
and diamond frame contenders.

time to do that happy dance!

 

[hubgearfreak]

spot on. that's everybit as good as the new swiss army ones, and they're 1500euro :shock:

 

[Boardtrack fan]

The army called and they have a bike that is AWOL! Nicest military bike I have seen. Looks like the real deal.

 

[FOUND OBJECTS]

The army called and they have a bike that is AWOL! Nicest military bike I have seen. Looks like the real deal.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[2WheelFlyer]

The army called and they have a bike that is AWOL! Nicest military bike I have seen. Looks like the real deal.

I hope I don't get KIA for riding it!! :lol: