This week’s Reader’s Rig belongs to Josh Chapple, who’s in the middle of planning a Colorado Trail ride on his 29+ Myth Cycles Talos. Find details about Josh and his bike here, along with a comprehensive pack list for his upcoming trip…

Words and photos by Josh Chapple (@joshchapple)

I’m Josh Chapple and I found my way to mountain bikes around 2014 after getting into riding BMX in the late 90s. I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve never had any interest in going fast (sorry to anyone who rides with me) but I’m always looking for bigger adventures and longer days in the saddle.

Josh Chapple, Myth Talos, 29+

I currently live in Conifer, Colorado (in the Denver foothills) and I’m extremely thankful to live in an area with so many trails in my backyard. For the last 10 years I’ve spent far too much time in an office and I’ve been planning for a Colorado Trail trip this summer to see how I like an adventure of that scale. Due to the large snow year in Colorado I’ve pushed my trip back a few times, but I’m planning to head out from Denver in mid-August and ride to Durango as fast as I feel like. I’ll be taking the time to enjoy myself while maintaining sustained forward progress.

My Colorado Trail planning is what sent me on the quest for a new bike. I had a few things in mind: short back end with sliding drops, threaded bottom bracket, 29+ up to 3”, steel frame, and bolts on the downtube. After poking around online I found the Myth Cycles website and the Talos 29+ checked all the boxes for me. I sent off an email and Eric Tomczak got back to me right away. We exchanged a few emails about the specifics and after everything was nailed down he got to work with the welder. Eric does great work and was awesome to deal with on this build. Also, check out his handlebars, they offer the perfect mix of rise, backsweep, upsweep, and style.

  • Josh Chapple, Myth Talos, 29+
  • Josh Chapple, Myth Talos, 29+
  • Josh Chapple, Myth Talos, 29+
  • Frame Myth Cycles Talos 29+ (Medium)
  • Fork Fox Factory 34 (130mm)
  • Headset Chris King
  • Rims Industry Nine Backcountry 360
  • Hubs Industry Nine Hydra
  • Tires Maxxis Rekon 29×2.6″
  • Handlebar Myth Cycles LoMoto
  • Crankset Race Face Turbine with Wolf Tooth elliptical 28T
  • Cassette Sram XX1 Eagle
  • Derailleur Sram XX1 Eagle
  • Brakes Sram Guide RSC
  • Shifter Sram XX1 Eagle
  • Saddle Ergon EA3 Pro
  • Seatpost Fox Transfer Performance (125mm)
  • Stem Paul Components (50mm)
  • Front Bag(s) Revelate Designs Pronghorn (Medium)
  • Rear Bag(s) Rockgeist Custom Framebag, Revelate Designs Pika seatbag
  • Accessory Bag(s) Oveja Negra Snackpack (XL), Revelate Designs Feedbag, Bedrock Sinbad
Josh Chapple, Myth Talos, 29+

Personally, I’m really interested in gear lists and this is the latest iteration of my gear setup. I suspect this will change slightly, but it’s definitely in the ballpark for what I’ll be carrying with me on the Colorado Trail, and the big three (shelter/quilt/sleeping pad) won’t change.

You can keep up with Josh on Instagram at @joshchapple. And check out Myth Cycles for more on Eric’s small line of semi-custom bikes built in Durango, Colorado.

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