The latest build by Mitch Pryor of Portland-based MAP Bicycles has been categorized on their website as ‘Special Purpose’. The Pass Hunter isn’t strictly a cyclocross bike, as it’s listed here. But I guess there’s a rider out there who fancies a leisurely tramp through the hills and dales, and requires a portage strap to assist with hefting it over the odd stile.
Mitch is an artisan, building singular bikes with a challenging amount of detail and features, but a browse through his gallery will reveal his masterful ability. The portage strap is a nifty number produced by Geoff at the Etsy store, Walnut. Walnut came to light early last year with some beautifully crafted leather U-Lock holsters and a cyclist’s equivalent of a coffee cup holder: a leather can cage designed to safely carry your can of Pabst Blue Ribbon.
The Pass Hunter is a fillet-brazed beauty, with internal cable routing and a double crown fork. The seat tube cluster is a work of art. Mitch has built it up with TA Pro V cranks, running a 44/28 ratio. There’s a tasty blend of Campagnolo in there too, with what looks to be a NOS seat post and headset. Rolling rotation is via Suzue Classica hubs and Mavic Open Pros. The bars are NOS Belleri Randonneur, and give a gracious curve to the front end — always a good thing.
Check out more MAP Bicycles on Mitch’s website, and keep an eye on his blog and flickr stream for the latest happenings around the Portland workshop.
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