This is the overall information page for this ongoing project.

You can see all the individual posts by clicking here.

Mission Statement - Blue Collar Mountain Bike is pursuing the “Blue Collar Bombproof Bike Project” first and foremost as a means to show the cycling industry (particularly the component manufacturers) and the general cycling public that current technology geared at the high performance end of the spectrum is not serving the general cycling public’s needs in terms of having a reasonable combination of performance, lightweight, and durability. We believe there is a better way to serve cyclists and the aim of this project is to show the way.

Q - Are you trying to build the cheapest bike possible?
A - No. We are building a bike with a component set we believe will have greater reliability, durability and longevity. While not having the cheapest price tag, this will have the greatest longterm value for the average cyclist.

Q - Why’d you choose the [insert component] for this build?
A - The bike as a whole isn’t the goal, we are picking the individual components or setup (i.e. gears vs ss) for a reason. We are trying to walk the tight line of parts that have the added benefits of modern technology while making sure they are durable and easily maintained. You will get a chance to argue your point on each of our decisions in upcoming posts.

Q - Are you just trying to throwback to the good ol’ days? I’m seriously picturing you sitting on a front porch somewhere with a pipe and complaining about all these newfangled devices.
A - Absolutely not… we believe there are definite advantages to some of the advances technology. In fact, we will be discussing what we would like to see in combinations of new and old technology that we believe would best serve the average rider.

Q - Are there certain aspects you’re focusing on?
A - Yes. A big focus is the drivetrain. From there… wheels are a big part of this as well as the braking system. But again, more to come on all that with future posts.

Q - Have you already made up your mind on all this stuff?
A - Nope, that’s the point of the testing. Sure we have some biases going into it, but we’ll be beating the hell out of this bike with as much of an open mind as possible. Parts may be switched out. New stuff may be tried. All of this will be cataloged on this site as we move forward.

Below is the current spec list for the bike. This page will change over time but to keep up with the evolution of this project check out all the past blog posts we have done on the subject.

Big thanks to Surly Bikes for putting up their truly Bombproof frame, the Instigator, for the project.

Current Spec List for the Bombproof Bike:

Frame: Surly Insigator

Fork: RockShox Recon

Crankset: Shimano FC-MC20 with 104/64 BCD rings, square taper BB compatible or Sugino XD-300 square taper BB compatible with 110/74 BCD rings.

Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN-53 118mm spindle or SKF equivilent

Shifters: Shimano Deore Trigger 8speed

Hubs: Shimano Deore front and rear

Cassette: Shimano 8spd.

Chain: SRAM PC-48 with Power Link

Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore

Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore

Brakes: Avid Single Digit 5

Levers: Tektro linear pull compatible

Cables/Housings: Jagwire

Seat Post: Redline

Handle Bar: Titec Hellbent

Stem: Titec Hellbent

Saddle: Titec Hellbent

Grips: Ergon Enduro

Pedals: Crank Brothers Candys

Rims: Sun RhynoLITE