How I Roll: Dorothy

Dorothy is an 80's chrome Ross Mt. Whitney mountain bike I obtained from my old pal and frequent Dirt Rag cover artist, John Hinderliter. Purchased from Ambridge Bike Shop in 1983, it was the top-of-the-line model at the time. When I came into her, she was converted directly to use as an urban assault vehicle for fun use. As many accouterments as possible!

First and foremost is the "Dorothy" nameplate I picked up at a bicycle swap a while back. My Mom's middle name. Much like the bicycle license plates you can buy with popular names on them (Except "Maurice"), there was a day when you could buy sticky tube emblems with all the popular names on them. Except for Maurice. The chrome has seen better days, yes?

The most O.G. part on Dorothy is the original Shimano Deore (Meaning Deer) derailleur that's still on there, serving me well. And Spokey Dokeys. For the unfamiliar, these are beads that snap on to your spokes and slide up and down to make noise when you roll at a slower speed. Popular in the 80's yet still available in some form to this day...

So many wonderful parts. I once visited Jack Witmer in California and scored these sweet Cook Brother's not-cruiser bars. They provide a sweet upright lean-back position but render Dorothy untalented when it comes to climbing hills. Props to Wilderness Trail Bikes for their Trail Grips, Honka Hoota for their awesome yet sun-damage-prone horn, and whoever invented the tassle.

Check out my siren. I do need to put an activation cable on there though. These were illegal in many places due to their police car siren sound. Note FAT Schwalbe Super Moto tires and Shimano dynamo hub.

A Ringlé hub expertly laced by Dave's Wheels. Reelights generate their own power with magnets to light your way whenever you're moving!

Saddle by Brooks. Bag by Rivendell. Fenders by SKS

Not P.O.R.C. - D.O.R.c. or Disgruntled Off Road Cyclists of Pittsburgh.

The whole enchilada. Seen on a wonderful ride above Pittsburgh, PA, home of Dirt Rag!

Yes, Dorothy is my favorite urban assault vehicle! Thanks for looking!