Mountain Bike (MTB)
Gravel Bike
All-Terrain Bike (ATB)
Fat Bike
This week’s Reader’s Rig comes from Sam in British Columbia, who shares his singletrack-ready Stooge Rambler build. Meet Sam and learn more about his exceptionally well-curated dirt cruiser here…
Words and photos by Sam Fidlin
Hi BIKEPACKING.com readers, riders, and people alike. My name is Sam Fidlin. I grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, but have called Vancouver, British Columbia, home for the past 12 years. I spend most days as a full-time photographer, and I spend most of my time away from work on my bike with friends.
I grew up a skateboarder and worked in and out of that industry for years, shooting for brands and magazines. Recently, that has slowed down and moved to the back burner so I can enjoy other things life has to offer (with way fewer injuries). But as I wrote before, these days, I spend a lot of my time riding around the city and trails, or taking bike trips with my friends. I realized there are many parallels between the “alt bike scene” and skateboarding, which is neat. From customizing your bike to make it your own to the clothes you wear, it’s super cool to see what everyone is up to.
I also run a bike account called Hot Dogs on Wheelz, which has become a fun place to showcase photos and videos from the trips we go on and everything in between. More recently, it has become a place for community. At the start of 2026, I began hosting a monthly group ride that has become a super fun time, and the turnout is always incredible. So, if you’re reading this and live in Vancouver, keep an eye out for it!!
- Frame/Fork: Stooge Rambler (57cm)
- Rims: DT Swiss M1700
- Hubs: DT Swiss
- Tires: Pirelli Scorpion H 27.5 x 2.4
- Handlebars: Lekerleks Albalite
- Headset: Ritchey
- Crankset: Sugino Impel w/ 38T Stridsland Ring
- Pedals: MKS Pretzel
- Cassette: 11-Speed Sunrace 11-46
- Derailleur(s): Shimano XTR M950
- Brakes: Avid Levers w/ Avid BB7 Calipers
- Shifter(s): Suntour Power Ratchet
- Saddle: Brooks B17
- Seatpost: Thomson
- Stem: Stripped Filet Brazed Bantam
- Front bags: Buffalo Big Buff
- Frame bags: HMPL for the big trips
- Accessory bags: Locally Made
- Other accessories: Customized Crane Bell, Oury Grips, VO Bottle Cage, OG Pec Dec Bag Support
As for the bike, I’ve been following the Stooge brand for a while now and always thought they do things in their own unique way, which is cool. The double top tubes, shreddy geo, and tire clearance for days really caught my eye when I was looking for a new bike to add to the collection. It was completely different from anything I’d ever owned.
The Rambler had been sold out in its previous season’s colors when I started looking in December 2025, but soon after, Andrew from Stooge announced the next batch would be coming in summer 2026, so the saving started immediately, and the waiting game began. Once they landed, it was game on. I chose to set mine up with wide swoopy bars, which makes for a super comfy ride. Pair that with some wide knobby tires, and this thing will handle any singletrack you throw at it. It’s still pretty new to me, but I’m looking forward to the life it’s going to live out here and the trips it’s going to take me on.
You can keep up with Sam on Instagram.
Send Us Your Bikepacking Rig
Use the form below to submit your bikepacking rig. We’ll choose one per week to feature in a Reader’s Rig Dispatch and on Instagram. To enter, email us your best photo of the bike (preferably at a 90° angle), your Instagram username (optional), and a short description of you and your rig. If your bike is selected, we’ll need a total of five photos and a little bit more info.
Readers Rig
Further Reading
Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info...
Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.
