44 Bikes Marauder UTE 27.5+
This was the one that started it all. When I thought about building a bike that was tailor-made for the tackling the rough tracks that snake through the Andes, I knew I wanted a meaty tire. 27.5+ was still a relatively new platform at the time, but it felt like a good compromise between a traditional mountain bike and a fat-bike. I also knew I wanted ample space for a frame bag, and loads of mounts to keep my baggage options open. The 44 Bikes Marauder UTE is the result.
You can read all about Kris Henry’s process of building this frame at The Radavist.
Specs:
SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain
Jones H-Bar Loop
Brooks C17 Cambium saddle
Pass and Stow front rack
Thomson seatpost and stem
Hope flat pedals
Maxxis Chronicles 27.5×3 (EXO/TR)
Velocity Dually rims
Industry 9 rear hub
SON front Dynamo Hub
Paul Klamper brakes
RaceFace Cinch crank w/ 28t chainring
Sinewave Cycles USB charger
Schmidt Edelux II headlamp
Cygolite Hotshot USB re-chargeable taillamp
Porcelain Rocket 52Hz Waterproof frame bag:
This is where I keep my repair and first aid kits, air mattress, water filter, large water bladder, spare tubes, tent poles, and rain fly. There are also typically a few “emergency” ramen noodle packs I’ve been carrying for years at this point, just in case.
Porcelain Rocket Mr. Fusion seat pack:
Here I keep most of my sleeping gear. The sleeping bag, thick wool socks, sleep shirt, and down socks go in a Sea-to-Summit compression sack. My bag liner and inflatable pillow also fit in here, and there is a ton of extra room for supplies if it’s going to be a long stretch without re-stocking points.
While a traditional saddle bag has benefits when it comes to accessibility, this setup keeps the rear end slim and stable, which is crucial for hike-a-bikes… Something that is required on a nearly daily basis if you’re trying to access an out-of-the-way area to setup camp.
F-Stop Kenti Camera Backpack (mounted to front rack):
This is mostly made up of electronic gear. Laptop, cameras, hard drives, cables, adapters, etc. It being a backpack makes it easy to take off and bring with me if I’m going into a store or restaurant, rather than having to leave everything mounted to the bike. I can also wear the bag on my back for technical hike-a-bikes, which makes the bike significantly easier to carry. My down jacket lives here and the roll-top is expandable to carry additional supplies when needed.
Porcelain Rocket DSLR Slinger Stem Bag:
This thing has been through the wringer over the years and is still a favorite. I don’t use it for a camera at all. Instead, I find It’s good for snacks along with hauling larger and more sensitive items that you don’t want to smash into a pannier like fruit, vegetables, bread, hard boiled eggs, etc.
Choike Jumbo Stem Bag:
The use of this depends on where I’m at. In areas that lack water re-supply points I’ll keep a liter bottle in here along with my wind breaker and whatever else I can stuff in there. If I’m in a place like southern Chile, where water is readily available, I’ll swap the bottle for my thick gloves, wool hat, and anything else I may want readily-available.
RandiJo Fab Jeff N Joans bag:
This is where I keep my rain jacket and rain pants along with some small camera accessories. I’ll also stash my phone in here while I’m riding so I can easily charge it using the Sinewave Cycles Dynamo USB port.
Revelate Designs top tube bags:
Here I keep a basic bike lock, Leatherman, multitool, chain lube, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and any other small object I may need on a regular basis.
Ortlieb Sport Roller Classic Panniers:
These are used for cooking supplies, the stove, food that has to be cooked, the inner-mesh portion of the tent, wash kit, and clothes in a Sea-to-Summit organizer.
