{"id":37151,"date":"2022-05-10T13:25:27","date_gmt":"2022-05-10T11:25:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=664910"},"modified":"2022-05-18T13:45:19","modified_gmt":"2022-05-18T11:45:19","slug":"bikepacking-bikes-what-to-look-for-and-how-to-upgrade-your-bike-for-adventure","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/bikepacking-bikes-what-to-look-for-and-how-to-upgrade-your-bike-for-adventure\/","title":{"rendered":"Bikepacking bikes: what to look for and how to upgrade your bike for adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Katherine Moore\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 10 May 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Loading up your bike with everything you need and heading off to explore somewhere new: bikepacking<\/a> can be one of the most rewarding and empowering ways to travel.<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s true that any bike can be a bikepacking bike, certain features and choices can help make a bike better suited for multi-day touring, whether that\u2019s something fundamental such as geometry, or tyre and component selection.<\/p>\n

Road, track or trail: here\u2019s what you need to look for when either dreaming up your ultimate bikepacking bike or looking to adapt your bike setup.<\/p>\n

Tyres, tyres, tyres<\/h2>\n
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Wider tyres enable you to run lower pressures for greater comfort.<\/span><\/figcaption> Richard Baybutt<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Just as with gravel riding<\/a>, and indeed mountain biking, tyres are one of the most important things you need to consider when bikepacking.<\/p>\n

Ideally, you\u2019ll be looking for something that\u2019s durable and resistant to puncturing: a tubeless<\/a> setup comes highly recommended for off-road bikepacking. This helps to reduce punctures from thorns or sharp stones on the trail, and also enables you to run slightly lower tyre pressures with less risk of pinch punctures.<\/p>\n

Be careful here though: you can still cause a snakebite puncture in the tyre itself with a tubeless setup.<\/p>\n

Wider gravel tyres<\/a> will offer greater comfort and the increased volume will enable you to run lower pressures than skinnier tyres, which will be beneficial if you plan on spending a long time on your bike.<\/p>\n

Make sure you research the terrain on your route and match the tread type accordingly, depending on how rough or smooth you anticipate the tour to be, as well as what weather and trail conditions you\u2019re likely to face.<\/p>\n

Fit and geometry<\/h2>\n

Bikepacking-oriented bikes tend to feature a more upright position than race-focused bikes, which should give a greater degree of comfort. To achieve this, they typically have shorter top tubes and longer head tubes.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, a longer wheelbase and slacker head tube help to prevent toe overlap in this position, and crucially give a more stable ride feel over rougher terrain, which becomes even more important when it comes to loading up with bikepacking bags<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Handlebars and cockpit<\/h2>\n

Hand, wrist and shoulder comfort become really important when you spend many hours in the saddle, especially over multi-day rides. Although traditional drop-bar setups give multiple hand positions (on the tops, on the drops, on the hoods), some ultra endurance riders add clip-on aero bars<\/a> to offer even more positions and help prevent any discomfort.<\/p>\n

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A clever bar bag support doubles up as an aero extension on this custom Lord Cycles bike.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Flared bars, where the drops are wider than the tops, are popular for bikepacking. This not only gives a wider, more stable position for descending, but also grants you a little more space between the bars for bikepacking bags.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re using a bike with flat bars, such as a mountain bike<\/a>, you might want to consider both the shape of your bars and adding more hand positions.<\/p>\n

Check out handlebar options with more sweep, which put your wrists into a more ergonomic position, and greater rise for a more upright position. This can not only make you more comfortable, but also give you more clearance over the front tyre for handlebar bags.<\/p>\n

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Jones\u2019s H-Bar may not be to every rider\u2019s tastes, but can certainly improve comfort on long-distance rides.<\/span><\/figcaption> Russell Burton<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Different-shaped bars, such as the Jones H-Bar, give multiple hand positions as well as bag, light and GPS<\/a> mounting options. If you\u2019d like more space for mounting gadgets, consider handlebar accessory mounts such as those from Velo Orange or Nitto.<\/p>\n

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Can we make bar ends cool again?<\/span><\/figcaption> Katherine Moore<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Bar ends<\/a> can also help to add more hand positions to flat bars, and can be sourced either as a stand-alone item or integrated into ergonomic grips, such as those from Ergon.<\/p>\n

Mounts galore<\/h2>\n
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The Surly Ghost Grappler offers mounts aplenty, including on the fork.<\/span><\/figcaption> Surly<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Frame and fork mounts are all the rage right now, enabling you to add racks, cargo cages and bags all over your frame, giving you greater versatility when it comes to your setup.<\/p>\n

In addition to two pairs of bottle cage bosses in the main triangle, you can often now find these under the down tube, on the top tube and on the fork legs. Then there are\u00a0also rack and mudguard mounts.<\/p>\n

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The Trek Checkpoint can be fully kitted out for bikepacking duties, using mounts under the top tube to reduce the number of frame-scuffing straps.<\/span><\/figcaption> Trek<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Some bikes even feature threaded mounts all around the main triangle so you can use a strap-free full frame bag.<\/p>\n

