For this week’s Readers’ Rides, the vintage MTBs keep rolling in with Tom’s 1989 Trek Antelope 850 that he’s built up as an all-rounder. Let’s check it out below!
Submitting for consideration my 1989 Trek Antelope 850 that I built to be a true ATB. My dad bought the bike brand new in Chicago in 1990, seven years before I was born. When I arrived, it was on this bike that was carted around on, behind, and eventually alongside. I like to think my earliest love of biking was fostered in this bike’s presence.
Fast forward to now, and I’m a professional mechanic that was fortunate enough to work in a shop that refurbishes these retro bikes on the daily. When my dad asked if I wanted to take the bike, I realized what an opportunity I’d been given. After building so many retro/modern bikes at work, and realizing just how capable they are, this 850 was now an opportunity to build one for myself. I sold my modern steel gravel bike and got to work.
Since completing it a few months ago, it’s carried me on mud season rides in Vermont and through the gnarly Smoke n Fire 400 in Idaho.
The definite highlight is the Crust 1” threaded disc fork. The raw finish with the visible brass fillet is just incredible. A rare Deore LX headset holds it in, and I’ve got the Velo Orange 1” threaded stem (one of the best components on the market right now, imo) with Salsa Cowchippers to round out the cockpit.
Drivetrain is 2×11 with the original cranks and BB (repacked, of course), 44/26 chainrings, and an 11-36 cassette. Apex 1 shifter talking to a GX 10 speed derailleur for the rear, and a Dura-Ace friction bar end throwing an XTR front derailleur.
For brakes, I’ve got a TRP Spyre up front and a travel agent’d XTR parallel push V brake in the rear. I’ve been super impressed with this combo, tons of power even rocketing down rough double track.
Wheelset is a pair of Velocity Cliffhangers laced to Shimano hubs with a dynamo in the front. Rene Herse Humptulips Ridge endurance casing tires (26×2.3”).
Original seat post holding a Selle Anatomica saddle.
For accessories, I’ve got the Tumbleweed Mini Pannier rack, Sinewave Beacon, and B&M Mu. Custom frame bag by Aaron at Class 4 Designs, based out of Vermont.
I know that was a monstrous amount of info, but I’m not really sure how this process works so I wanted to be thorough. I can take some better/more detailed pics, but attached are a few from the most recent Smoke n Fire tour (and a film one from earlier in the year)
Thanks!
Shop new & used Trek bikes with our partner TPC – The Pro’s Closet.
We’d like to thank all of you who have submitted Readers Rides builds to be shared over here. The response has been incredible and we have so many to share over the next few months. Feel free to submit your bike, listing details, components, and other information. You can also include a portrait of yourself with your bike and your Instagram account! Please, shoot landscape-orientation photos, not portrait. Thanks!
