All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

Wow, that thing looks nuts! What's it like to ride?

 

That thing is crazy ! Did the panorama shot exaggerate the geometry or is it really a lowrider?

 

I dont think so - seat tube has the geo #'s listed.

Looks like a fun ripper, dont know how often id want to ride rigid.

 

It has to be exaggerated. Otherwise that 64* HTA on the plaque is way off cuz thats like 45*.

 

Two bottle cages. Bladders suck

 

Frame bag. Bedrock bags or oveja negra makes some good ones. Blackburn has been killing it on the budget front too. Hold your tools and some snacks, bottles in cages.

 

The small dakine hot laps or osprey savu can hold water bottles and phone, snacks, etc. revelate designs makes some nice frame bags that should fit more. I think bontrager just released some frame bags too.

ive been using an osprey seral with a bladder for the past month or so and it has been solid so far. All these are hips/fanny packs, whatever you want to call them haha

 

Love my Savu. Between that and my 2 bottle cages, I can do an all day ride with almost nothing on me.

 

Unlike some of the other advice you've been given, I prefer a multi-use back pack with a bladder. I've done a handle bar flip and landed on my back with a full bladder and suffered only some minor scratches. You're right though, at that price point there aren't a lot of options that are worth the money. Have you looked at a compromise such as a waist pack with a bladder? They are more likely to be in your price range and may fit your needs.

 

Very fun. It's a borrowed bike, hand made and designed by a friend, fortunately I am about his height and dimensions so I get to be a test pilot. This was my first ride on it. I used to ride a rigid carbon 29er hardtail with XC geometry, this klunker is quite a bit heavier but it is a surprisingly capable bike on the climbs and descents(!). He had a 3.0 front tire with a special 29+ cushcore and a 2.4 in the back also with cush core. I think I had the air pressure at ~18F / 24R. I took it on some super steep loose shit and it tracked well, off a small jump or two and a small drop. The drops and jump landings were a bit hard on the wrists. It is kind of hard to see but the handle bars are 820mm wide mixed material bullmoose (steel "stem" /carbon "bars") which makes it pretty comfortable considering rigid steel designed for a big guy (200+ lbs, whereas I'm ~175lbs) that likes to go fast. I've ridden a few other of his bikes before which he says has very modern geometry, AKA forward geometry and my personal trail bike is a long and slackish (still 66° ha 1230 wheel base) so I am used to riding with my weight well over the front of the bike ( which is actually centered between the wheels)

Here is two of his blog posts about this thing: http://www.peterverdone.com/pvd-sopwith-camel/ up'd for hbars: http://www.peterverdone.com/missed-opportunities/
He said that my truck paint (cement gray) entered his subconscious when he chose the RAL 7046 powder coat paint https://www.ralcolorchart.com/ral-classic/ral-7046-telegrey-2 such matchy matchy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y16DeucQgf0

 

I'd normally agree, but after racing RPI gravel in Idaho this year, I found the need for a hydration pack. Water bottles were being ejected out of frames like spent shells in the middle east. I had to finish without a water bottle and I wouldn't be surprised if the clean up crew had hundreds of unclaimed water bottles by the days end. Next year I'll have a hydration pack. It may be the only time I use it. but I'll have it.

 

Most mountain bikers go for 1 to 2 hour rides where one or two small water bottles is enough and they are never far from their car or civilization. If you are going for an adventure type ride a Camelbak with water tools, spare, snacks, first aid is a really good idea...

 

Didn't think I would need to elaborate on my comment that I figured was self explanatory, but I guess so....

yes, if you're riding casually and don't mind stopping if your bottle falls out, then yes. It's fine. If you're racing, would like to finish well, have less than aggressive bottle cages and would like to finish with some type of consumable liquid....a hydration pack may not be a bad idea.
My xc races are in the realm of 20 miles and takes less than 2 hours. I tend to go through one bottle save july/august heat and humidity where I may need an additional one. Longer mileage/hours/etc changes things. So does Someone who requires more fluids and will likely have a different requirement.

 

Only difference I see is that you're paying more money for a Rockshox branded fork. It's still not an amazing fork. Both models offer coil-sprung 100mm forks with lockout. The Marlin 7 has a slightly better climbing gear. On paper, the gearing ratio is 3% lower. (22/34 vs 22/36.)

If it means anything to you, I prefer the slate color on the Marlin 6.


Edit: If you're in Birmingham, check out this bike: https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2418887/

Also look at the Marin lineup. They have a lot of affordable hardtails. The Marin Bobcat Trail bike comes to mind. It has 120mm travel, compared to the Marlin's 100mm of suspension.

 

Bontrager just released some low-cost bags, as well:
https://bikepacking.com/news/bontrager-bikepacking-bags/

 

Installed a Thule Gatemate pro pad. Im liking the coverage vs the Dakine I had.

 

That looks nice, did you get the small or large?

 

Its the small. Really seems like it fits perfect

 

Looks like plenty of clearance for the backup camera, nice!

 

Sweet pad, care more about the truck. God that green!
Moe pics of the truck!