This page refers to the bikes I used for commuting during the winter of 2011-2012 in Anchorage, Alaska. The Surly Pugsley below remains in use, long after the snow has melted. Check out Pugsmorphology to see the evolution of the bike, and to see how it got from AK to NM.
For most conditions including fresh snow I ride a first-generation Surly Pugsley. The color is described by Surly as “Barney Blue/Purple Pearl Sizzurple”. It rides well, like a bike.
1985 Specialized Stumpjumper
For $100, this was my tourer several summers ago when I lived near Denali NP and was my (re)introduction to vintage, lightweight steel ATB’s. I rode from Anchorage to Denali for a season of work, and toured some premiere dirt tracks on this bike including the Denali Park Road and the Denali Highway.
A superbly nice frame featuring lightweight tubing and a natural, capable geometry. In 1985, it was one of only a few production frames with a rear spacing of 130mm, which is mostly irrelevent, but a nice feature. Paired with a five-speed freewheel, the rear wheel is built symmetrically, and is thus quite rugged. Note: the lugged Unicrown fork, and the chrome under the paint on the stays and fork. Stem and fork are both Specialized branded but manufactured by Nitto, while the front hub features sealed cartridge bearings. In all, this is about the nicest production ATB from the era. Studded tires are optimal on hardpacked icy roads and trails.
hey two wheel drive…. like tubeless fatbike cool very cool i live in eugene or. now but in 1995 i bought a proflex 855 from ya after two sets of marshmallows i gave up trying to find replacements …any tips on finding any ? inow have turner burner which i LOVE …my next bike looks to be moonlander and i will go tubeless ;?{> Thanks