That is rough ridin' amazeballs and I want it.
Thats a Blackborow right? Did it come with the lugs to mount stuff/bottles on the fork? How many amazing day trips and or camping trips have you been on where you packed most of the gear on the frame? And any want to spend the money to get a squishy fork or were you wanting rigid? Any reason for the Blackborow versus the Mukluk or Beargrease?
Yeah, it's a Blackborow. I can't remember the model of the fork, but it came with mounts. It doesn't look like they make it anymore or at least show it on their site. It looks like the Makwa, but pre-drilled. I thought about upgrading to a bluto, but decided it wasn't necessary at the time I bought the bike. Still heavily considering making the switch, but I have a santa cruz tallboy and the purpose of this bike is generally a little different than my true trail bike.
I tested out both the Mukluk and the Beargrease and decided on the Blackborow due to how it handled, the fit, chainline, and tire size (29+ compatibility was a definite advantage). There is/was a phenomenal Beargrease at the shop I bought it from, but it was just outside of my budget, or I would have gone with it. I think the store still has it (last years model) and have put some pretty serious discounts on it by now (sweet pink fade paint and bluto).
The fatty serves primarily as my winter commuter (hence the rigid set up) and I'm just now starting to try out this bike packing thing. That said, it performed really rough ridin' well on it's maiden voyage last weekend and I am sold on the whole idea of this being a regular weekend thing. I will probably make the decision to get a bar bag and a couple others once I get the dough, but for now this set up wasn't bad (just used a few boat straps to secure my tent and sleeping pad on the front). Not having a pack on my person was a huge bonus and made the whole ride super enjoyable. I generally don't ride with a backpack, and try to avoid it at all costs.
