When we released the Doppo High Plains Drifter in 2022, it was a nod to some of origin stories of what would later come to be known as “mountain bikes”. Those original “Klunker” bikes in the 1970s were effectively cruiser bikes that had been modified, and beefed up to endure high speed descents on forest access roads, and mountain passes. A collective of innovative young tinkerers, fabricators, machinists, and thrill seekers pushed the development of equipment at this time that would expand the ability to negotiate these passages and descents with greater safety, and require less bike maintenance. These foundations would go on to inform and provide the inspiration for many of what we would now consider the original mountain bikes.

While the Doppo ‘High Plains Drifter’ is by all measures a modern bike, we would offer that some of it’s DNA is rooted in much of the same spirit that those early mountain bikes were conceived and pieced together. Much of this is aesthetic tie-backs, with the bike striking a recognizable mountain cruiser or klunker profile- with it’s double top tube and truss-style fork, as well as it’s crossbar style handlebar that we had created by Doom in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s a profile that owes a great deal to these mountain cruiser lines. As with the initial frame set offering, we will have complementary handlebars and cut to size frame bag from Stitch Tech in Portland, Oregon, available again. When we first released ‘High Plains Drifter’ 3 years ago, we published a piece in The Radavist, diving deeper in to it’s origins, the motivations we had in originally developing it, as well as a spotlight on the cast of characters originally involved in bringing it to life. Most of those same contributors are involved again, with this go around. You can read that article here.

The opportunity to create a small batch of frame sets here in SimWorks’ home town of Portland, Oregon is a privilege that affords us a great deal of convenience with regard to design changes, creating samples and cutting down on transit costs. But more so than any of potential financial benefits that it may offer, there’s a great deal of pride involved. This is a community with a tremendous concentration of talented, capable frame builders and metal fabricators. Tapping in to that pool of builders for this project, as we did in 2022 is a concerted effort in supporting local tradespeople, and contributing to a local economy of skilled creators that continually demonstrate a commitment to exemplary work within our industry. While we rely a great deal on the skilled work of many suppliers in Japan, having SimWorks USA’s office in Portland offers us a tremendous opportunity to maintain strong relationships with a range of some of the handbuilt industry’s most notable and talented builders. It has meant a great deal for us to be able to oversee the production of these frame sets here in our home town.

High Plains Drifter is constructed with a mix of domestically sourced and imported materials from a roster of trusted industry suppliers. It’s not trying to skimp on weight, or offer any performance metrics. It’s a durable, chromoly bicycle frame with butted main triangle tubing intended for off-road riding applications. It was designed and built to be a lasting machine to take you on a lifetime of memorable adventures. It has ample clearance for 27.5″ x 2.6″ or 29″ x 2.4″ tires. It offers frame and fork mounting provisions for a front and/or rear rack, as well as fender mounts should you wish to equip the bike with mudguards. We would characterize it’s geometry as time-tested, familiar, and stable. It’s handling is intuitive and neutral. The front end is non-suspension corrected. The bike rides like you would suspect a modern all-terrain bike to ride. High Plains Drifter has IS disc brake tabs on the fork and rear triangle, is compatible with internal dropper post cable routing, and requires an EC34/EC44 headset- a standard that you will find readily available from almost all major headset manufacturers. HPD utilizes a standard 73mm BSA bottom bracket shell, and is now standard with “Boost” spacing with a 110x15mm front end and 148x12mm rear. Full length external cable routing for brakes and mechanical shifting systems, round out an easily serviceable package . High Plains Drifter is intended to be set up as a 1x drivetrain, however certain multi ring configurations may be achieved through appropriate BB-spindle length selection and the use of a front derailleur utilizing a built-in housing stop. “3-pack” mounts can be found on the flank of both fork blades, as well as the underside of the down tube. Small size frames are spec’d with a single water bottle cage mount, while M,L and XL sizes enjoy 2.

It’s our hope that this updated High Plains Drifter will be the capable all-terrain machine for you that we designed it to be. A bike for those of us who appreciate fine craftsmanship, sensible specifications and handling characteristics, as well a ton of versatility to have a wide range of memorable experiences, on a platform that promises to offer years of durability, and ease of serviceability through industry trusted standards. It’s a unique bike that feels familiar, and will remind you much of what you love about riding a quality bicycle.

*Presale for High Plains Drifter begins on Monday September 15, 2025 with frames shipping in late 2025

SPECIFICATION

• Tig welded and Brazed Chromoly Construction
• Included Unicrown chromoly fork – 55mm rake / 430mm AtC 
• 110mm x 15mm Boost front thru-axle standard
• 148 x 15mm Boost rear spacing
• Capacity for 29” x 2.4” or 27.5” x 2.6” tires
• EC34/EC44 Tapered Head tube and 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ fork steerer
• 73mm BSA Threaded BB
• Front and Rear fender and rack eyelets
• Custom Bolt-on Truss assembly
• 31.6 Internal Dropper Post routing
• 34.9mm Seat Collar
• Twin top-tube design with optional custom frame bag from Jack Supply
• Optional “Klunker” style DOOM handlebar for sale with frame purchase
• Frame available in 4 sizes: S,M,L,XL
• Paragon Machine Works Thru-Axles, and housing guides included
• All frames powder coated in ‘Prairie Sage’ color
• MSRP: $2800 USD

GEOMETRY