Bike Check: Dan Clark's Privateer 141

Oct 27, 2020
by Nick Bentley  

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BIKE CHECK
Dan Clark's
Prototype Privateer 141
Photography and words by Nick Bentley (Man Down Media)
Dan Clark's Privateer 141 is beautifully simple and that's kind of the point.

Dan Clark's Privateer 141 is one of the prototypes of the upcoming 2021 Privateer 141 that is due for release early next year. To really understand this bike you first have to understand its big brother, the 161. The 161 was built to be an enduro race weapon while still being affordable and easy to look after. The new 141 takes off right where the 161 left off just in a more versatile guise. A reduction in travel from 161mm to 141mm and the stretching out of the riding position makes this more of a trail bike than a big-hitting enduro rig, but don't let that fool you, this thing can still take a day at the bike park or an enduro race or two.

Dan is lucky enough to work at Privateer and Hunt wheels which is why he's riding the prototype 141 at the Southern Enduro series, which is where we caught him at the 3rd round in Milland, in very typical English weather conditions of rain and mud. This is exactly where this bike feels most at home. Dan's bike is pretty much an out of the box build of the Privateer with some little exceptions that we will show you below.
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Dan Clark // Privateer Bikes/ Hunt Wheels
Age: 24
Hometown:Brighton, UK
Height:6'0"
Weight:75 kg
Instagram: @danthemantheroadmanclark

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Dan putting his 141 through its paces in the mud. I guess they can tick the mud clearance off on the testing list after this race.

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The no-nonsense approach to the Privateer means you get external cable routing for everything except the OneUp dropper post. Dan's bike is in the Heritage green colour which looks amazing along with the simple Privateer graphics.
Privateer Bikes 141
Frame: Privateer 141 in Heritage green
Shock: Fox DPX2. Performance Elite.
Fork: 2021 Fox 36 150mm. Performance Elite
Wheels: HUNT Trail Wide 29"
Tires: Schwable Magic Mary. 2.35. Addix Soft. Super Trail
Drivetrain: Shimano XT shifter with SLX Cranks, Cassette and Rear mech.
Brakes: Magura MT5.
Cockpit: Deity handlebar and stem. Fabric Funguy grips
Seatpost: OneUp V2 Dropper. 180mm
Saddle: Fabric Scoop Elite. Radius
Size: P3
Weight: 14.5kg
More info: Privateer Bikes 141

bigquotesThe only changes I made for today's race was I just found the biggest mudguard I could and fitted that.—Dan Clark

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Is it still a trail bike if you can't fit a bottle cage on it? The external cable routing runs down the topside of the downtube making any changes easy to do.

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This bike has seen some serious testing in its life and has the scars to prove it. The OneUp dropper post gives you 180mm of drop on it and Dan has pretty long legs so he runs it slightly out of the seat tube.

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Hunt's Trail Wide wheels with 30mm internal 6069-T6 Rims on Hunt's 3° Rapid Engage, boost hubs come as standard on this bike. Schwable Magic Mary 2.35 wide Addix Soft Super Trail tyres worked for Dan for the mud of Milland running tubeless and without caps to save 2g.
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The 2021 Fox 36 150mm Performance Elite with a Grip 2 damper and a 42mm offset is fitted to the front of the Privateer 141, with the new breather valves on the lower legs and the biggest mudguard that Dan could find - an essential thing for racing in the mud.

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The 141 comes with a Custom Fox DPX2 Performance Elite rear shock fitted.

One difference on Dan's bike to the production 141 is Dan running a Deity Cockpit with a 20mm rise bar. The production bike will get a Raceface 20mm rise bar and 40mm stem with Fabric Funguy grips.
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The tried and tested Shimano XT shifter SLX mech, cassette and crankset 12 speed set up can be found on the Privateer 141 with a threaded bottom bracket. Dan has fitted a OneUp chain guide for a little bit of added peace of mind keeping the chain safely on the SLX 32 tooth chainring. Interestingly Dan runs the smaller of the two Shimano SLX 12 speed cassettes as he feels he doesn't need the 51 tooth due to how well the 141 pedals.

Dan chose to run some Nukeproof clips for the Milland race which given there was more mud than anything else (well, other than wet roots) was a brave choice.
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Magura MT5 brakes are fitted with the HC 1 Finger lever installed. The 141 uses Magura's Storm HC rotors with 203mm front/180mm rear

A massive thanks to Dan for letting us take a look around his bike!

