Reader’s Rig: Peter’s Crust Evasion Trail 140

Words and photos by Peter N.

Hello, I’m Peter. I’m an environmental engineer and cycling nerd working as a technical expert for the German technical inspection body, TÜV. That’s a perfect combination for rethinking common concepts, crossing technical boarders, and proofing concepts.

At the age of eight, I was already doing MotoX, thinking I was the next motocross legend—until, of course, I took that one epic tumble, which left me with a crack in my neon-orange helmet and a cut in my pride. Don’t worry, the helmet’s still around, like me, proudly showcasing its battle scars. My parents, with all their well-intended concern, forced me to abandon my MotoX dreams, and I resorted to some serious begging to get into BMX.  

Fast forward to my “mature” years (maybe I was getting wiser), and the wisdom led me to invest my hard-earned money into a mountain bike. I was convinced that adding some XTR and shiny Ringle parts would make me invincible. Spoiler alert: It didn’t. 

But hey, it did get me a racing license, and soon I found myself next to legends like John Tomac, Tinker Juarez, and Missy Giove in Kaprun, wishing I was just as good and cool as the pros. Now, whenever I come across some US bicycle wizardry, I look back on the glorious days of the gorgeous Yetis, Manitous, and GTs and feel a warm glow in my heart. And not just because I’m getting older and more sentimental.

So, here’s the takeaway from all my former bike adventures: A long time ago, rigid steel mountain bikes without any suspension didn’t break the moment you hit a bump or a jump. And they still do everything you need today. Gravel? Check. Bikepacking? Check. Trail-hopping? Check. Coffee ride? Double-check. It turns out that an uncomplicated but flashy bike is my partner in style.

Due to my previous dream builds, I am always looking forward to finding new frame/bike concepts that fit into my needs. I am primarily looking at the USA (Rivendell, Crust) and Japan (Blue Lug), which are always different in that respect. But Germany is keeping up the pace; just check those gorgeous bikes from Bespoked in Dresden. 

During my search, I came across the new frame from Crust, the Evasion “Trail 140”, derived from those old-school MTBs from the past but adapted to modern standards (disc brakes, thru-axles, boost, geo tweaks, short standover, threaded bottom bracket, compatible with 27.5” to 26”+ tires, etc). I was searching for a rig for jibbing around in BMX style but also capable and robust for some serious loam trails in my hilly neighbourhood. I wanted to build up a rigid steel ATB that suits any on-road/off-road trails I’d encounter without needing any maintenance whatsoever. In short: make it simple and ride with style.

Matt and Garrett from Crust always do some magic with their creations. They work like artists and always think out of the box, even for components. But together with the new Stridsland Bullship bar, their frame got even better. It is very playful on both natural and man-made obstacles as well as capable of doing some serious trails. It’s a breed derived from BMX and ATB. I call it BigMX.

• Frame/Fork: Crust Evasion Trail 140
• Wheels: Reverse Components Black One, 27.5”
• Tires: Schwalbe Smart Sam Cargo, 27.5 x 2.35″
• Handlebars: Stridsland Bullship integrated
• Headset: Crust 24 Palms
• Crankset: Crust Heartbreaker, 170mm
• Pedals: Crust Northbank
• Cassette: Wolf Tooth, 20T
• Derailleur(s): Paul Components Melvin chain tensioner
• Brakes: Growtac Equal
• Brake levers: Dia Compe Tech-77
• Shifter(s): 2 x 1 by hand
• Saddle: Brooks B17 special titanium
• Seatpost: Falkenjagd titanium with Hite-Rite spring dropper
• Other accessories: Velo Orange Retro Cage MKII, Wipperman Connex chain, Crust HYH grips

As far as component choices, I wanted only mechanical parts, including the Growtac disc brakes. The next step was getting in a 2 x 1 simple drivetrain by hand, one smaller chainring for going up and one for pushing down or cruising the city or to the lakeside here in Munich. It worked out absolutely perfectly. Due to the ideal chainline and waxed chain, the bike rolls the easy way all-day-any-weather-long. 

The silhouette has to be as clean as possible, to roll over any surface and rocky terrain. The height of the bottom bracket, together with a small rear cog, is just perfect in that way. The colourway is a blast from the neon-rocking past. And it sometimes has a front basket, too. According to my other hero, Grant Petersen from Rivendell Bicycle Works, one bike in the garage should have a basket, even if it’s only needed to go get a six-pack of beer.

My BigMX built on a Crust Evasion Trail 140 is not just a bike for me, it’s a statement as a builder. It’s innovative and, at the same time, so incredibly simple! It’s perfect for taking life as it comes and letting you enjoy every ride in an unrestricted way (no wired gadgets, no service intervals, no maintenance questions). Whether cruising through the city, hopping over forest and meadow paths, or doing serious trails, even fully loaded, it just works! In all, it’s an absolute joy to ride, despite the weight.

You can keep up with Peter on Instagram.

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