Our Reader’s Rig of the week comes from non-motorized transportation planner David Pulsipher in Denver, Colorado, who shares his 1985 Trek Antelope 850 cargo bike conversion. Learn more about David, his unique rig, and his passion for laid-back tours with family and friends here…

Words and photos by David Pulsipher (@bike.season)

Hi, I’m David. I live in the suburbs of Denver and work for the city as a transportation planner. I oversee all of the bicycle and pedestrian planning for the city, trying to make it a better place to walk and bike comfortably, conveniently, and safely.

1985 Trek Antelope 850

I love all things bicycling as they relate to unracing: bike commuting, biking for errands, transportation, and of course touring/bikepacking. My favorite type of bicycling has to be multi-day tours with my family and friends. Nothing compares to the freedom of carrying everything you need on your bike and then letting your legs take you where you want to go.

  • 1985 Trek Antelope 850

I found this frame for sale when we lived in Chicago. I had been looking for the mid-80s Treks that had mid-fork mounts for running a front rack and was pleasantly surprised when I found this beauty. It was originally red/black fade, but I had it powder coated and built up with some of my favorite accessories. It’s equal parts function and “aspiring Rivendell owner” aesthetics. Many of the add-ons maximize water carrying when we do multi-day bike tours with my wife and three sons. They carry a lot of their own gear, but I like to carry as much as possible (tent, water, firewood), so it maximizes their enjoyment.

  • 1985 Trek Antelope 850
  • 1985 Trek Antelope 850
  • 1985 Trek Antelope 850
  • Frame/Fork 1985 Trek Antelope 850
  • Rims Velocity NoBS
  • Hubs Shimano Deore XT
  • Tires Schwalbe Marathon Mondial 26 x 2”
  • Handlebars Nitto Albatross
  • Headset Original
  • Crankset Vintage Shimano Triple (48, 36, 24)
  • Pedals MKS Lambda with Rivendell Grippy Spikes
  • Cassette Shimano 8speed 11-34
  • Derailleur Shimano Altus
  • Brakes Vintage Shimano Canti in Front, Tektro V in back
  • Shifter(s) Shimano Dura Ace 8 speed
  • Saddle Brooks Flyer Special
  • Seatpost Original
  • Stem Nitto Dirt Drop
  • Front bags Carsick Designs 137 Basketbag and Panniers
  • Frame bags Planet Bike Lunch Box
  • Rear bags Carsick Designs Cargo Slings
  • Accessory bags Carsick Designs Goodie bags
  • Other accessories King Cage Manythings Cage, Widefoot Litre Cage
  • 1985 Trek Antelope 850
  • 1985 Trek Antelope 850
1985 Trek Antelope 850

Unfortunately, Xtracycle has discontinued the Leap and its predecessor, the Free Radical. I love the idea of affordable cargo bikes as catalysts for adventure and carlite/carfree living. Going on bike camping/tours as a family is one the best things we do, and I’m trying to encourage more people to pick it up. I talk a lot about these types of things on my Instagram account, which you can find linked below.

You can keep up with David on Instagram @bike.season.

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