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Bike Checks Trail Bikes Privateer Bikes Privateer 141


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74 Comments
  • 56 3
 Isn't it a little ironic to be sponsored by Privateer Bikes?
  • 19 0
 It said he works for them. I think that's about as sponsored as you can get from them.
  • 3 0
 @fullendurbro: they have more sponsors, the likes of Matt simmonds and Matt stuttard, they were all sponsored by hunt (sister brand) before though
  • 37 3
 The no gloves thing still gets me. Maybe cuz I'm an old glove-loving fart, but damn, this guy is covered up and riding in muck but doesn't need gloves for grip?
  • 6 2
 Came here to say the same thing
  • 24 1
 I basically never wear gloves unless it's cold, personal thing I guess?
  • 46 3
 Someone put gloves on me and I could not walk correctly for a while. Removing the glove and eating also resulted in reduced walking capabilities. 2/10 would not recommend gloves wet/dry or otherwise.
  • 3 0
 @danielstutt: same. Or its really wet.
  • 5 1
 Maybe because there isn't a matching handbag sponsor to put them in, bro.
  • 23 2
 Nevermind grip, I need them to keep the skin on my palms when the crashes happen.
  • 13 32
flag Monkeyfcuker (Oct 27, 2020 at 11:40) (Below Threshold)
 Gloves are for when your hands are cold. And pussies.
  • 5 0
 @Fix-the-Spade: to be fair this is a valid argument. m.pinkbike.com/photo/19635209
Wall + speed + finger = gloves would have helped
  • 10 1
 @Monkeyfcuker: My brother called me a pussy once, but just once.

I suspect folks who ride without gloves don't mind trashed hands and slipping grip.

To each their own.
  • 8 5
 @Monkeyfcuker: or you live in a very hot/humid place and sweat is constant, which in turn can cause a slippy grip especially in techy/sketchy/fast stuff. So maybe you're just a closed minded dick and not all glove wearers are pussies
  • 8 4
 people who ride without gloves either are immortal or aren't sending it hard enough, or else they would know how much it sucks to not be able to ride because there's no skin on your palms
  • 1 1
 Started my glove season 15 days ago. Haven't worn them since May.
  • 1 0
 #humancontact
  • 3 0
 @Monkeyfcuker: no glove, no love .... is that what you’re taking about?
  • 2 0
 @gtill9000: I ride with lots of people who don't like gloves OR eye protection. Heathens!
  • 2 1
 My friend rode in the rain once and forgot his gloves. Hand slipped off bars when front wheel landed on jump. Broke the side of his hand
  • 3 2
 @Monkeyfcuker: who down-votes something so obviously said in jest? As if everybody here doesn't routinely say, ''anybody who does insert thing they don't do> is weak''. I don't understand people.
  • 4 6
 @eteyber: my hands look like the soles of a tribesmen’s foot. Gloves are restrictive and don’t grip as well causing you to hold on tighter and get arm pump earlier. I only wear gloves when it’s raining.
  • 4 0
 Always wear gloves (came across from moto).. you need your hands to feed and wipe yourself (look up degloving injuries from moto accidents).

There are two further pluses, in australia it gets freaking hot so even when you have sweaty hands, you can still grip the bars and you dont need to wear sunscreen where your gloves are (also starting to wear long sleeve jerseys for this reason).. noting that Australia & NZ have the highest skin cancer rates in the world...
  • 24 1
 What is "beautifully simple" even supposed to mean? It's literally not more or less complex than most other modern trail bikes.
  • 7 1
 truth! maybe external cables wrapped around your bidon is 'simple'?
  • 13 1
 "the stretching out of the riding position makes this more of a trail bike than a big-hitting enduro rig"

How is a stretched out riding position (and is that seated or standing or both?) more "trail bike " and less "enduro rig"?
  • 5 2
 the seat tube angle looks like it would create a cramped riding position rather than stretched
  • 13 5
 I still don't get this bike. Weighs the same as the 161, has close geometry, and is super burly. Why would you ever grab this one over the longer travel one?
  • 6 3
 That's exactly what I was thinking when I originally saw the first review on here. It just doesn't have a point. Their 161 enduro model - oh yes absolutely, I get that. But this thing? Nope.
  • 13 5
 Why would you want the 161 over this one? It just has more travel. If that's the reason, then wanting less travel would be a pretty logical reason to want the 141, no?
  • 26 3
 @CheddarJack46: Why would you ever want less travel? I have three reasons:
1. Weight.
2. Climbing efficiency.
3. Faster handling for tighter, twister trails, or more pumpy trails

