I think we need to sort out exactly which bike the OP is talking about. His link about the El Mariachi goes to the single-speed version. There are geared MTB versions, but are they what he wants?

A quick check on google shows a price of $1900 for the El Mariachi 2 (SRAM components), and $1400 for the 3 (Shimano). Already a bit out of the OP's stated price range, especially when the No Tubes rims on the 2 have to be replaced by good old traditional tubed versions at 36H instead of 32H, and 26" instead of 29".

I won't go into whether the dropout arrangement could support a rack, because we don't know if a rack will be needed or not. The dropout arrangement itself is a bit of a worry, too, because extra screws and moving bits mean more things to go wrong.

And I won't mention much that frame weights usually are with the fork included. The weight for a medium frame is 2409 grams, and the fork with uncut steerer tube is 1080 grams, making an all-up weight of 3489 grams or 7.6lbs. The Troll, according to the mtbr link is 7.3lbs.


The devil really is in the detail.

As to tyres, well, anyone can recommend their favourite tyres. I used to love Conti Town and Country 26ers until they transferred manufacture from Germany to Thailand (IIRC). Picking a tyre by weight is only one factor -- feel, ability to handle rock or mud (or whatever the majority of the terrain will be) and harshness through the handlebars plus ability to handle low pressures are all factors.

Wheels? I have a pair of Velocity 26" Deep Vs in 36H form on my MTB at home that are tough as nails. Suns have a good reputation based on their Rhino Lites.

The El Mariachi might be supplied as a frame so that the OP can fit his own 26" wheels, but that might upset the intended handling characteristics of the bike, and void the warranty. I'd like to be a fly on the wall of the Salsa office when he calls.