Bikepacking is a type of off-road cycling adventure that involves carrying all necessary gear on your bike while traveling through rugged terrain. One of the most important decisions when planning a bikepacking trip is choosing the right bike. In this discussion, we will explore the key factors to consider when selecting a bike for bikepacking.
Understanding the Basics of Bikepacking
Bikepacking is a unique method of backpacking that involves using a bicycle to travel long distances, often through rugged terrain. It combines the freedom of cycling with the adventure of camping, allowing you to explore the great outdoors in a whole new way. But before you embark on your first bikepacking adventure, it’s essential to know what type of bike is best suited for the task.
The Purpose of Your Adventure
The type of bike you choose for your bikepacking adventure depends on several factors, including the purpose of your trip. Are you planning to cover long distances on paved roads or tackle technical singletrack trails? Will you be carrying all your gear on your bike or using a support vehicle? The answers to these questions will help you determine the type of bike that’s best suited for your adventure.
The Terrain You’ll Be Riding On
The terrain you’ll be riding on is another critical factor to consider when choosing a bike for bikepacking. If you’re planning on riding on smooth, paved roads, a road bike or touring bike may be the best choice. However, if you’re planning on tackling rough, technical terrain, a mountain bike or gravel bike may be a better option.
The Weight of Your Gear
Bikepacking requires you to carry all your gear on your bike, which can add a significant amount of weight. The weight of your gear will affect the type of bike you choose, as well as the gear you’ll need to bring. If you’re carrying a lot of weight, you’ll need a bike that’s designed to handle the additional load, such as a touring bike or a mountain bike.
Types of Bikes for Bikepacking
Now that you understand the basics of bikepacking and the factors to consider when choosing a bike, let’s take a look at some of the different types of bikes that are well-suited for bikepacking.
Now that you understand the basics of bikepacking and the factors to consider when choosing a bike, let’s take a look at some of the different types of bikes that are well-suited for bikepacking.
Touring Bikes
Touring bikes are designed for long-distance travel and can handle the additional weight of gear. They have a sturdy frame and comfortable geometry, making them a popular choice for bikepacking on paved roads. They also have multiple attachment points for racks and panniers, making it easy to carry all your gear.
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are designed for off-road use and can handle rugged terrain. They have wide tires, suspension, and a sturdy frame, making them a popular choice for bikepacking on technical trails. They can also handle additional weight, making them a great option for carrying gear.
Gravel Bikes
Gravel bikes are a hybrid between road bikes and mountain bikes and are designed for riding on unpaved roads. They have a lightweight frame, drop handlebars, and wider tires than road bikes, making them a great option for bikepacking on gravel roads and paths.
Fat Bikes
Fat bikes are designed for riding on soft terrain, such as sand and snow. They have wide tires that provide excellent traction and stability, making them a popular choice for bikepacking in extreme conditions. They can also handle additional weight, making them a great option for carrying gear.
How to Choose the Right Bike for Your Adventure
Choosing the right bike for your bikepacking adventure can be a daunting task, but with a little research and consideration, you can find the perfect bike for your needs. Here are some tips to help you choose the right bike for your adventure.
Consider Your Skill Level
Your skill level is an essential factor to consider when choosing a bike for bikepacking. If you’re new to bikepacking, you may want to choose a bike that’s easy to handle and forgiving, such as a touring bike. If you’re an experienced rider, you may want to choose a bike that’s more technical, such as a mountain bike.
Consider Your Budget
Bikes for bikepacking can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Consider your budget when choosing a bike, and remember that you’ll also need to purchase additional gear, such as panniers, racks, and camping equipment.
Test Ride Different Bikes
Before purchasing a bike for bikepacking, it’s essential to test ride different bikes to see which one feels the most comfortable and suits your needs. Most bike shops will allow you to test ride bikes before purchasing them, so take advantage of this opportunity.
FAQs: Bikepacking What Bike?
What kind of bike should I use for bikepacking?
The type of bike that you should use for bikepacking depends on the terrain and distance you plan on covering. Generally, a sturdy, durable, and versatile bicycle is preferred. Some bikepackers prefer hardtail or full-suspension mountain bikes, while others opt for hybrid or gravel bikes. However, the most important thing is to choose a bike that is comfortable for you since you will be riding it for long periods with added weight from your gear.
Can I use a road bike for bikepacking?
While road bikes are excellent for long-distance rides, they’re not the best option for bikepacking. They’re not built for rough terrains or carrying heavy loads. Using a road bike for bikepacking may result in flat tires, broken rims, and other damages. However, if you’re going on a short trip on well-maintained roads, you can use a road bike for bikepacking.
Do I need to buy an expensive bike for bikepacking?
No, you don’t need to buy an expensive bike for bikepacking. You can use a bike that you already have, as long as it’s sturdy and can carry the load that you will be bringing. The cost of a new bike can be overwhelming, especially for someone just starting in the bikepacking scene. However, if you’re serious about bikepacking, investing in a quality bike that fits your needs will be worth it in the long run.
What features should I look for in a bike for bikepacking?
When looking for a bike for bikepacking, some essential features to consider include tire clearance, gear range, and mounting points. Tire clearance is crucial for handling different terrains, while the gear range is essential for conquering long and steep climbs. Mounting points are important since they allow you to attach your gear to your bike frame. A bike with multiple mounting points, such as ones for water bottle cages, racks, and frame bags, is ideal for bikepacking.
Should I go for a full suspension or hardtail bike for bikepacking?
Whether to go for a full suspension or hardtail bike for bikepacking depends on the terrain you will encounter. Full suspension bikes offer more comfort and better control when going through technical and rocky terrains. On the other hand, hardtail bikes are lightweight, low maintenance, and provide better power transfer. If you’ll be bikepacking on relatively smooth paths, a hardtail bike is sufficient. If you’ll encounter tougher terrain, a full suspension bike would be a better option.