Framed Marquette Alloy Mountain Bike 27.5x3" - SRAM X5 1X9 Recon Fork

I ordered the bike in May, and have ridden several time a week since then. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the plus bike, so this was a great opportunity to compare at a pretty reasonable price. I also own a Trek, Specialized, and Giant so will try to be fair and thorough for any potential buyers. So, my thoughts in no particular order:
-The bike is rugged and has stood up to some pretty significant abuse over the past 2 months. Almost daily rides over mostly hilly, wooded terrain. You will not be disappointed by its ability to take punishment.
-27.5 plus tire diameter is the same as a 29er, but all similarities end there. The bigger tire equals slower steering and if not properly inflated you will feel the rear end bounce on logs and downhill. 15 PSI max for me. I now recommend this size tire to all beginning riders. The grip is FAR superior, and the steering more controlled. I won't too geeky discussing the geometry, but that has a lot to do with the feel.
-The components are bottom end, but for SRAM still means great quality. No complaints, but engaging the rear derailleur under stress (going uphill) is a little sketchy. I consider the X5 disposable, and will upgrade when needed.
-Rims seem very solid and have held true over some heavy hits on logs and large rocks. This was my biggest concern, but have been very pleased with the strength.
-At 30 pounds the bike is on the heavy end, but comparable within a pound or two of the competition for about half the price. A tubeless set up would be a great advantage.
-Unless you're experienced with setting up a bike, pay the extra $100. I did my own, but most local bike shops will charge at least that amount assuming The House spaces the bearing and drive train as well as cuts the fork tube.
-The paint scheme looks great in photos, but up close the application is very poorly done. This is the only area that I feel this bike is inferior to ALL major brands. I imagine this is one area where "Framed" saves on cost.
-Great price!!! Great customer service. I had issue with the derailleur mount and had a new one in the mail after one email.
-My only complaints are: 1) top tube is VERY high. At 6'1" and 33" inseam I have about 1 inch of clearance between the tube and the boys. If you have less than 33" inseam get the 18" frame. Also, there is almost no room for a dropper tube if you want one. 2) I replaced the seat after 1 ride. It's not bad, but pretty bulky and limits your movement on downhill. 3) The bar stem is 100mm. Along with the long top tube I felt stretched out. I put on a 90mm after few rides and it makes a pretty big improvement and is a lot easier getting the front end off the ground.
I took a gamble buying online, but have been extremely pleased. This is my new favorite bike, and the only one I've ridden since getting it. Hope this helps and that you are as happy with your purchase as I am.

I am a 45 yr old intermediate rider, 6'4 250lbs. I ride single track, easy to difficult terrain. My previous bike was an old Gary Fisher Tassajara. I bought the Framed Marquette knowing very little about it, or any 27.5+ for that matter. I have about 4 weeks of time on it now and couldn't be happier. The bike is super stout and extremely stable compared to what I was use to. If you are not mechanically inclined I would strongly recommend a bike mechanic assemble for you. It comes with the rigid fork installed, you will have to install any upgraded fork yourself (including cutting the length of the steerer tube on the fork). Not a big deal, but know its not a small process setting the bike up. Order pedals, the stock ones (like most stock pedals) are sub par. I did shop around before (and after) and I don't think you will find a better deal on a plus bike.

I bought this bike as an upgrade to my first MTB (I'll save myself the embarrassment of mentioning what it was) but this bike is amazing. The shipping was fast, the bike was packaged great and even though the box was beat up, the bike was in flawless condition. I paid for the professional assembly and when it arrived, all I had to do was put in the handlebars, front tire, and seat, and she was ready to ride. I took it out on some local trails and it was a blast. That from RockShox Recon shock is the truth! There wasn't anything the could stand in my way. This was a great investment and I can't wait to ride it again. I would definitely recommend this bike to anyone looking for an affordable bike but a brand that doesn't cut corners. I already have other riders checking out the website. Great Job over there at Framed Bikes! (Only wish the bike would've came with a sticker for my car, oh well) Overall, GREAT bike!