Our final Reader’s Rig of the year is Sam Stewart’s Crust Evasion, a bike with lots of character and even more patina. Find out more about Sam and his rig here…

Words by Sam Stewart (@samueljstewart)

Hi, I’m Sam Stewart! These days, I’m falling down North Shore mountains in Vancouver, British Columbia, but I was born and raised in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. I’ve worked as a bike mechanic, a food stylist, a jeweller, and am currently going to school to make fake teeth.

Crust Evasion, Crust DFL, Sam Stewart, Reader's Rig
  • Crust Evasion, Crust DFL, Sam Stewart, Reader's Rig
  • Crust Evasion, Crust DFL, Sam Stewart, Reader's Rig
  • Crust Evasion, Crust DFL, Sam Stewart, Reader's Rig

Bikes have been such an important part of my life, introducing me to new friends, new experiences, and helping me gain perspective on my privilege and what it means to be a bike tourist.

I scooped up my Crust Evasion in November of 2016. It was built up to ride down the Baja Divide, where it treated me so well, hauling bags of beans and bouncing over cow patties. Together we’ve scooted around a few provinces and states in North America, Mexico, and had the privilege to bike through Jordan, Palestine, and Israel.

  • Crust Evasion, Crust DFL, Sam Stewart, Reader's Rig
  • Crust Evasion, Crust DFL, Sam Stewart, Reader's Rig
  • Crust Evasion, Crust DFL, Sam Stewart, Reader's Rig
  • Crust Evasion, Crust DFL, Sam Stewart, Reader's Rig
  • Crust Evasion, Crust DFL, Sam Stewart, Reader's Rig

I’ve voided the warranty a few times over, and in November of this year I finally managed to break the frame at the drop out. But I’m pretty rough on gear and in no way blame the bike, just myself. After a couple trips to a welder it was all stitched up and we’re ready to play for a few more hard years together. I’m a pretty sentimental person and have become really attached to this chunk of metal.

  • Crust Evasion, Crust DFL, Sam Stewart, Reader's Rig
  • Crust Evasion, Crust DFL, Sam Stewart, Reader's Rig
  • Crust Evasion, Crust DFL, Sam Stewart, Reader's Rig
  • Frame/Fork 2016 Crust Evasion
  • Rims Velocity Dually 26”
  • Hubs Shutter Precision PD-8X (front), Shimano Deore (rear)
  • Tires WTB Ranger 26” x 2.8”
  • Handlebars Surly Cheater Bar
  • Headset Ritchey something or other
  • Crankset Shimano XT
  • Cassette Sunrace 11-50T
  • Derailleur Sram GX 11-speed
  • Brakes Avid BB7s with Avid Levers
  • Shifter(s) Sachs Huret friction shifter
  • Saddle Brooks B17
  • Seatpost Velo Orange Grand Cru
  • Stem Crust
  • Front bags Swift Industries Fabios Chest (large)
  • Frame bags Revelate Ranger
  • Rear bags Swift Industries Fabios Chest (small)
  • Accessory bags Nicola Nemy stem bag with a sweet squirrel and a nice pup attached
  • Other accessories Supernova E3 Pro 2 front and rear lights
  • Crust Evasion, Crust DFL, Sam Stewart, Reader's Rig
  • Crust Evasion, Crust DFL, Sam Stewart, Reader's Rig

You can find Sam on Instagram @samueljstewart.

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