Bike Check: Big and Tall Fugitive LT

IG: @martin_zietsman

This is the 2nd Fugitive I’ve been privileged enough to own. The first being one of the pre-

production frames just before it was released in 2018. I use this bike as a trail / Enduro race

bike in the UK (or when the trails don’t require my bigger and burlier Warden LT).

*not the Fugitive above but Martin is taller than the 1279mm wheelbase of the XL Warden

How tall are you?

I’m 6ft5”, so I’m a pretty tall guy. I’ve spent 99% of my riding career piloting bikes that are too small for me (think Steve Peat or Greg Minnaar on their DH bikes in the early 2000’s). I owned a custom made alloy XC hardtail frame a few years ago that fitted me, but that most definitely wasn’t designed for the kind of riding I keep myself entertained with these days!

What size frame?

I would without a doubt be riding an XL frame (or even XXL if one was available to me). The Fugitive in XL is the first trail bike I’ve ever ridden that actually fits me and its completely changed my riding (for the better of course!). I ride a 40mm stem with 780mm wide bars and I feel really comfortable on this bike (and also on my Warden with the same setup).

What’s your bike build spec?

I would say my build spec is super unique. Whenever I’m out on the trails, guys & girls often

notice and comment on the ‘bespokedness’ of my build. Apart from my tires, rear shock and

cranks, none of the components on my bike are from your big main product brands (SRAM,

FOX, Shimano, Raceface etc.).

The first thing that jumps out at you when you glance over at the bike is that super sexy fork:

Fork: Intend BC, Edge 29”, 160mm travel

Dropper: 9point8, Fall Line, 200mm

Wheels: Industry 9, Hydra with Enduro305 rims

Tyres: Maxxis, Minion DHF 29x2.3 DD front, Maxxis Minion SS 29x2.3 DD rear

Brakes: TRP, DHR-Evo, 203mm rotors

Drivetrain: Box Components, Box One 11spd, 11-46 cassette

Cockpit: Lyne Components, AMP35 780mm Bar & 40mm stem. Deity Knuckleduster grips

Pedals: Nukeproof, Horizon CS

Cranks: SRAM X0 DUB, 175mm, 32t chainring

Chain device: MRP, Sxg

Shock: Fox X2

What’s your intended use/ where are you riding?

This is my trail bike; the bike I’ve ridden the most during lockdown on my local fun flow trails.

The original plan was to use this bike for trail rides and to race most of the Enduro Races in the UK….oh well, I guess I’ll have to wait a bit longer for that now.

Where do you live?

I’ve been living in the UK the past 3 years but I’m originally from South Africa. I moved here at the start of 2017 to pursue an Enduro racing career. I hope to return to SA again in the future but for now I’m here.