Privateer has been ticking off race wins since its 161 development three years ago. It was built to be race-ready for season after season and is now in its Gen 2 phase. Following the Gen 1, the bike is a mullet set-up with 161mm of bounce with an option of increasing to 174mm with some tweaking. 

Seasoned videographer Will Brock puts his creative filming skills towards his passion for cycling, bringing us a peek into Fergus Ryan’s (Privateer Bikes / Hunt MTB) new bike setup.

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We get to see the finer details of the 2024 Privateer 161 Gen 2 in custom tuning and tweaking, from the chainstay length choice to the sweep and length of the cockpit area. The popular mullet set up with the option of going for the bigger loops. No sign of sealant in sight but it uses an insert for puncture protection. Expect plenty of electric gadgets and objects magnetised to the frame. A nod to big mountain days and enduro multi-stage races with a bike geared for carrying extra tools, ease of grabbing some water or hiking bike sections.

Of course, everyone will have a different opinion on what they like and don't like in terms of their perfect bike componentry combination but it’s interesting to know what the riders who seem to get the balance right opt for in comparison.

• privateerbikes.com

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