this bike checks off none of these
  • 10 4
 Because less travel = more fun 90% of the time. I have a 170/160 plow bike and a 150/130 trail bike. The trail bike is pulled out 90% of the time.
  • 2 1
 @fullendurbro: totally agree on this one. Bought one of those 141 frames myself. The 161 could almost replace my Downhill bike and The trails around me would be pretty boring with the 161.
  • 7 1
 I had a 130mm bike next to my 170mm bike (and my XC). It literally went unused so I loaned it to a friend, I don't miss it at all. I can not think of a single time in the past few years where I have regretted riding my big bike, even on the tamest of trails.
  • 8 0
 @JSTootell: I think it depends on where you are. In Bellingham, I wouldn't miss my 130mm bike. On the Front Range where the only features that exist are creative lines, it's more fun to have a poppy and playful bike.
  • 3 0
 @fullendurbro: Very true. Bike choice really should be about abilities, area, and desires.
  • 5 0
 Yes, 130mm bikes can be more fun on trails with rollers, tight berms, and smooth sailing. However, that 130mm is, for the most part, going to need more tame geometry and a shorter wheelbase to be more maneuverable. This bike has a 64 degree HTA, 78+ degree STA, and a near 1300mm wheelbase. This bike is not going to be quick, playful, or responsive.
  • 3 0
 @fullendurbro: Totally agree being a Denver local. My 35lb sentinel was way more fun to ride than my 32lb ransom. On the 161 now...it is pretty game changing for these miserable colorado climbs.
  • 2 0
 @Aesthethica: The Sentinel is a pretty perfect Front Range rig. I was between that and the Forbidden Druid. I took a risk and went with the Druid. So stoked on how bottomless it feels, even on Longhorn, Lefthand and in the Gut.
  • 5 1
 Because, long travel bikes ride differently than short travel bikes, not unlike how a hardtail rides differently than a soft tail. Granted, there is an innate expectation that less suspension will weigh less, but that's jus no how it works out. So yeah, different strokes for different folks. I'd far prefer a 141 for daily riding.
  • 2 0
 It’s about 1kg lighter.
  • 7 0
 cable routing kinda weird with bottle cage loaded; speck wise bike looks spot on
  • 3 0
 Yeah he needs a couple of these to clean up the cables for sure: www.paragonmachineworks.com/frame-building-parts/cable-stops-guides/double/aluminum.html
  • 3 0
 MT5s are great brakes. I've used them for s couple of years now. But anyone with them must do themselves a favor and run the MT7 pad system. All you need to do is buy the remaining bolts, 2 per caliper, and the MT7 pads. It literally bolts right up. It's infinitely easier to change pads and I think the 1 pad per piston system feels better. Nice bike btw.
  • 5 1
 man I wish there was a way to get Deity stems in germany. Seems like nobody reputable is carrying them Frown

Bike looks sick, and spec makes sense, seems like a great ride
  • 1 0
 Haben nicht bike24 oder hibike (weiß grad nicht mehr wer von beiden) Deity im Sortiment? Zumindest habe ich da Lenker von denen gesehen, als ich mir vor einiger Zeit was geholt hatte.
  • 2 0
 I'll send you one
  • 1 0
 Try to buy from your neighbours
www.fdfbikeshop.cz/predstavce:deity
  • 3 2
 Interesting that people think flats are better for mud. I swap between both and last winter on my sloppiest ride I had flats and was wishing I had clips so my feet would stay on the pedals better. I ride Mallet E for clips and DMR vault or Anvl flats. It seems like just adding an extra spacer between the shoe and cleat should be enough to make it easier to clip in through the mud, but still can avoid your feet sliding all over. I also think crankbros are probably better for this than other pedals with a more complex engagement.
  • 11 7
 Finally a proper bike check! none of this video junk
  • 3 0
 Photos like this don't give me any desire to ditch the hip-pack and fit a bottle cage!
  • 3 0
 I hope they expand their line with some sort of 27,5 all mtn frame.
[Reply]
  • 2 0
 Brighton! God I miss that place. Where can you ride around there? Surrey Hills, but where else?
  • 5 0
 Steyning, Friston Forest, the South Downs, Wild Park, Queen Elizabeth Country Park. All have their own character and very different trails, jumps etc.
  • 3 0
 And of course Stanmer Park which has over 25 miles of single track.
  • 1 0
 @paulmmm: must dig out the gravel bike next time I'm round there
  • 5 2
 I wonder if hunt has stopped using cheese-alloy for their rims
  • 2 0
 My trail wides bent fairly easy. Luckily they bent back without issue. Cush Core XC installed in the rear wheel solved the issue.
  • 1 0
 Man, I thought those Trail Wide rims were supposed to dent easily. And he's racing enduro with them on a SHORT(er) travel bike.
  • 2 1
 There are no 2.35 Super Trail MM. New Schwalbes are 2.4, and the funny thing is they are narrower than those 2.35 Wink
  • 2 0
 I wanna see one of these head to head with a Commencal Meta TR
  • 2 0
 Double shear chainstay pivots - this thing's built tough!
  • 1 0
 can't believe the new all carbon troy is heavier than this bike
  • 5 0
 Modern carbon bikes are barely lighter now because frame manufacturers are beefing them up enough to make them strong enough for modern day riding, the only benefit of carbon now is that it’s stiffer, which isn’t always a benefit
  • 2 1
 How is that build only 14.5kg? I call shenanigans
  • 2 0
 Yeah, no way it's 14.5 with that frame, those parts and tires. It's definitely 15+, probably 15,5+.
  • 1 0
 Looks awesome, cant wait till mine is delivered
  • 1 0
 Agree 14.5kg? More like 16kg.
  • 1 1
 Dig the Cotic sticker on his lid
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