After riding full sus for the best part of a decade, I decided I wanted a hardtail again to ride on some of the calmer local trails. However I didn’t want to break the bank, so I spent a year or so finding parts to build this beauty and I’m buzzing over how fun it is to ride!
The frame was a second hand but unused custom Marino. I definitely wouldn’t have chosen internal cable and hose routing for a steel frame (absolute nightmare getting it built!) but there’s no denying how clean it looks. Geometry is somewhere between xc and aggressive, so perfect for general trail use:
HTA: 67
STA: 73
Reach: 647
Chainstay: 436
Fork was also second hand but unused. Never ridden any of the newer Bomber forks before but I’ve been impressed so far.
Wheels are Sunringle Duroc 30s which were on sale at 50% off rrp. Tires are specialized Ground Control rear and Eliminator front, both found on sale at a local Eric’s. Been a Maxxis rider all my life but I really appreciate the grip I’m getting from these Spesh bad boys.
Mix of Deore and SLX 12spd drivetrain, Trans X dropper, and Spank finishing kit. Brakes are 2017 Deore single pots that I had lying around and I had forgotten how much I love them.
All in, the whole bike ended up costing me around $1300 which is not cheap, but feels like good value and you can’t put a cost on the size of my grin riding this thing; makes me feel like I’m 18 and riding in the late 90s again. Love it!
by MumblesBarn
1 Comment
Welcome to the hardtail gang, we’re not a cult!