Back when the mountain bike craze was really taking off, a few luxury car manufacturers decided to create mountain bikes with their brand badges stamped on. BMW, Volvo, Mercedes Benz, and lately, even Hummer decided to ship mountain bikes with selected car purchases, to show off their engineering and technology expertise, and to prove that drivers who bought their vehicles were getting a complete package.
The results weren't often striking. Designer bikes such as these were known more for their poseur value than their actual utility.
According to BMW:
"Why does a car manufacturer make bicycles? Because they have come to the conclusion that their market is not just about cars, it is about providing their customers with mobility. There are times when a car is not an appropriate form of transport, and by providing a bike for these occasions, BMW extend their service. By taking the bike business seriously, they also ensure that the brand attributes of quality and reliability are maintained. There is also a strong element of lifestyle marketing going on here - purists may frown, but anything that gets non-cyclists onto bikes can only be a good thing. If it’s the cachet of the BMW badge that makes them take that first ride, so be it. By providing quality bikes for everyday users, and innovative high-tech bikes for enthusiasts, BMW have made a significant move to become one of the more forward-thinking car manufacturers."
Volkswagen, too, made a half-hearted attempt to get into the game. In 1995, a prototype was designed and manufactured, before the head honchos (correctly) decided that they would get more exposure by just co-sponsoring a race team. Hence, TREK/Volkswagen Racing Team was born. And now you can go out into a store and buy a TREK/Volkswagen Team bike.
But before the VW bike got scrapped, one of the prototype frames found its way into my hands.
The result, as you can see, is the reason why this blog exists.
Presenting the one-of-a-kind Volkswagen Moose-stang.
From the (ditched) user manual:
"Congratulations on purchasing a Volkswagen Moose-stang. Like driving a Volkswagen car, the Moose-stang delivers one of the most authentic experiences you'll ever get on wheels. You'll enjoy taking the Volkswagen Moose-stang with you whereever you go, whether it is the smooth asphalt of highways that you love, or bombing down fireroads in the thickest neck of the Alaskan Riveria woods.
The Moose-stang is a masterpiece expertly assembled from heat-treated aircraft-grade 6061 T6 oversized aluminium tubes, chosen for its strong, light and durable qualities. Beefy TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welds ensure that the Moose-stang has the strength to take on whatever abuse you can throw at it, while premium specification Shimano LX components deliver top of the line, breakdown-free performance ... "
Only 5 were ever made. Only 2 were ever actually built up with parts, spec'd in that day and age at LX. Here's one of them:
Check out those 'beefy' welds.
Perhaps the other frames are all scrap now. Rest in peace.
I hope this post answers any unasked questions about the origins of my frame. How I came to get my hands on it, however, is a story for another day. But it's quite simple really. I needed a new frame. I came, I saw, I purchased. End of story.
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