hey all, I'm after a new bike but have some specific requirements.

I need a capable bikepacking bicycle but it also needs to do double duty as my work bike.
So specific requirements- I'm 6 foot 4 inches tall so an XL frame/ 22" or 23"?
A hardtail mountain bike
It needs to be a white, silver, yellow or a hi-viz green.
I need a it to carry a pannier rack.

any thoughts?

Genesis Longitude Frameset?

Rather a fetching yellow....

What's your budget?

Do you want something off the shelf?

benp1 wrote:What's your budget?

Do you want something off the shelf?

I'd prefer off the shelf but I'm not opposed to a build- I'd have to get the local bike shop to do the work and I'd be asking for a lot more advice

Cheap as chips I'm afraid- probably prepared to pay up to £800

Any preference in wheel size?

I've only ever had 26" up til now- never tried anything else.
It would be great if I could match up to my missus' bike which is a 650B.

so, I've found a likely candidate and would value some opinions

http://www.marinbikes.com/gb/bikes/desc ... mountain-1

22" Frame, silver, rack mounts, £750. Bikepacking friendly and work ready

so, I've found a likely candidate and would value some opinions

http://www.marinbikes.com/gb/bikes/desc ... mountain-1

22" Frame, silver, rack mounts, £750. Bikepacking friendly and work ready

I think it's probably one of this years bargains. Not exactly light for a rigid, 1 x 10 bike but given it's sporting 40mm rims and a steel frame, the weight's not over the top either.

The inclusion of a 42t cassette means that unless you live somewhere very hilly or don't climb well (at all), you shouldn't miss an additional smaller front ring - I've found the Sunrace cassette to work very well so far.

Go on, get it bought

Those Marins look Brill. If you're quick you can probably get a cheap set of wheels from superstar in the sale to put some commuting tyres on.

Looks great for the money, I'd certainly consider one if I were in the market. Long term upgrades like lighter wheels, carbon fork etc would shift a few pounds off it too.

The only reason I didn't get one of those on the cycle to work, was the delivery time....this was in November. They've started to hit the shops now....my lbs will have them in soon.
Best bang for buck out there currently, I reckon