GEOMETRY

Head tube angle: 65.5°
Seat tube angle: 76°
Chainstay length: 425mm (16.7 inches)
Reach (size medium): 455mm
Bottom bracket height: 344mm (13.5 inches)

Frame: Marin Rift Zone 3.

The Rift Zone 3 is an aluminum short-travel 29er that features 125mm of MultiTrac Suspension.

Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z2, 130mm-travel.

The Bomber stays true to its name, offering a no-nonsense package. It features Fox performance but simplifies it with fewer knobs and dials. It’s the perfect fork for a shredder on a budget.

Drivetrain: Shimano XT, 12-speed (32t-front chainring, 10-45 cassette).

Shimano’s XT drivetrain sits in the middle of its 12-speed line. While it costs a bit more than the SLX, it offers the best balance between performance and value.

Wheels: DT Swiss M1700 (29-inch diameter, 30mm inner width).

DT Swiss is well-regarded for its wheelsets, and the M1700 is no exception. These wheels are built tough without being too heavy.

Tires: WTB Trail Boss (29×2.4-inch front & rear).

The right balance between grip and speed.

Sealant: Orange Seal.

It’s simply the best.

Brakes: Shimano XT four-piston brakes (180mm rotors front & rear).

Big rotors and four-piston calipers offer all the power we need.

Handlebar: Deity Skywire Carbon 35 (25mm rise).

Carbon bars are lighter and better at absorbing vibration but come with a premium price tag.

Stem: Industry Nine A35 (40mm length).

Not at all the best way to stay on budget, but man, does it look cool.

Grips: Deity Knuckle Dusters Some of the wrecking crew members’ favorite grips.

Dropper post: FSA Flowtron (150mm travel).

The wrecking crew wanted to try FSA’s Flowtron dropper due to its unique adjustable lever tension.

Seat: WTB Volt (titanium rails)

We blew our budget on a titanium-railed saddle, but it sure is impressively light.

Estimated value: $3780