2015 Salsa El Mariachi 2

[jugdish]

Thoughts on this rig? It's one of a couple of bikes I'm considering. Would love to hear what some owners thoughts are? Thanks-

[41 elgin]

I have a 2014 el mar single speed. The only thing I did initially was to change the stem to something shorter and the bike had me climbing all my normal trails faster. I added an 8 speed alfine wheel to the back and just did a 4 day 129 mile, 21,000 ft bike packing trip. If I had to have just one bike this would be it, a true do anything.

[ReXTless]

I have a 2014 el mar single speed. The only thing I did initially was to change the stem to something shorter and the bike had me climbing all my normal trails faster. I added an 8 speed alfine wheel to the back and just did a 4 day 129 mile, 21,000 ft bike packing trip. If I had to have just one bike this would be it, a true do anything.

Nice rig. I have the same bike and am interested on what's required to convert the bike to Alfine 8. Doesn't the hub require a cable stop? Also, what are you using to secure the bottle cages to the fork and down tube?

Thanks!

BTW, OP, the El Mar is a great bike. I love mine!

[41 elgin]

The hub is an easy install. Full cable housing from shifter to hub, no cable stop needed as it is part of the hub. As it is the SS frame I did need one zip tie on the seat stay but I am fine with that. For the extra bottles I used home depot stainless hose clamps over some sheet rubber to protect the paint and keep them from sliding, plenty of rough trails and they did not budge a bit.

[41 elgin]

The velcro strap was for the precious cargo, a little nip for the end of the day.

[jugdish]

Appreciate the responses. I've done some BPing, though with a BOB. How does it handle unloaded?

[41 elgin]

The el mar handles great both loaded and unloaded. It is primarily my daily commuter and replaced a Vassago Jabberwocky. The bike feels more stable on the downhills and more nimble in the tech stuff. The vassago had a REBA on it and I thought I would do the same to this but the through axle rigid fork is a fun challenge and suprizingly forgiving. I also have a Turner Sultan so when the trails get really rough...

[robeberth1970]

I'm two weeks into ownership so still have the new bike glow and the $2500 of denial if there were anything wrong with it.

So far I'm really, really enjoying it. I moved over from a 26" SC Superlight, so I occasionally miss a bit of rear squish, but the 29" wheels and great geometry are making up for it. It takes me back to my 1994 Kona Cindercone in so far as it feels nimble and fun and makes me want to ride.

Planning a mini-overnight this weekend in celebration.