Not 100% sure on this yet but I am contemplating building a 29er for bike-packing and xc riding and thought it might make for an interesting challenge for the STW posters.

The only rule is it has to be capable for an intermediate rider who wants excellent climbing without suicide descending and the build must come in at around £400

I have the following

Bars
Stem
Seat Post (depending on frame)
Gear Cables

Have fun 🙂

What’s the prize?

I will come and do 2 hours worth of Ironing for the winner.

Or you can mail it to me at your own cost.

..and thought it might make for an interesting challenge for the STW posters.

You probably thought wrong.

However, I’ll go for broke and suggest…
on-one scandal and second hand rigid/bounce forks.

DrP

DrP ….. Excellent suggestion. OP, check out my recent for sale as, as it might be what you are after!

Scandal +1

Scandal was my go too. Very versatile and robust if a bit heavy. Tbh if you don’t need a rack and will be using bags you would be daft to not at least consider Chinese carbon. Built up a pretty ultimate xc / backpacking bike for not a daft amount of money!

I Think I’m being a bit of a tit.

I have a 26er Scandal that I run SS. I suppose I could wack gears on it for summer and bikepacking duties and then revert back to ss for the winter hack.

Do love that slackman, to big for me but a lovely bike.

Or you could just strap some dry bags to ride as is…

If I thought I was fit enough to be able to ride multi day ss in places like the peaks then I certainly would 🙁