After getting bitten by the 29er bug, and going on a mid-30’s fitness kick, a Single Speed 29er seemed inevitable. By this time, I had left “the industry,” but called in a favor to get a deal on a brand new 2006 Gary Fisher Rig. As soon as I got it home (thanks Joe Byrnes!), the Bongrager cranks were upgraded to Shimano XT with a Salsa chainring. With the Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes already there (thanks Gary!), a Thomson stem, Chris King headset, Selle Italia saddle, and WTB tires rounded out the upgrades. This bike challenged me to ride harder than I had ever ridden. Single speeds have since diminished in popularity, but there’s nothing quite like the challenge of getting one up a hill and the thrill of those big 29 inch wheels going back down.