[My WILDE] Dar’s Supertramp

Thinking about it, I feel that choosing a bicycle is very similar to choosing mountaineering gear.

In both cases, you are the engine, and you select tools according to your own way of playing. That is why I believe the feeling of building up a bicycle is very close to that of choosing mountaineering gear.

Before I got so deeply hooked on bicycles, I used to think of cycling as "a pastime that is an extension of mountaineering."

I originally liked climbing mountains, and I started cycling with the feeling of wanting to do other outdoor activities during the off-season.

Just like with mountaineering, I feel it is important to "choose tools that fit your own way of playing and style" when choosing a bike too.
（The photo on the right is from about 4 years ago, when I just started mountaineering? I posted it because it brings back so many memories, but I bought the Mountain Hardwear shorts I'm wearing at Circles and I still wear them today.）

Just as you would carefully examine a backpack or shoes, you choose your frame and parts. A bike built that way becomes not just a means of transportation, but a piece of gear that expands your recreational possibilities.

Why I chose the Supertramp

I chose the SURLY Preamble as my first bike because I wanted to experience the pure joy of "riding a bicycle."

I enjoyed riding longer distances or using it for daily transport; at that time, there was joy in the mere act of riding a bicycle.

But the more I rode, the stronger my desire became to use a bicycle for something with a bit more thrill, like riding on unpaved roads.

When that happens, I felt the Preamble might be a little unreliable...
The bike I chose to answer those feelings is the WILDE Supertramp.

I’m sure there are many other frames in the world that look fun to ride, but for someone small like me (154cm), my options are actually quite limited.

While SURLY offers many sizes, WILDE does as well, and the fact that they have frame sizes that even small women can ride is a truly happy point.

Size is important, but I also think appearance is essential. No matter how good the performance is, if it's not something you can grow attached to, you won't be able to ride it for a long time.

In that sense, the Supertramp, combined with its beautiful coloring, was the one bike that made me think, "This is it!"

Even in mountaineering, your favorite clothing and gear are essential for heading to the mountains with excitement, right? A bicycle is the same—with your favorite bike, riding becomes even more fun.

Current Assembly

It's been about a year since I bought it. The parts are almost the same as when I first built it up.

There are some parts I'm thinking of changing a little, but I don't feel the need to change anything drastically. I wanted a tough, rugged atmosphere, so I chose mostly black parts across the board.
Among them, there are some parts I use and truly love!

Handlebar

With the exquisite grip angle of the SIMWORKS Getaround Bar, you'd think you could ride casually, but I also grip the center when I want to power up hills.

In short, this one bar handles both relaxation and aggression. I plan to continue using this handlebar for a long time.

And surprisingly, I also really like the ERGON GA3 Mountain Grip. I love how it feels, and because the area where you place your palm is large, it dampens the shock that comes to your wrists.

By the way, I also use ERGON for the Preamble's bar tape.
（I love the way ERGON feels most of all 🫶）

Saddle

For the saddle, I chose the BROOKS Cambium C17 Mud Green.
Over the course of a year of riding, the color has changed slightly, taking on a well-worn texture and gaining a nice character.

I initially chose it only because it matched the frame color, but the seating comfort is truly great, and I love it. Even when riding on unpaved roads, the flexibility of the saddle absorbs the shock, making it harder for my butt to hurt. In particular, the fit that feels like it instantly conforms when you sit down is just the best.

What I’ve discovered from riding

I’ve been riding for about a year now, and just as I had envisioned before purchasing it, I think my range of recreational activities has expanded.

Now that I own two bikes of different types, I’ve started using them differently depending on the situation.

The Preamble is for commuting, shopping, and when I want to act quickly.
The Supertramp is for when I want to fully play on unpaved roads, or when I’m bike packing for camping, etc.

I think the Supertramp alone is enough to enjoy everything from daily life to recreation. However, when I want to move quickly or just ride lightly as a means of transport, I’m grateful for the Preamble’s ease of use.

Being able to choose the right bike for the job has, I feel, naturally made me look forward to riding, whichever bike I choose that day.

Customizations discovered through play

In the recently posted Memory of Minneapolis 3 blog, it was mentioned that every staff member at ANGRY CATFISH owns at least one Supertramp, and I was genuinely happy to hear that.

Seeing the customizations of cool bike shop staff naturally sparks ideas for how I want to do things myself, doesn't it?💭
If you haven't seen it yet, please give it a read!

Now, regarding the customization of my own Supertramp, there are parts that I find myself wanting to tweak as I ride.

Especially as I’ve gone on more gravel rides, I’ve had more moments where I've felt, "If this part were more comfortable, I could ride more easily..."

Especially the brakes.
I am currently using PAUL’s Klamper Disc Brakes. At the beginning, I had never been on gravel, so I thought cable-actuated brakes were enough.

However!

On long gravel descents, you need to keep the brakes applied to avoid sudden braking and to maintain a controlled speed, so your hands end up working overtime...（I learned on my first gravel ride that it takes much more hand strength than I thought.）

Forgetting such experiences, I still head out for hard gravel rides every time, but I’m starting to think it’s time to switch to hydraulic brakes. lol

Of course, the Klamper has outstanding stopping power for a cable-actuated brake, but for me, having less grip strength, it’s a bit of a point of anxiety. With hydraulic brakes, you get high stopping power with light force, and your hands won’t get as tired. Also, because you can adjust the braking power with subtle nuances, you can feel safe even on slippery surfaces and unstable gravel roads.

And then there are the tires.
I realized I end up taking my Supertramp on off-road paths more than I thought.
Initially, I thought I’d be using it on-road more often, so I put on Super Yummy tires, which are wide but have small knobs and good rolling efficiency. In fact, their light rolling feel on-road is the best, so I want to keep using these for things like touring.

But, I'm a bit concerned about the slippage during sharp turns or on unstable surfaces where there are many loose stones, so I’m thinking I might want a tire with a bit more bite.
Right now, I’m interested in things like TERAVAIL’s Ehline, but I’m still searching.🔍

As you continue to customize it to suit your own style of play, you realize that the Supertramp is no longer just a bicycle—it has become a "partner that expands the possibilities of your fun."

Whether you’re on unpaved roads, touring, or using it for daily commuting, its versatility adapts to however you want to play.
There is a joy in every ride, where you discover something new and inch closer to your ideal setup. That is why, for those who love to play, the Supertramp becomes a truly reliable partner.

By choosing gear that fits your style and enjoying the process of customization, every ride becomes a freer and more exciting experience.
I truly believe that WILDE is a brand that builds "bicycles for those who love to play."

If you are also looking for the perfect partner, why not find a WILDE that fits your style of play?
It will surely make your rides a freer and more exciting experience.