Our Reader’s Rig of the week comes from Christopher Mitchell in the Pacific Northwest, who shares the 1990s Giant Rincon he picked up on eBay and converted into a kidpacking rig to haul his three daughters. Learn more about Christopher and his dad bike here…

Words and photos by Christopher Mitchell (@pedal_pedal_pedal_)

My name is Christopher Mitchell, and I live in the town of Lynden, Washington. I’m mostly a commuter and weekend rider, and I usually participate in organized events a couple of times per year. I’m a physical therapist at a small outpatient clinic. I enjoy bikepacking, touring, road cycling, fixed-gear riding, and generally tinkering around with all of my bikes. I have three daughters, and I love sharing the joy of bicycles with them.

Giant Rincon

My bike is an XL 1998 Giant Rincon in green. I bought this frameset on eBay at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. My goal was to put together a bicycle specifically for safely hauling my kids around. I picked up a Tandem Tot at a local second-hand store, and it’s the centerpiece of the whole setup. My kids love it! The Tandem Tots were made in Bellingham, Washington, and are sadly no longer in production.

  • Giant Rincon
  • Giant Rincon

Nothing says dad-bike like some ultra-wide Poppi bars. Comfort is an important aspect when riding with kids, not going fast. This bike is heavy, and with a four-kid hauling capacity, it has the potential to be ultra-heavy. Chunky tires and fenders make it ready for most surfaces. There’s a Thule Yepp maxi in the rear. I also have a Burley trailer, not pictured. This frame is solid, and the scratches show its durability. I love the aesthetic of a horizontal top tube and 26″ wheels. I cannot wait to do more kidpacking!

  • Giant Rincon
  • Giant Rincon
  • Giant Rincon
  • Frame/Fork 1998 Giant Rincon (XL)
  • Hubs Shimano LX
  • Tires Kenda 2.35, Continental 2.1
  • Handlebars Crust Towel Racks (660mm)
  • Crankset Shimano XT
  • Pedals Cheapy black plastic flats
  • Cassette 9-speed SunRace 11-40T
  • Derailleur Shimano XT
  • Brakes Tektro levers, stock V-brakes
  • Shifter(s) Shimano bar-end friction
  • Saddle Brooks B-67 black
  • Stem Riser quill
  • Front bags Banjo brothers handlebar roll
  • Other accessories Tanden Tot, Thule yepp maxi, Burley Trailer attachment, Racktime front rack, Wald 139

Unfortunately, the handlebar bag was recently stolen from the bike while traveling in Eastern Washington, as were the footrests of the Tandem Tot. I contacted the former CEO of the company, and he very graciously gifted me new ones.

Giant Rincon

You can follow along with Christopher on Instagram @pedal_pedal_pedal_.

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