Is Rigid Fork Comfortable for Bikepacking Off-Road?
I'm going to start my first of many bikepacking trips, they will all be off-road. I need a bike but there's soo much to choose from I get lost. Hardtail or Rigid? Is Rigid uncomfortable off-road? And any good bikes to get without spending Thousands. Would even buy second-hand. I would really appreciate any suggestions. Thank you
I have rigid for road&offroad trips. But it is a fat bike with 4.8-5.05" tires, so definitely it is not uncomfortable. So it depends also on the bike and terrain (or speed you want to drive)
Surly Ogre
I'm not entirely sure if I'm using the correct bike lingo, but my bike is a hardtail with front suspension. Love it. Took a while to get used to the saddle but that settled with a moderately good saddle and some practice - I'd been off the bike for a few years. I use it for road and offroad. But I only do 100-150km per week so limited view. Sounds lovely, enjoy and good luck.
This is a Trek x-caliber 9 hardtail 29" (second hand under 1k). You can also look for a Surly ECR which is a rigid fork and the thick tyres will make a smooth ride. If you want to stay under 500 euros, an MTB hardtail 26" will serve you well.
that looks amazing, where were you cycling?
Over albula pass Switzerland.
Switzerland is on my bucket list, trying wales and Scotland for my first bikepacking trip then will venture out
Trek 26" Hard tail 4100
Off-road I’d go hardtail, suspension forks to soften any vibration. So 29in x MTB will do it.
I use a whyte 909 hardtail. (Second-hand purchase) 27.5 with 2.8tyre. A little under 18psi on the rear tyre gives a great ride off-road and is comfy.
If you choose a hardtail, a sprung saddle will make the world of difference.
I would suggest full suspension for what you intend to do, my Zoey Zobop E is set up for the event this summer I originally intended a ride around Berlin, but that was changed due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, possibly spilling over into the EU I had earlier thought of Northern Spain to Morocco unfortunately due to Covid I learnt a month back the ferry has been closed the entire period... you can fit Topeak Tetraracks M1 & M2 on Full Suspension reason for me having FFS is the comfort, well I am 72 nearly, and those racks are rated t carry 12Kg each but having put a spare battery plus other bits in my MTX slide-on bags I feel they will carry more weight. Zoey was purchased in Halfords and they are back in stock as of 2 weeks back... priced at £3000.00 good luck on your ride. if you need any further info regarding the bike you can pm me.
I rode my first off-road bikepacking trip (1200 miles 28 days) on a £700 Cube hardtail (so front suspension only). While it took a beating the trails were very rough. I loved every minute but our speed across the ground was only 6-7mph! But who cares? It’s about the experience, no?
Depends all on how long your cycle is and what kind of trails you may want to take. I would suggest reading a bit in Alee’s wonderful bible: www.Cyclingabout.com 🍻
Long distant cycling. Buy a minimalist cycle with a strong frame and racks front and back. Carry a spare chain, gear dropper and inner tubes plus a roll of gaffer tape. Don't go for lightweight gears, but rather top quality. Plus puncture-proof tyres, something like Marathon plus with liquid rubber inside the inner tubes.
I opted for a cross bike, a combination of a mountain bike and road bike, with suspensions only in front that I use both off-road and on asphalt. However, I would not recommend it just for off-road.
Used cyclocross, bought 20 years ago for 350€ nö 20000km
Big bro, brother cycles is a great mtb/touring bike. https://www.brothercycles.com/shop/frames/big-bro/
I can't imagine long journeys only off-road if that means quite rugged terrain. I see too many suspended bikes - the owners want to impress with them. Every moving part makes the bike more expensive, heavier, and more demanding concerning service. A cheap, stable, lightweight method to reduce concussions: seat tube suspension. Newly also handlebar suspensions. I have now only bikes without suspensions - I just ride slow on rough terrain, or reduce the air of the tyres.
Hi Adam. Don't be afraid to buy second-hand. Imho you don't need a suspension fork at all. But I'd always go with high-volume tires (tubeless) and a suspended seat post! I ride a 2018 Kona Wo fat bike and it has become my main bike for just about everything...60-80km days without a problem. Check out the Suntour NCX post, to me, it's a real back saver on longer off-road trips.
Agree with the seat post. On the Trek 4100 26“ shown in this Thread from me, I have a cane creek in use. Sturdy, big range and light.
thank you, I didn't even know they did suspended seat posts. I know how to ride a bike but that's it. Watched a lot of videos about how to bikepack etc. Thanks for the response 👍
You're welcome! This is mine. I'd highly recommend the stem bags too. Made by #kasybag a small Ukrainian company. (hopefully, those ppl are still alive). The left one is for quick access to rain clothes, an emergency kit and a puffy jacket. The right one fits a 1.5L Nalgene and some energy bars.
You know, I'd shop at Decathlon. The GREAT thing about that store is it's all over Europe and therefore everything is MUCH much cheaper for tires, tubes and camping equipment. You can get a great tourer Hoprider for around €400. (Do not get twist grip gears) they are rubbish in the rain. I think that most people would be on road rather than off-road doing trips. So keep that in mind.
I have a ghost hardtail. Lightweight aluminium bike. Perfect for me. Good ride on whatever surface.
Long haul trucker across the Alaskan Hwy 8 (rough gravel). 2.2” tires. Phenomenal. Will never get rid of it. https://youtu.be/ScmCADpF09M
