Mechanostrider The mechanostrider is a construct which vaguely resembles a mechanized tallstrider . Small oval lamps replace its eyes , while great mufflers extend where its tailfeathers should be . History . Gnomes . When gnome s set out to explore the world once again after their city ' s fall , they soon realized that they needed reliable mechanical mounts because they were mocked for their short stature and slow land speed . Tired of being mocked , the gnomes developed these revolutionary modes of travel . One ingenious gnome spied a flock of tallstriders and remarked upon their grace and strength . Soon after was born the mechanostrider , which quickly became a favorite mount of all gnome - kind . Using steam compression and duro - steel plating , the finest gnomish tinkers created these ostrich - like striders to use as mounts . The mechanostrider can move at speeds up to 30 mph . When the mechanostriders were first constructed , the gnomes refused to restructure for their larger allies , and all gnome tinker s agreed that the striders are only available for small humanoids . However , recently the gnomes also allowed all members of the Alliance to ride them , and even some goblin s have also purchased striders for themselves ; but most of these striders are still carrying proud gnomish passengers . This mechanostrider represents an older model and , while outdated , is a viable and cheaper vehicle . The current model is mechanostrider v . 2 . 0 . The gnomes ' revolutionary mechanostrider represents yet another marvel of their engineering prowess . Each strider is specifically designed with the individual rider in mind . They are constructed using state - of - the - art steam compression , servo - motor dynamics , and duro - steel plating . This offers the rider a reliable and durable means of transportation . Some claim that the mechanostrider ' s lack of true sentience makes for a very dumb mount . However , the gnomes counter that under a skilled rider , the mechanostrider is more responsive than even the best trained live mount . They were made for long distance treks through Khaz Modan and for trade between Ironforge and Gnomeregan . They have since become a widespread multi - use vehicle for all gnome s . Most mechanostriders can be purchased at Steelgrill ' s Depot in Dun Morogh . Non - gnomes must be exalted with Gnomeregan to buy a mechanostrider . A PvP version is sold along side the other PvP mounts in Stormwind City . Two models are also sold at the Argent Tournament . Mechagnomes . It is interesting to note that mechagnomes , some of whom would become progenitors of the gnomish race , have been found in Northrend , and riding what appears to be White Mechanostrider Mod B ' s . It ' s possible that tallstriders roamed the land that would become Northrend before the Sundering . In any case , it seems that a good idea has a way of repeating itself among similar minds . Mechanostrider v . 2 . 0 ( Mechanized tallstrider ) . The mechanostrider v . 2 . 0 is the current version of the vehicle that the gnomish race employs . While these constructs are as dumb as a brick ( and even some bricks are smarter , it is said . . . ) , they are reliable mounts and , when handled by the best mechanoriders , better than live mounts . A mechanostrider fights only when ordered to or threatened , lashing out with its sharp beak and claws , or simply hammering at the danger with its heavy metallic head . This may be describing the epic mount . Patch 3 . 0 . 8 . In patch 3 . 0 . 8 , the racial size restriction on mounts was lifted , with the mechanostrider becoming available to all Alliance races when exalted with the Gnomeregan Exiles . Before this , only gnomes and dwarves were allowed to ride mechanostriders due to the physical size of these races . The established lore , as mentioned above for these mounts , was probably part of the reason for making such a restriction .