<\/p>\n
Long regarded as one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the world, the Four Corners area has seen its fair share of bikes throughout the years.<\/p>\n
Never before have locally conceived bikes such as those being produced by Kokopelli Bike Co. ventured onto area trails, however.<\/p>\n
Designed by local cycling aficionados Scott Darling, Scott Eschallier, Keith Evans and Paul Adams, Kokopelli bikes offer versatility, performance and come at a price that will not break a bank account.<\/p>\n
Those traits, along with the opportunity service Kokopelli bikes, render the bikes an attractive purchase-item as cyclists race into the new year.<\/p>\n
Versatile range<\/p>\n
With an eye toward navigating diverse Four Corners terrain, founders of Kokopelli Bike Co. set out to produce machines capable of multiple uses.<\/p>\n
Headlining the company\u2019s current lineup is a road bike, which, featuring disc breaks, was designed with the fast-growing sport of cyclocross in mind. More than just a one-trick pony, the road bike offers multiple use options.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted something that could effectively be used in cyclocross racing, road riding and touring,\u201d explained Adams. \u201cWith this bike, you can do each effectively, not just make it work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also in the lineup is a mountain bike, which, built with 29-inch wheels, features sliding dropouts that allow riders to equip the bikes as a single speed or geared machine. Also featured on the mountain bike is a 44 mm head tube capable of handling a straight-steer tube fork or tapered-steer tube fork.<\/p>\n
Rounding out the company\u2019s current bikes is the Warthog, a beast of a machine that, along with the mountain bike\u2019s sliding dropouts and head tube, features 29-inch wheels with a three-inch diameter, is ideal for soft riding conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201c(The Warthog) rolls over things easier,\u201d Adams said.<\/p>\n
Furthering their ability to be versatile, all three Kokopelli bikes offer three water bottle mounts and the option for a straight seat post or lay-back seat post.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reason that we wanted to start our own company is that we wanted something versatile,\u201d Adams said.<\/p>\n
High performance<\/p>\n
Combined with their versatility, Kokopelli bikes offer performance capabilities capable of satisfying the needs of the most experienced riders.<\/p>\n
Keying the bikes\u2019 ability to perform are titanium frames, which offer reduced weight and increased durability.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reason we are using titanium is that it doesn\u2019t rust, corrode or break,\u201d said Adams. \u201cIt has a tendency to absorb a lot of vibration, so it\u2019s a much more comfortable ride.\u201d<\/p>\n
Just how comfortable and durable Kokopelli bikes are was on display when Jeff Hemperley boarded the Kokopelli Mountain Bike and finished the notoriously difficult Colorado Trail Race in six days.<\/p>\n
Easy on the wallet<\/p>\n
While Kokopelli bikes do not come cheap, the frames\u2019 retail price ($1,600) is far cheaper than many similar titanium products, which can cost upward of $2,500.<\/p>\n
\u201cHonestly, we were hoping to get a titanium bike frame that was a little more affordable than what we see out there,\u201d said Adams.<\/p>\n
The future<\/p>\n
Although the future of Kokopelli Bike Co. is unclear, it is likely that the company\u2019s continued expansion will depend largely upon how the new bikes are received.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs it is right now, in the short term, it will be an in-store brand,\u201d said Adams. \u201cIf the demand warrants, we may expand.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the moment however, the Kokopelli Bike Co. is happy to serve local riders interested in taking advantage of one of the world\u2019s premiere biking areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt this stage in the game, you can come in and talk to me,\u201d Adams said. \u201cHow do I like my bike, how does it ride? I can tell you how it rode on a certain trail. That local feel is a pretty good benefit.\u201d<\/p>\n