Not much is actually known of the Mudpuppy. Well, nothing we care to learn anyway (so we make it up). Just where does this bike excel? On any mountain. Yep, that’s right. ANY mountain. Says so right on the frame. Powell Butte? Any Mountain. Whistler? ANY mountain. Ben Nevis? ANY MOUNTAIN!

We have a proud personal history with this sweet sled. The Mudpuppy has been with us here at Sellwood Cycle for longer than most can remember. Google Maps images even show it parked out front of our old shop location.

This vintage steel frame mountain bike and all of it’s blue and green early 90’s glory has been many things over the years: A loaner bike, a bar bike, and even a short stint as a rental bike (unpopular as it was…). So some years ago we came across a complete, period correct, XTR group and set about getting it ready for the 6 Hours of Mt Hood race in case anyone wanted a serious race rig.




Much time was spent agonizing over parts and anodized bar ends. Hey, it was a slow week. But when it was all said and done we had sculpted an ideal race rig for 6 Hours. For those who think it simply isn’t capable enough, you don’t know Sean Babcock. He laid down some hot tracks on the Mudpuppy proving all the haters wrong.

Sean had encountered several “flat tires” early in the race and was “falling behind”. All the new technology in the cycling industry still can’t be as reliable as he’d want. So when nothing works right, and you’re getting your butt kicked you might as well ride the Mudpuppy. If you’re gonna go down you might as well do it in style.

So what’s better than the Mudpuppy, you might ask?

TWO FRICKIN MUDPUPPIES!

The keen eyes of an old shop friend saw a second Mudpuppy frame on ebay and we snatched it up with a quickness. Then immediately set about upgrading the builds on both frames.

As they say, “the best bike to ride is the one you have.” Or something like that. When it comes to not taking yourself too seriously we get pretty serious about it.

Fall is coming and more fun times can be had. So get yourself a sick whip, grab your friends, and go have a good time.

And for those who REALLY like the Mudpuppy… Well you can now honor its legacy with one of out new shop shirts, and/or a shop Hat! Mudpuppy colors, and ALL the attitude that goes with it. Available for purchase in-store.

Just as an aside we happen to know there’s even a Mudpuppy tallbike rolling around Portland from time to time. The legacy lives on…