Don McClung bikes and stuff
 

Any of you guys see the article in the new Dirt Rag about Don McClung and his bikes? Gorgeous retro style yet high tech bikes. I'd love to have one but a little out of my budget range right now. I think I talked with this guy in Durango one year. He was building bikes he called "Shortys". They had real short chain stays. He rode the hell out of the one I saw him on! Anyway I like his outlook. Looks like he's got the kind of shop I like also. Maybe I can relate a little because I'm also an ex-motorcycle racer. Seems a lot of old motorcycle racers now ride/race bicycles. I met Mert Lawwill in Vail one year. He was just standing there all by himself. Had a great conversation with him. Watch "On Any Sunday" if you want to get an idea of what an icon he is. He was actually one of the first mountain bikers. Anyway I'm rambling so if you get a chance check the article out.

Yep, good article, beautiful bikes. I've always like the look of the double top tube and his execution with the uppermost curved tube really looks nice.

where did you see images? I could only find this one
http://www.absolutebikes.com/29inchMTB.html
but somehow it just screams deparmentstore waterpipe bike to me.
and then in the article it says:
"Never a follower, always a trendsetter, Don McClung is just too large a character to pigeonhole"

but then he goes on about how he didnt like anything new when it came out but
now he likes it. sounds like a follower..although a slow one :-)

and also:
"I thought, damn it, I can't afford this sport anymore! So I just decided, most of that stuff, I could do without. You know, I don't believe you need a $200 pair of shoes to ride a bike in the woods."

but:
"It costs $2000 for a standard diamond frame and fork, and $2500 for a cruiser-style with a two-tone paint job"

huh?? I certainly can not afford that!

Dirt Rag #106. Didn't look like any dept. store bike I ever saw!

I've only seen the pix in the magazine. Uh......you bring up several good points. There does seem to be some contraditions. All I can say is people see what they want to see. Myself included. Given the asking price of his stuff I'd say he's into more playing and less working. Like, he'll build you one if you really want it. Otherwise, he'd rather go riding. Just my take.

I realize I'm joining this thread a little late. Since Don isn't big into email, and people may still be interested in seeing his recent Backyard Bike design, I thought I'd post a link to some images in the event anyone stumbles across this thread.

http://flickr.com/photos/awalker/sets/266914/