Framed Bikes recently announced the release of their first plus-size mountain bike
– the Marquette Carbon 27.5+

The stock version comes with:

• SRAM DB5 Hydraulic Brakes
• Alex MD50 Alloy Double Wall Rims
• RockShox Reba Fork
• GX retail $1999
• X1 retail $2199
• BOOST Technology
• 445mm chainstay length
• Head tube angle of 69 degrees matched with a 120mm or 100mm travel fork.
• High modulus carbon frame with SRAM dominated drivetrain and brakes
• 12mm thru axle dropouts on the rear.
• Framed describes it as “the Swiss Army knife in the company’s lineup.”

More details here: Framed Marquette 27.5+ at The House

Tech over.

First Rides –

When local bike company, Framed, invited me to check out their new Marquette 27.5+ bike I had no idea just how much fun it would be. Having a history of more than one broken bone from bike….uhhh…mishaps…I started out cautiously with a ride around South Minneapolis from the house, to Pat’s Tap. It was a fast, smooth ride to my bloody mary with no increased rolling resistance compared to my traditional 500 lb mountain bike circa 1993. No crashes. Easily maneuvered around the massive potholes. No broken bones. Success. Plus, it fits in the back of my Jeep. I’m ready for the river bottoms

The River Bottoms– I should’ve worn a helmet.

Like driving my Jeep to the kite launch on the beach in South Padre or snowy lake in MN, this bike plowed through everything I put in front of it- gravel, packed sand, deep sand, grass, big rocks, log piles, sticks, roots, mud, water. Overall the bike fit me very well when I was riding, though I found the standover height to be a little high #curseofthelongtorso.  Handlebar width was comfortable and I was able to maneuver through the trees on the single track without trouble. My feet stayed on the pedals when I needed them to. I found easy acceleration on flats – street, gravel, and dirt. The 27+ sized tires offered extra flotation through the deep sand and rough terrain and a ton of traction. I did slide out in some mud but that may have had more to do with my skill level than the tire (and by “may have” I mean it absolutely did). Frame geometry was comfortable, the adjustable RockShox Reba fork soaked up the bumps, and the Marquette was great fun to ride.

Forgiving of my many technical mistakes. I would’ve hit the ground many more times had I been on my own bike. As a beginner rider, this bike gave me confidence on more technical terrain. I found myself going faster and going over log piles I wouldn’t have tried this with my old bike.

Style points-

More than a few people commented on the look of the bike on the trails.

Nobody commented on my old 90’s Giant Acapulco…weird.

The mud contrasted nicely with the bright green frame.

Carbon frame at the price of other brand’s aluminum frames.

Final thoughts-

The Framed Marquette Carbon 27.5+ is a lightweight, agile trail bike offering stability, comfort, and confidence. The ride is smooth, nimble, and fun.

Terry, who is a more experienced cyclist, fat tire enthusiast, and triathlete, took the bike for a spin and was also impressed. He said it handled great and was a nice ride. I think the bike is great for the less technically skilled such as myself and I’m looking forward to reading some of the reviews of the pros. Dustin at Fat-Bike.com will have a review coming out soon. Stay tuned.

Now go out and monster truck over some stuff!

Play hard.