NEW BIKE DAY PART II
I've been trying to put a name to this bike since I first threw my leg over it.
I knew it had to be something tough. This bike rides like a diesel truck and takes zero shit from anyone. It's not carbon nor is it light, but what forged-out-of-steel hardass is? Does Stone Cold Steve Austin watch his weight or dazzle himself in pretty colors? Hell no. Does he kick through tables, dress in all black and slam beers? Hell yeah. Sounds like these two were cut from a same cloth.
Living in Minnesota, I set out looking for a bike that would lend a helping hand in surviving the seasonal depression-filled months we call winter. I absolutely am one of those folks that gets super butt-hurt when the sun sets at 5:00 pm and the ground is covered in frozen, slippery slop. I'm not a huge fan of winter, obviously. So, what better to do (besides move away) than embrace it and try to enjoy. I set my sights on facing it head on and conquering it mounted atop a fat set of tires.
I chose the Surly Wednesday mainly because of it's aggressive geometry and steel frame. This being my introduction into riding a fat bike, I didn't feel a carbon frame would be necessary right out of the gate. I wanted this bike to be an adventure mobile, not something to just ride across the frozen lakes of Minnesota. I picture this bike taking me on loaded-down bikepacking trips, leading me into the overgrown woods on wildlife photo excursions and trompsing along the riverbeds in search of animal tracks and prime bonfire real estate. I guess the one thing I really intend for this bike is for it to get me out into nature. The ultimate fantasy would be to someday use this machine to carry myself on a self-sufficient white tail bowhunting trip; biking in, camping overnight and biking out.
For the summer months I plan to build a 29" wheelset to replace the 26 x 3.8" tires that are currently on the bike. Lighten the load and pick up a little extra speed for fair weather conditions. I'm really starting to miss my Krampus and hope throwing a 29" wheelset on this bike will itch that scratch.
But for now there's only one thing left to do: Ride The Lighting.