2006 Black Market MOB

After a year of being hailed as "the best hardtail ever tested" by test riders across the globe, the Black Market MOB frame is returning for 2006 with only a few minor changes. The phrase "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" applied to the new MOB frame, which was modified only by increased tire clearance and a brake-side brace. A close-up of the new brake-side brace and super clean horizontal dropouts.


The Black Market MOB has been shown on the cover of Dirt Issue 50 and has been tested by countless magazines, all with favorable reviews. Carter Holland has spent the past year traveling the world promoting the MOB frame and for 2006, Black Market Bikes will boast a team of the top pros in dirt, street and park riding. The team includes: Carter Holland, Phil Sundbaum, Adam Hauck and Taylor Sage, who will be representing Black Market in full-force at the top competitions in 2006. Black Market will also support a full Amateur team: Michael "Peanut" Severt, Morgan Ryan, JD and Maddog Swanguens.


Black Market Bikes is also in the process of developing an economical MOB frame, dubbed the "Riot" frame and is also developing a bar and stem combo, which should be ready by the beginning of the 2006.

Carter Holland taking quality control to new heights in Marseille, France.

We sat down with Carter Holland, the man behind Black Market Bikes, to ask him a few questions about the MOB frame...here is some insight from the man himself:

1. What do you think was the biggest factor in the MOB's popularity in 2005?
I would have to say the simplicity of it and then word of mouth about how it rides.

2. Do you have additional plans for Black Market Bikes beyond the MOB/Riot frames and the bar/stem combo?
Everything is day by day, I'm always a little scared to get too far ahead of myself...babysteps.

3. What sets the MOB apart from the rest of the dirt/street hardtails out there?
The ride and the feel of a quality chromoly hardtail that is flickable and has NO gimmicks.

4. What role does the team play in the development of Black Market Bikes?
So far...none...(laughter). I have an idea of what I want, so I put it on paper, get one made, ride it, and then if it performs the way I meant it, we produce it.

5. How has S&M contributed to Black Market (aside from building the frames)?
Chris and S&M made this possible...period. I don't know if I would have tried had I not known Chris. With S&M it is very hands on, I'm close to everything that happens and we can make changes easily. With any other manufacturer I would be traveling all over trying to keep up.

Carter Holland at The Gathering '05 with the first ever production MOB frame.


For more information about Carter Holland, Matchvideozine.com did an interview with Carter earlier in the year while he was in Europe shooting for Match Videozine Issue 7. The interview can be viewed here:

Visit the Black Market Bikes website at: www.blackmarketbikes.com. You can order online from Ride-This.com, at your local shop, or by phone at 714-925-9942. New dealers please contact: S&M Bikes at 714-835-3400.