Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Our Reader’s Rig of the week comes from Zack Schmidt in Salt Lake City, Utah, who was introduced to bikepacking while thru-hiking the Colorado Trail a few years back and hasn’t looked back since. Learn more about Zack and his singlepeed Salsa Timberjack here…
Words and photos by Zack Schmidt (@zacharymichael)
Howdy. My name is Zack, and I’m currently living in Salt Lake City, Utah. A couple of summers ago, my partner and I thru-hiked the Colorado Trail. After seeing all of the bikes buzz by us, I got to thinking: Why the heck am I hiking, when I can bike it?
Once back in Salt Lake, I got myself a used downhill bike that was far too small for me and would hoof it around the trail systems in the area. This was my first real introduction to mountain biking. Three bikes later, and copious amounts of YouTube, Reddit, and bike shops, I have been able to fine-tune my steed to carry me on many an adventure, from grocery rides to epic trips in Moab.
This Timberjack started its life as an all-stock XT build from my favorite local bike shop in Salt Lake, Crankys (check it out!). The upgrading began with dropping the stock 35 gold fork and getting a Pike Ultimate. Next came the brakes, the pedals, cranks, and oh so many chainrings. My final addition (subtraction?) has been going singlespeed. Thank you, Neil, for inspiring me to make the switch!
- Frame 2021 Salsa Timberjack XT 27.5
- Fork RockShox Pike Ultimate Fork
- Rims I9 Enduro 27.5
- Hubs I9 Hydra
- Tires Maxxis Ikon 2.8
- Handlebars PNW Range or Salsa Rustler Deluxe
- Headset Stock FSA
- Crankset Shimano SLX arms with a 28T XT ring
- Pedals Shimano XT clipless
- Cassette Shimano SLX or Boone Technologies Ti singlespeed
- Derailleur Shimano XT or singlespeed
- Brakes Shimano SLX single piston
- Shifter(s) Shimano XT or singlespeed
- Saddle Ergon SM Pro
- Seatpost Transx Adjustable Dropper
- Stem Deity Copperhead or Salsa Guide 40mm
- Front bags Revelate Design Salty Roll on a Salsa Anything Cradle
- Frame bags Oveja Negra Wedge Frame Bag
- Rear bags Louise Dropper Post Harness
After sleepless nights of mentally organizing and reorganizing my bags, I think I have found my perfect set up… for now.
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
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