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Cargo cages, such as this one from Tailfin, give you extra room for storing kit and water.<\/span><\/figcaption> Felix Smith \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

If you\u2019re planning on heading somewhere remote, where you\u2019ll need to carry more kit or water, fork mounts are a good idea for giving you extra capacity. These are also really handy for shorter riders, where space between the bars and under the saddle may be limited.<\/p>\n

Frame material<\/h2>\n
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For everything from local overnighters to round-the-world expeditions, Cotic chose a full steel build for the Cascade.<\/span><\/figcaption> Richard Baybutt<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Because you can use any bike for bikepacking, that goes for any frame material<\/a> too, although different options will have their benefits and drawbacks.<\/p>\n

While carbon fibre bikes are likely to be lighter, which can help marginally as you haul your laden bike up a steep hill, do take note of their maximum system weight recommendations, especially if you think you may exceed this when it comes to adding your loaded bikepacking bags.<\/p>\n

The same goes for carbon fibre components, especially seatposts and handlebars. It\u2019s best to check the manufacturer\u2019s recommendations before loading up.<\/p>\n

Steel and titanium are often touted as the best materials for bikepacking thanks to their durability, because they\u2019re more likely to be able to withstand the heavy use that bikepacking can entail.<\/p>\n

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Just because metal bikes are the traditional choice, it doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t choose carbon like Lachlan Morton on his Alt Tour.<\/span><\/figcaption> Rapha<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Round-the-world tourers often opt for steel bikes because the frames can be fixed almost anywhere by a welder. Titanium is more tricky here, and more expensive in the first place, although it is more resistant to corrosion than steel.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re planning on running a front rack setup, you\u2019ll need to check the carrying capacity of the fork. Steel forks tend to be better for this than carbon, which can be limited here.<\/p>\n

Aluminium alloy frames tend to be more common at the budget end of gravel and bikepacking bikes. Some say that this gives a slightly harsher ride than carbon, titanium or steel, although you\u2019re likely to be able to alleviate this by optimising tyre pressures.<\/p>\n

Serviceability and easy maintenance<\/h2>\n
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External routing can be a blessing should you need to change a cable on the go.<\/span><\/figcaption> Fairlight<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Depending on where you\u2019re heading, how easy it\u2019ll be to maintain and service your bike is an important consideration. Does your bike use proprietary parts that are only available from select dealers, or are the components easily sourced worldwide?<\/p>\n

Some long-distance bike tourers choose cable disc brakes<\/a> over hydraulic for this reason, because a cable tends to be more easily replaced at the side of the trail than bleeding brakes, for example.<\/p>\n

On the flip side, hydraulic brakes tend to offer better performance. Ultimately, it\u2019s up to personal preference, your own mechanical capability and where you\u2019re planning on bikepacking.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re planning on putting a huge number of miles through your bikepacking rig, consider how much it\u2019ll cost you to stay on top of the maintenance, too. You might be able to stretch to a top-tier groupset as an initial outlay, for example, but remember that premium parts will need replacing down the line due to wear, and that won\u2019t be cheap.<\/p>\n

Gearing<\/h2>\n
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Don\u2019t shy away from switching out for a smaller chainring or larger cassette when it comes to loaded mountain riding.<\/span><\/figcaption> Katherine Moore<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Simply put, you\u2019ll need a wider range of gearing when it comes to loading up and heading out on a bikepacking adventure than you would for your standard day rides. This is because you\u2019ll have to compensate for the extra weight on your bike due to the luggage.<\/p>\n

Grinding your way up steep inclines while undergeared is no fun, and your knees won\u2019t thank you for it either, especially if you do the same day after day.<\/p>\n

Current gravel gearing options tend to be a bit limited, although SRAM\u2019s new XPLR gearing<\/a>, featuring a 10-44-tooth cassette, is helping to bridge the divide between gravel and MTB gear ranges.<\/p>\n

Although a more expensive option, electronic shifting can both help reduce hand and finger fatigue from shifting, and leave more space between the bars for handlebar bags. Just remember to pack the battery charger!<\/p>\n

For an ultra-low maintenance drivetrain, as well as a little weight saving, some riders opt to bikepack on singlespeed<\/a> rigs. It\u2019s not an easy task by any means, and one that takes some practice too.<\/p>\n

Dynamo options<\/h2>\n
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Dynamo lights can be invaluable on a touring bike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Andy Lloyd<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

When you head off-grid, electricity can be a limiting factor, because you\u2019ll likely need to charge bike lights, your bike computer, your phone etc. While a battery pack is a handy addition to your bikepacking kit list, a dynamo wheel can also help to give you some more power.<\/p>\n

At the cost of a little extra weight and resistance, a dynamo hub can translate kinetic energy from your ride to electric energy, which can be used to power fixed lights or charge items via a USB port.<\/p>\n

This can be super-handy on longer tours, or even on commutes if you\u2019re prone to forgetting to charge your lights in the winter (guilty).<\/p>\n

