In his latest video, Robert Adair completely reimagines a 1990s Gary Fisher Gitche Gumee MTB into a modern gravel bike. The resulting build reflects an impressive combination of improvisation and ingenuity. Watch the 22-minute build video with ride impressions and lessons learned here…

These days, you can find nearly endless bike build videos floating around YouTube, but this one from Robert Adair caught my attention for its innovative approach and the resourceful spirit behind it. And beyond simply cobbling something together from the parts bin, Robert took the build a step further by giving it custom paint, adding a rear disc tab, improvising thru-axles, and breathing new life into discarded parts. About three weeks of tinkering and around $1,000 later, Robert ended up with what looks to be a highly capable and fun modern gravel bike. Find the build video with first-ride impressions and an honest reflection on some lessons learned in the 22-minute video below.

“I look for parts that are either ugly or don’t work.”
  • 1990s Gary Fisher
  • 1990s Gary Fisher

1998 Gary Fisher Gitche Gumee Build Kit

  • Frame: 1998 Gary Fisher Gitche Gumee 17″
  • Fork: Steel, 700c, 1 1/8 straight steerer, ISO disc mount
  • Wheels: Shimano RS thru axle
  • Tires: American Classic Kimberlite, 700c x 40mm
  • Handlebars: Origin8 Flared, 40cm
  • Bar tape: Zipp Service Course CX
  • Headset: Cane Creek Forty EC34
  • Crankset: GRX600 Double, 46/30
  • Bottom bracket: Shimano Ultegra BBR60
  • Chain: Shimano Ultegra 11-speed
  • Cassette: SRAM PG1170
  • Derailleur(s): Shimano GRX
  • Shifter(s): Shimano Ultegra RS-685, 11-speed hydraulic
  • Saddle: Giant Approach
  • Seatpost: Promax 27.2mm x 400mm
  • Stem: Generic, aluminum, 100mm, 7-degree drop

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