Monster, Monsteur, Monstour , 26/29+ and Expedition and Adventure bikes

How wide did you go?

2.1 - just about enough clearance to handle a bit of mud. That said my last expedition highlighted a mud clearance issue on the Horizons so I'll keep my fingers crossed for less of the brown stuff.

Looks like a fake trek stache. Bit of a cheek and not much cheaper than the real deal.

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOORAN27PLUSNX1/on-one-rango-carbon-275--sram-nx1-mountain-bike

Finally got the replacement fork for the recalled one on the Marin pine mountain. Weighs even more if that's possible. I am thinking about going carbon.

I'm sure it's just me here, and it's a difficult one to explain....but despite the fact that there are so many possibilities with frame shaping on MTBs these days, what with carbon basically having infinite shaping options, and aluminium hydroforming etc....every time I see a new bike launched...even more so on the full suspension side of things...I just seem to instantly think "meh". They all seem to feel so generic...which is bizarre given just how similar most steel double diamond frames are...and have been for decades.
I don't know if it's just that I notice the overall build more on 'traditional' frames, especially if they're loaded and ready for adventure, whereas modern frames I seem to notice the frame first?
Like I said, it's difficult to explain. I just don't feel anything anymore when I see most new frames being unveiled.

Glad I got that off my chest! :)

Incremental changes:

one of my absolute forum favourites

Yea that thing is fuckin sweet

10/10

Hot stuff!

Never seen a drop bar MTB with such spot on proportions

Thanks guys. Pretty happy with how it turned out. Been playing around with what it could look like if I'd take it on a proper trip around the world (currently only use one pair of 20L pannier bags):

That's absolutely epic, the proportions are spot on, what size is it?

That's absolutely epic, the proportions are spot on, what size is it?

Thanks. The seat tube is 56cm and the top tube is 58.5cm (center to center both). The stem is 11cm.

Ready for Scotland

Looks sweet, but do you ever use the drops? Looks like a pretty full-on drop from the saddle height. You must do a lot of yoga.

Looks sweet, but do you ever use the drops? Looks like a pretty full-on drop from the saddle height. You must do a lot of yoga.

It's similar to my road bike and fixed gear, so not that bad. Drops are great for descending and if you want to get some speed. Of course the hoods are where it's at for that long haul comfort. The stem is slammed all the way at the moment, but it can rise a great deal (Nitto Technomic):

Drops are great for descending and if you want to get some speed.

True, my Saracen has similar geo by the looks of it and as much as the city bars are good yours makes me tempted to try a quill adaptor and some modern shallow drops. The VO Rando ones I had were too deep.

tempted to try a quill adaptor and some modern shallow drops.

There is a quite a decent list of 26mm compact drops, for example I have some Procrafts on my road bike. Deda Piega are also a popular choice. Take a look at this thread:

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/214488/

super ugly but super cool at the same time.. more info on this?

Another nice looking bike you have there. I was under the assumption that you wouldn't get compact drops in a 26mm stem, but it seems it can work depending on the combo.

click on the pic, it leads to the Pedal Room page :) no clue though, but I'd be interested in the full story as well

noice, alfine di2