Bikepacking Bikes!
Built tough for gnarly off-roading adventures.
We’ve handpicked a selection that might just surprise you, featuring some hidden gems you’ve probably never heard of.
Let’s not waste another minute; it’s time to discover the bikes that will redefine your adventures
Panorama Boreal
Introducing the Panorama Boreal Pinion, your ultimate adventure cycling companion, tested and triumphed over the rugged 2500+km Baja Divide and Quebec’s TransBoreale. With a unique paint job for each order, this bike isn’t just a means of travel; it’s a personalized journey on two wheels, ready for pre-order with a 50% deposit for April 2024 delivery.
Price from $4,399 – $5,999
Designed with the world traveler in mind, the bike boasts a robust design characterized by its sturdy frame, fork, and components that require minimal maintenance, ensuring reliability on any terrain.
At the heart of its performance lies the Pinion drivetrain coupled with a Gates Carbon Belt, offering a maintenance-free experience and a wide 600% gear range for smooth performance across every adventure.
Tire versatility is another standout feature, with options ranging from 29×2.0 tires for mixed terrain to 27.5×2.6 for off-road challenges, all while accommodating up to 29×2.8 tires to ensure ample mud clearance.
Customization is at the forefront, allowing riders to personalize everything from paint color to specific components.
With frameset options featuring the durable Pinion C1.12 drivetrain, enthusiasts have the freedom to tailor their bike, from brakes to wheelsets, making the Boreal Pinion truly their own.
Confidence-inspiring with a large wheelbase and precise steering, thanks to its 68deg head angle and 470-485mm chainstays. Its Reynolds 525 steel frame ensures durability for heavily loaded rides.
With internal dynamo cable routing, multiple mounting points, and compatibility with both 29″ and 27.5″ tires, the Boreal Pinion is ready for anything. Choose your build, from the frameset alone to a fully equipped bike with SRAM Level brakes and optional Gates belt/sprocket kit.
Panorama is a very interesting bicycle company based in Canada, dedicated to backcountry cyclists and adventurers.
I had the pleasure of meeting Simon and Louise.
[Insert some of Simon talking about their bikes.]
If you want to check what they are all about
Check the link down below!
MARIN FOUR CORNERS 2
The Marin Four Corners 2, priced at $1,999, makes a triumphant return after a seven-year hiatus, boasting significant upgrades for the performance-focused rider. This higher-end variant, following the budget-friendly Four Corners 1, features a Series 3 double-butted CroMo frame and fork, SRAM Apex 1×12 drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and tubeless-compatible rims and tires, setting a new standard in the “utilitour” category.
With a gear range of 22” to 112” gear inch range. Making it a rather capable rig for climbing especially with gear when bikepacking! Compared to some other gravel bikes.
Marin takes a progressive approach with size-specific wheel sizes for optimal fit, a more upright riding position for comfort, and headtube angles between 70° to 71° to enhance control and confidence on any terrain. The bike is equipped for adventure with wide handlebars, numerous mounting points, and the capability to fit up to 50mm tires, ensuring readiness for both road and off-road expeditions.
SONDER BROKEN ROAD STEEL
Introducing the eagerly awaited Sonder Broken Road Steel, a chromoly marvel that joins the ranks of Sonder Bikes’ beloved titanium adventure hardtail platform. Born from a flood of customer requests, the UK-based Sonder Bikes team has crafted the Broken Road Steel, or Broken Road ST, designed for expansive mountain explorations and fully loaded bikepacking escapades off the beaten path. Heralded as the ultimate adventure mountain bike, it now comes at an even more accessible price point, broadening the horizons for adventure seekers.
At the heart of the Broken Road Steel lies its robust 4130 chromoly steel frame, engineered for resilience and flexibility across varied terrains. This bike is equipped with 100mm of front suspension to tackle the bumps and adjustable sliding dropouts for customizable performance. It doesn’t stop there; the bike boasts an abundance of mounts, modern trail geometry, and a relaxed headtube angle. These features unite to promise comfortable and efficient riding all day long. The versatility extends to its wheel and drivetrain adaptability, accommodating up to 29 x 2.6″ or 27.5 x 3.0″ tires, ensuring that the Broken Road Steel is ready for any adventure.
Sonder offers the Broken Road Steel in seven distinct builds, alongside a frame-only option, catering to a broad spectrum of preferences and budgets. This bike is not just about the thrill of local trail rides but also about the awe-inspiring potential of cross-continental journeys. Its design excellence shines in its versatility, capable of quick, fun rides and enduring expeditions alike. The adjustable dropouts highlight its adaptability, facilitating easy switches between derailleur and single-speed setups. Moreover, the straightforward internal cabling and dropper post compatibility streamline maintenance and boost comfort, making the Broken Road ST a prime choice for diverse adventures.
