Every rider seems to have that one bike that got away. Whether you sold it, crashed it, or traded it in for something more “progressive,” most of us have a regret or two when it comes to our buying and selling choices. This is that bike. After a broken seatstay, and the model being discontuned, we knew we had to resurrect a favorite 27.5” trail bike to 29” and make a few tweaks to better fit our intended use. Living in Colorado Springs affords us the opportunity to bike camp and bikepack in high elevations, right outside our front door, and this bike is designed to ride it all. Through downtown to the trailhead, up the locals’ trails to make our way up Tava into elevations and scenery that are forever worth the effort of every pedal stroke. Oh, and did I mention the descents? YUM.

Built as light as possible with a mix of Dedacciai and Velospec Elite tubing, the goal was simple: take a beloved geometry, lighten it up, then make it stout enough to handle the kitty litter descents that the Pikes Peak region is known for. Kitted out with a Pike Ultimate 140mm fork, externally-routed mechanical components, and a killer custom frame bag by Dark Void (made from upcycled Ikea bags!), this bikepacking machine ensures its own capability through its industrious (and repairable) concept.