I've been putting it off for ages, but at some point I'd like to buy a mountain bike. I don't want to spend a lot, but I wouldn't mind something half decent for bikepacking and longish rides. I'm in the north of Scotland, so I'd probably do most riding around Aviemore - maybe build up to the Cairngorm Loop type of terrain. I was thinking about a Singular Swift, but it doesn't look like a really budget build is going to be possible. I think I'd enjoy trying a singlespeed. However, in an idle moment I Googled "29er build kits" and came across this Kinesis kit http://shop.upgradebikes.co.uk/catalogu ... 2400b2dfad. It looks like some places sell them a bit cheaper. Is that a decent option (assuming it's all compatible with whatever frame I buy), or would I be better off sourcing individual new or used components?

If you want to bike pack in the Carngorms you don't really want to be on a single speed, unless you are super human or Ian Barrington and the like.

As for bikes, are you OK with rigid front ends or are you after a bit of cushioning?

If rigid have a search around for one of these https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-ra ... e-EV264163

Review here http://bearbonesbikepacking.blogspot.co ... -look.html

To be fair that bundle looks quite reasonable if it contains all the parts you want.

Depends what you mean by budget?
(Also considering that you're thinking about buying full price PhD kit..........)

If you shop around, wait for deals/sales, happy with a ridged bike, pick up a few second hand bits you can get a reasonable bespoke build for ~£1k

Depends if you know what you want and have a few spares hanging about to get the fit right. If you dont own/haven't owned one, going through that process may cost a bit.

If you are on a budget look at the Pinacle bikes from Evans.
The Ramin 3+ were great value as well as a lot of the rest of the range.

Marin with plus tyres?
https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/marin- ... 1-186.html
Ideal for what you describe I'd say.
EDIT - but only if you're a lanky long shanks
So how about http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Charge-Cooker-M ... oCu0vw_wcB
My brother got a posher version and loves it

Unless you've got any 'brand hang-ups' the Ramin+ would be an ideal choice. I've had one on test for quite a few months and I really don't want to send it back - it's that good. I've bikepacked on it, ridden it for coaching sessions and generally up, down and around.

Thanks for that. The Ramin sounds good. I'll try to pop into Evans' for a look next time I'm down in Glasgow. As a matter of interest, is it anything like a Swift in terms of geometry and ride?

I have a ramin plus 3 I love it. I used to have a swift 29er a while back which too was nice. The ramin seems to ride like it feels lighter than it is if that makes sense, it's nicer to ride imho than the swift. Its probably the first bike I've had in a long long time where it felt good right from the off, I put the saddle at the right height and just rode it. I've gone tubeless, which was simple to do and altered the gearing now so it's even better now.

If time is on your side, just buy bits as and when you see them cheap, and keep an eye on the classifieds.

Merlin do a set of Deore hubs on Stans Flows for £95ish, and these are ideal both for big tyres and for tubeless. Not the lightest hubs, but the spoke length is the same as for a Hope Pro2 so you could swap them over later if you wanted.

Drivetrain - Merlin and the German sites, sometimes Ribble too.

Thanks. Nice bike, Firestarter, and it's interesting to hear that you prefer it to your Swift.

I had a look for the Merlin wheels - it seemed to be a great deal, but it looks like they were discontinued a few days ago on the 8th.

I've just been looking for those wheels too lol

deejayen wrote:Thanks for that. The Ramin sounds good. I'll try to pop into Evans' for a look next time I'm down in Glasgow. As a matter of interest, is it anything like a Swift in terms of geometry and ride?

Not ridden a Ramin+ ,but have ridden on plus bikes and many miles on my Swift.

Depends what you want from the bike?
The Swift is very capable at covering lots of miles and quickly and I cant fault it.
Plus is great for when things are rockier/boggy and bimbling about. Unsure if i'd want them for a week away.