1987 Charlie Cunningham Racer #3C
This Charlie Cunningham Racer was the team bike of Eric Stirling, who lived in Fairfax, CA and competed successfully in race events during the late 1980s. Campaigning in the veteran class, Eric won the inaugural world's held at Mammoth Mountain in 1989, and some 40 additional races. Eric then moved to Alaska and the bike was used to compete in the 180 mile Iditabike snow race using double wide rims. Pressed into everyday service, the bike was ridden to work in -40 F temperatures, flown in a Super Cub to explore the Wilderness north of Fairbanks, and completed many an epic ride. In total, Eric estimates he put around 100,000 miles on the bike spanning the better part of several decades. When it was built, the bike was distinctive for running a drivetrain with double chainrings when conventional bikes ran a triple. This was made possible by the special, wide-range freewheel Charlie assembled using a custom 12 tooth cog made for him by Suntour, as well as modifications to the Suntour freewheel body to allow the largest 38 tooth cog fit. Looking at the aggressive profile of this bike, it is hard to believe it was made in 1987. However, it would prove to be a harbinger of a trend toward stretched out racing positions that would become the norm on the NORBA circuit. Rolling up to a start line, this bike gave Eric an advantage even before the gun went off.
More information about Charlie Cunningham bicycles can be found on the Charlie Cunningham Photo Archive page.
More information about Charlie Cunningham bicycles can be found on the Charlie Cunningham Photo Archive page.
The Build
Year: 1987
S/N: #3C Frame: Cunningham Racer Fork: Cunningham Type II Stem: Cunningham Headset: WTB / King Grease Guard Bottom Bracket: Cartridge Bearing Grease Guard Handlebar: Cunningham Aluminum Shifters: Shimano Deore XT M730 Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT M730 Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT M730 Brake Levers: Dia Compe 183 Front Brake: Cunningham Rollercam Rear Brake: Cunningham Rollercam Crankset: Shimano 600 Chainrings: SR / Sugino 34-42 Pedals: Suntour XC Compe Hubs: Wilderness Trail Bikes Grease Guard Rims: Mavic MA2 Tires: Specialized Ground Control 1.95 Wheel QR: Cunningham Slow-Release Seatpost: Cunningham Fixed Angle Saddle: Cinelli Unicanitor Seatpost QR: Cunningham Grips: WTB Modified Magura Chain: Sedis Cogs: Cunningham Modified Suntour 12 - 38 |
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