Do bear in mind that different dynamos are designed to work effectively at different speeds, so you\u2019ll need to match that to your anticipated ride. If you\u2019re heading off-road on technical terrain, for example, the speed is likely to be much lower, which may limit the setup\u2019s capability.<\/p>\n

Think about whether you\u2019ll need internal dynamo routing, such as on the Fairlight Faran 2.0<\/a>, and where you\u2019ll mount lights or charging ports.<\/p>\n

Check out our in-depth guide to bike dynamos<\/a> here.<\/p>\n

Suspension<\/h2>\n
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More novel bag setup options such as these from Tailfin mean bikepacking on your mountain bike is now an option.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tailfin<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

For more technical, MTB-orientated bikepacking routes such as the Highland 550<\/a> or the Colorado Trail, employing a little suspension is often a good idea. Hardtails<\/a> or lightweight cross-country bikes<\/a> tend to work best.<\/p>\n

The key point here is that you\u2019ll need to alter your suspension setup, adding pressure to compensate for the additional weight of your luggage so that you don\u2019t risk damaging your fork and\/or shock.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a really good idea (as with any bike setup) to go for a test ride before your trip, to make sure that all your bikepacking bags are compatible with the bike when you use the suspension.<\/p>\n

Pedals<\/h2>\n
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Clipless vs flat pedals \u2013 which system will be best for your tour?<\/span><\/figcaption> Jack Luke \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Which pedals you\u2019ll use for your bikepacking trip really comes down to personal preference, but also the nature of your plans.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re going for a more casual tour and want to take in some cultural sites while bikepacking, you might prefer flat pedals<\/a> because you can hop straight off the bike and wander around town in casual shoes.<\/p>\n

However, if long, tough days are on the cards, then efficiency might be more of a priority for you, so clipless MTB-style pedals<\/a> might be a wiser choice.<\/p>\n

Platform clipless pedals, or trail pedals are also a good idea if you\u2019d like to clip in, but tend to suffer from hotspots on your feet during long rides.<\/p>\n

Saddles<\/h2>\n

Finding the right saddle for you is an incredibly personal topic, and something that we\u2019ve delved into in a lot more detail in our saddle guide<\/a>. Saddle soreness is the bikepacker\u2019s number one enemy, so taking time to get this right is crucial.<\/p>\n

Be mindful that due to the altered body position, what works for you on other bikes might not work best for you on a bikepacking bike.<\/p>\n

Considerations for shorter riders<\/h2>\n
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Racks and novel bag ideas can help make fitting bikepacking gear on smaller bikes an easier task.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

With smaller frames and clearances, shorter riders are often left puzzling how to fit bikepacking bags to their steeds. Narrow handlebars limit bar bag capacity as well as reduced clearance over the front wheel due to shorter head tubes; shorter seatposts give less room over the rear tyre for seatpost bags and let\u2019s not even mention how small those main triangles can be.<\/p>\n

In some cases, smaller-capacity bike bags can help to make the most of these smaller spaces, but combined these are unlikely to give you enough space for a full range of bikepacking gear.<\/p>\n

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For smaller frames, Tailfin offers some neat lightweight rack options.<\/span><\/figcaption> Christine Geiger \/ Stayer<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Here, fork-mounted luggage such as cargo cages with dry bags or fork-specific bikepacking bags can help add capacity, or give you space to store water bottles<\/a> if you\u2019re running a frame bag.<\/p>\n

In extreme cases, you may be forced to adopt a rack setup: with either a conventional bolt-on rack and panniers, or a more novel approach such as the Tailfin rack system<\/a>.<\/p><\/body><\/html>\n

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By Katherine Moore Published: Tuesday, 10 May 2022 at 12:00 am Loading up your bike with everything you need and heading off to explore somewhere new: bikepacking can be one of the most rewarding and empowering ways to travel. While it\u2019s true that any bike can be a bikepacking bike, certain features and choices can […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":37152,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"12"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/05\/bikepacking-bikes-what-to-look-for-and-how-to-upgrade-your-bike-for-adventure-scaled.jpg",2560,1707,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/05\/bikepacking-bikes-what-to-look-for-and-how-to-upgrade-your-bike-for-adventure-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/05\/bikepacking-bikes-what-to-look-for-and-how-to-upgrade-your-bike-for-adventure-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/05\/bikepacking-bikes-what-to-look-for-and-how-to-upgrade-your-bike-for-adventure-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/05\/bikepacking-bikes-what-to-look-for-and-how-to-upgrade-your-bike-for-adventure-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/05\/bikepacking-bikes-what-to-look-for-and-how-to-upgrade-your-bike-for-adventure-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/05\/bikepacking-bikes-what-to-look-for-and-how-to-upgrade-your-bike-for-adventure-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Katherine Moore Published: Tuesday, 10 May 2022 at 12:00 am Loading up your bike with everything you need and heading off to explore somewhere new: bikepacking can be one of the most rewarding and empowering ways to travel. While it\u2019s true that any bike can be a bikepacking bike, certain features and choices can…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/37151"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37152"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37151"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37151"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}