10: Bike Polo Bike 1.0

 

Owner: Liam Griffin

Bike Style: Polo beater

Primary Use of Bike: Hardcourt bike polo

Frame: Univega Gran Rally

Fork: stock

Wheels: Alex

Tires: Michelin
Drivetrain: Fixed 39/19
Pedals: MKS
Chain: KMC

Handlebar: White Swobo Risers

Stem: stock
HS: stock
Brakes: none
Seat: stolen off my wife’s bike
Seat Post: stock

Modifications: Mad max front wheel disk, made from coruplast and zip ties.  Works great for blocking and it also keeps your mallet from getting caught in your spokes.  Top tube pad protects your junk when you eat it.  Bungee cords for strapping mallets to the frame.

 

Why the bell on the handlebars? For late night rides home on the bike path after playing polo, and for claiming after you score a goal.

 

Did you ‘save this bike’ from the land fill ? I found it on the side of the road in Jonesville and paid $20 for it.  I sold the parts I did not need for $10, and built up the rest with stuff I had around.

 

Will you build another bike in this style ? I’m sure at some point this bike will get totally trashed and I’ll need another one.  Always checking craigslist and yard sales for good 80s steel road frames.  I have crashed this bike a lot, almost as much as my downhill rig.

 

Most commonly heard quote at Bike Polo about your bike or polo “game” in general ? What’s with the disk wheel in the front?  Usually disks are only run in the back, and on the velodrome for aerodynamics.  Outside the polo crew, people don’t get that it is mad max armor.  People within the crew fear the disk wheel.  I’ll take you out with it if you’re on the breakaway.

 

All bike photos and portraits by Dean Blotto Gray 2008

This post first appeared on blottophotto.com Sept 23rd, 2008