Description:El Mariachi returns as both a complete bike or frameset only option in 2008. Still crafted from True Temper OX Platinum tubing, the Bushnell eccentric bottom bracket equipped frame has been updated by removing the toptube/seattube brace. We’ve also stiffened up the front end slightly, while still retaining the great ride of steel. El Mariachi Complete features a 1x9 drivetrain and lots of choice bits, including a painted-to-match CroMoto SUL stem.
Submitted by
Tony Gorilla
a Weekend Warrior
from Bergen, Norwegen, Europa Date Reviewed: February 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Livarden
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Webcyclery
Strengths:
Solid, well thought out geometry, well thought out components from factory/designers, good handling, pedals great, "the crisp feel of steel"
Weaknesses:
None yet, had to true and tighten up the wheels like on all machine laced wheelsets, after that flawless performance.
Similar Products Used:
Kinesis, Specialized, Marin +++ hardtails and fullys
Bike Setup:
Platinum OX steel tubeset coated in "King`s blue" size "s", Salsa(WTB?) disc hubs with machine bearings laced on salsa delgado 29" rims, Schwalbe racing ralph 29X2.4 tyres, 1x9 SRAM x.9 32x11-34 drivetrain, avid bb7 185mmFR & 160mmRR disc brakes, Salsa straight steel fork, salsa steel stem, salsa pro moto 11`flatbar, Thomson silver setback post, Selle italia flite sadle, blue wellgo DMR-copy platforms
Bottom Line:
A fantastically handling bike. I really like the back-to-basics-approach and well thought out stock componentry on this rig. The local trails are full of vertical challenges, still I ride the same rocky trails as with my fully, and don`t miss a front suspension, with fat tyres and good brakes you`re in control. Ofcourse you don`t get the same flow going downhill, but the handling characteristics and greater sense of contact with the trail makes it a fun and not too challenging task, in salsa tongue: "Ride `n smile"!
Buy for: Trailriding, "All mountain"-riding if you`re used to a fully but want to develop your technical skills, XC racing
Don`t buy for: Downhill racing, gravel road "mountainbike"-racing(buy a La Cruz instead)
Choose a smaller size for your height if you too appreciate easy handling. Except for stock components I`d go for a 185mm front disc, depending on the inclination of your local terrain though..
29" with 2.4 RR makes it quite high in the front, so don`t go for riserbars, the height with flabar is of no problem though, you easily tune in to the riding charcteristics of the bike.
For the after-season sale price I got it for value rating would have been 5 chillis, but the stock prize being $1600 for a 1x9,bb7,taiwaneese steel ride makes it 3, *Although geometry, design, and componentry is well thought out it`s not a custom ride, So please, no custom pricing!
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Overall Rating:
