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Staff Bike Check: Stefan's Otso Voytek

Mechanics Definitely have the Coolest Bikes

Stefan has been a stalwart member of the Now team for years, wrenching at both Arden Hills and now currently at St. Paul. Not only is he an accomplished mechanic, he's also quite the chef who frequently brings in whatever he's whipped up in his home kitchen to share with the shop. 

But when he's not cooking, he's riding, and his bike of choice is the Otso Voytek, the perfect bike to do it all. Let's dive into the details of Stefan's one-of-a-kind Voytek.

Minnesotan Versatility

The Otso Voytek is the perfect do-it-all bike for Minnesota. It's a fat bike, first and foremost. But thanks to Otso's patented Tuning Chip, the wheelbase is adjustable and the frame is designed to take multiple wheel sizes. Stefan likes to keep his wheels fat in the summer, and opts to ride a Rockshox Bluto fork for the added traction and control on the rougher summer trails.

Shimano's reliable 12-speed XT drivetrain takes care of shifting duties. And along with a gold Wolf Tooth bling kit which adds a pop of color to the frame and chainring, Stefan has installed gold Ceramicspeed pulley wheels on his rear derailleur. Is it to save watts, or just to look cool? He won't say, but it certainly stands out. 

Also spot the raw carbon cranks which are the most recent upgrade. They're incredibly light, and certainly one of a kind. They connect to a Wolf Tooth chainring that helps to achieve the Voytek's other signature feature, an 80mm Q-factor which keeps your pedal stance nice and narrow, improving the handling of the bike.

A Thomson stem for precise handling.

The Voytek's MO: "Explore + Roar"

Got to keep track of those miles with a Wahoo computer.

Tender Loving Care

As you would expect from a mechanic, this bike gets a lot of time in the stand. Some dirt and grime can be left as badges of honor, but this rig is clean where it counts and always rides like a dream.

Gettin' rad in the River Bottoms.

Beautiful fall views from Stefan's home trails.