State Bike Co Pulsar SS??

[Jojoba]

Friends,

Has anyone given the Pulsar SS 29er from State Bike Co. a run?
(http://www.statebicycle.com/products/pulsar-29er-mountain-bike)

In a nutshell, I'm looking for something that will do dirt/gravel roads (lots of great country roads in southern AZ), but that can also handle singletrack and could be loaded with some gear for longer overnight trips of up to a week or so. I know there are a lot of different rigs/philosophies for this kind of riding, but this looks like it might fit the bill -- especially given that I'm basically broke and could start riding now with an eye towards gearing and other upgrades later. But, having no experience bikepacking and little knowledge of geometries etc., I thought I would ask around first. Open to other thoughts and suggestions. Thanks!

[bakerjw]

I've never heard of State Bicycles. That's not saying much however. I'd be more prone to check with your local bike shops to see what offerings are out there.

Why a single speed? Some people can pull them off for bikepacking (Cjell Mone comes to mind) but usually BPers like gears. Gear weight makes it even harder to ride.

[Jojoba]

Thanks for weighing in. Yes, checking with the LBS is on the to-do list. State Bike Co. is an AZ company. Definitely budget, but they have a fairly good reputation down here. SS mainly because I need to save up a bit for gearing and think I can scratch together something fairly cheap. But I do like SS as well. Apparently it comes with a hanger for future conversion. Thanks!   

[Jojoba]

But all that said, I would love to hear what other recommendations folks might have for this kind of riding. I ride a lot of road, but bikepacking is a new frontier.

[Adam Alphabet]

But all that said, I would love to hear what other recommendations folks might have for this kind of riding. I ride a lot of road, but bikepacking is a new frontier.

I'll give the same answer I always do. A steel single speed 29er is the true chameleon, one that you can add gears and a suspension fork to if desired. Salsa el mar, older Kona Unit, Karate Monkey etc...This State looks like it fits the bill to. You can put skinny tires on a mountain bike but you can't put fat tires on a cross/gravel bike. Tires are the biggest limiting factor for different terrain, not gears.

[Jojoba]

Thanks Addy -- that's a really helpful perspective.

[Moyo]

I've ridden the Pulsar and it's actually a really good deal in my opinion. I worked for a business that purchased a small fleet and they are decent, serviceable bikes.
They felt pretty similar to my SS On One Inbred, the first mountain bike I ever had and built from scratch for way too much money.
I used it for bikepacking, but I also live in a relatively flat area. I did, however, think it was fine for the few months I spent working and riding around Southeast Utah.
I've since decided I like gears, but they're not absolutely necessary.
I really believe that if your decision between this and something more expensive is what's keeping you from going on trips, you should just go ahead and get the cheap, less flashy bike.
I'm guilty of spending too much time worrying about gear and not enough time riding.
I agree with and have experienced all the things Addy says too.

[Jojoba]

Thanks Mayo. Really helpful to read this. Happy riding!