The Story
Hydra custom-made bike. How awesome is that? Just reading the first lines gives us shivers. Specifically made for rugged bikepacking terrains, with 26-inch wheels, custom made bikepacking bags, camping equipment (hammock, tarp, net, sleeping bag and mattress), lights, tools, bottle. Everything is included – ready to roll. We’ve tried the bike ourselves, and it’s as smooth as silk. What else? Oh, and if you want to try out the bike on the Hydra 2025 trail, the ticket will be yours.
So, how did this project come together? We frequently visit Ride&Mend, a shop in Kaunas, to talk about the latest in the Lithuanian cycling scene, discuss government plans for cycling infrastructure, and catch up. One day, Linas, one of the owners, came up with a simple yet exciting idea: “Why don’t we build a Hydra custom bike?” he said. Our jaws dropped. Without a single doubt - we’re in.
A few weeks later, the work began. The guys at Ride&Mend started with a stripped-down cr-moly frame, determined to upcycle an old bike into something entirely new. The frame was carefully cleaned, with all remnants of the old paint stripped away. Karolis Grubis, a skilled street artist, came in for help. Every line and color choice was carefully considered. Once the bike was painted, it was time to bring it all together. With over 10 years of hand-on experience in the bike building industry, Gediminas took the reins on the assembly process. Each component was carefully selected and fitted - now the bike was primed for the next adventure.
We also reached out to our friends at Husky, a Lithuanian outdoor shop specializing in camping gear. We’ve been working with them for years, and when we pitched the idea, they were happy to join in. The camping gear included with the bike is durable, high-quality, and selected to match Hydra’s trails and the season.
For us, there’s always a purpose behind what we do. Bikepacking challenges we organize are about stepping out of your comfort zone and experiencing life on two wheels – a real life, in nature, surrounded by peace. This project is no different. The funds raised from the bike will go to Aukštaitijos National Park, a place that is truly special for all of us. As you may know, the Hydra trails pass through the park. The funds will go for maintenance and preservation purposes.
This project is close to our hearts, and we’re excited to share it with you. Every detail was designed with purpose to make sure it’s ready for the toughest trails. We hope you’ll join us in this journey, whether by participating in the challenge or simply following along. Your support means a lot, and we can’t wait to see the Hydra bike in action on the trails.
Bike specs
FRAME: UNIVEGA ALPINA PRO TANGE OS double-butted cro-mo tubing, 52cm seat tube, custom painted by Karolis Grubis
FORK: UNIVEGA cro-mo butted
WHEELSET: built by RIDE&MEND, MACH1 ER-10 26” 36H w/ eyelets, SAPIM LEADER spokes, brass nipples, CHOSEN hubs sealed bearings, alu axle
STEM: ZOOM alu 75mm 6 degrees
HANDLEBAR: ERGOTEC Ergo Series 31,8mm handlebar XXL - 700 mm - 16°
HEADSET: TANGE sealed threaded 1 â…›”
CRANKSET: SHIMANO Deore LX FC-M572 175 mm
CHAINRING: DECKAS 30T alu narrow wide
PEDALS: WELLGo alu flat w/ pins
CHAIN: KMC e10 silver
CASSETTE: SHIMANO DEORE M4100 11-46T
REAR DERAILLEUR: SHIMANO DEORE M5120
BRAKES: SHIMANO Deore LX BR-M570 KOOL STOP SUPRA 2 salmon pads
BRAKE LEVERS: FORCE alu 2-finger
SHIFTER: SHIMANO DEORE M4100 10s
CABLES: JAGWIRE
SEATPOST: alu 26.2mm
SADDLE: FORCE Geltech Rider
TIRES: MAXXIS CROSSMARK II 2.25”
TUBES: CONTINENTAL Light MTB presta
WEIGHT: 12.84 kg (with pedals)
Inventory
FRONT BAG: Topeak Frontloader 12L
REAR BAG: Topeak Backloader 10L
FRAME BAG: Custom made Hydra bag
FRONT LIGHT: Magicshine ALLTY 1000 V2.0
REAR LIGHT: Magicshine SEEMEE 30 v2.0
HYDRATION: SKS 500ml and Elite 750ml
MULTI-TOOL: Force 12 functions with chain breaker
PUMP: Force
SLEEPING BAG: HUSKY Mikro
MAT: HUSKY Feezy 6
HAMMOCK: JR Gear
MOSQUITO NET: LaSiesta
TENT: 2.4m length