Introducing Cheeku: a special build created just for the SRAM x Bespoked Inclusivity Scholarship for Bespoked Dresden 2024.

As a proud Native American, I wanted to acknowledge the tribes on both sides of my family, integrating touches of Zuni Pottery decoration and a nod to being a “Cattail Eater”, or Paiute-Shoshone. My family members were (and are) talented potters, silversmiths, artists and more. I’m proud to be carrying on the tradition of craftsmanship that runs in my blood while helping increase Indigenous visibility in the cycling industry, too.

This build drifts outside the boundaries of a traditional “hardcore hardtail” and aims to achieve a balance often overlooked in the production hardtail world. Short chain stays on bikes with long front centers work for some, but when you’re 6’2” like this bike’s rider, a short rear end leaves a lot to be desired in terms of stability and balance where it matters most: going downhill, fast. By extending the chain stays to a hefty 475 mm and adding a skyscraper stack of 690 mm, this bike has length where it matters– everywhere. The slack headtube sits at 63 degrees at a fork sag of 35mm, ensuring this rig has a plush and responsive front end with grip for days. By utilizing more tubes (but with thinner butts), you gain all the stiffness you need around the bottom bracket while the front end of the bike stays compliant and buttery. Built with Tava (the Nuuchiu tribe’s name for Pikes Peak) rides in mind, steep, dry descents in Rocky Mountain kitty litter are where this bike feels most at home.

The build kit can’t be overlooked, too. SRAM XO Transmission drivetrain, Maven brakes, and Zipp 30moto wheels make up the meat of the build, while Ergon grips and saddle keep pressure points comfortable while pedaling. A White Industries headset and Descendent 35 mm carbon bar keep the cockpit dampened and ready for anything thrown at it, and the customized Rock Shox Lyrik Ultimate 150mm fork is the perfect companion, with just enough travel to ensure you never run out, but aren’t carrying around extra travel you don’t need.

Many, many thanks to SRAM and the crew at Bespoked for this incredible opportunity. I’m truly honored and proud to share this bike.