Priced at £699 ($880) for the frame-only option, including UK VAT, and complete builds ranging from £1,499 ($1,890) to £2,799 ($3,525), the Broken Road Steel is as accessible as it is desirable. Available in two colors and four sizes (S, M, L, XL), it ensures a perfect fit for a wide array of riders. For those inclined towards a carbon fork, Sonder also offers the suspension-corrected Pathfinder Fork, equipped with three-pack mounts on each leg, for an additional £269 ($340).
No. 22 Drifter Adventure
Introducing the 2024 Drifter Adventure from No. 22 Bicycles, a marvel in the adventure cycling world that begins at a starting price of $6,299 for the frameset. This bike elevates the acclaimed Drifter series to new heights, tailored for riders yearning for boundless exploration. With enhanced tire clearance and exclusive compatibility for 1X drivetrains, the Drifter Adventure paves the way for more rugged off-road ventures, allowing for the use of larger tires to navigate beyond the familiar trails.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Drifter Adventure boasts an array of mounting options—including on the seat tube, atop and underside of the down tube, bento box, rack, fender, and even dynamo mounts—ensuring that adventurers can carry all they need for extended journeys. Coupled with subtly refined handling, this bike maintains commendable on-road behavior while showing remarkable poise on challenging terrains.
Proudly made in the USA, the Drifter Adventure emerges as the most versatile drop-bar bicycle within No. 22’s New York-based lineup. It showcases a fully butted titanium tubeset, UDH-compatible titanium dropouts, and the possibility to integrate a coupler system, alongside clearance for up to 700 x 50mm tires, marking a significant upgrade in the bike’s off-road capability.
With flat mount disc brakes, 12mm thru-axles for enhanced stability, internal cable routing for a sleek look, and dynamo routing on the fork, the Drifter Adventure is designed for both performance and practicality. For those seeking a personalized touch, No. 22 offers a wide array of upgrade options, including custom geometry, a fully internal cockpit, 3D-printed titanium stem, and more than 35 finish options ranging from Cerakote and anodized to raw, ensuring that each bike is as unique as its rider.
Available in seven sizes from 48cm to 60cm, the Drifter Adventure frameset includes the frame, fork, headset, and seatpost clamp. With the Shimano GRX 12-Speed build starting at $11,575, complete builds can reach up to $15,000, depending on selected upgrades and customizations. Each No. 22 bike is built to order, allowing riders to tailor their build kits for a truly customized adventure cycling experience.
Nordest Britango MK3
Introducing the Nordest Britango MK3, a trailblazing addition to the world of mountain biking that combines the thrill of downhill rides with the grit needed for uphill climbs. This latest iteration, starting at €649 for the frameset, emerges from Nordest’s dedication to innovation and their keen response to avid cyclists’ requests for a hardtail that doesn’t shy away from rugged terrains.
Rooted in the Canary Islands, Nordest has developed a cult following worldwide, thanks to its robust steel and titanium bikes. The Britango MK3 is crafted from high-quality 4130 chromoly, designed to tackle the trails with a 140mm fork, positioning it as a versatile contender in the mountain biking scene. It stands apart from Nordest’s enduro model, the Bardino, by offering a slightly less aggressive setup but no less capable of shredding the trails.
Frame and Features: The Britango MK3 boasts a frame that supports both 29 x 2.6″ or 27.5 x 2.8″ wheels, providing flexibility and traction for various terrains. The geometry updates, including a 65° head angle and a 75° seat angle with a 140mm fork, ensure a balanced ride that excels in both ascending and descending. The frame accommodates a wide range of riders with sizes designed to fit those from 168 cm to 198 cm, making it accessible to a broad audience.
Notably, the frame incorporates Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) compatibility, along with 148mm Boost hub spacing. This, coupled with the ability to fit cushy tires, underscores the bike’s readiness for adventure. The chromoly frame also features a straight TR 44 headset and a 31.6mm seat post diameter, staying true to Nordest’s hardwearing, bikepacking ethos with mostly external cable routing, except for the sleekly integrated dropper post route.
Available in simple yet striking black or white colors, accented with a splash of yellow at the head tube, the Britango MK3 is as stylish as it is sturdy. Weighing in at 2.69kg for the M/L size frame, it presents a lighter alternative to the Bardino, without compromising on durability or performance.
Geometry and Handling: The Britango MK3’s geometry is meticulously designed to ensure an agile yet stable ride. The 425mm chainstay length contributes to the bike’s nimble handling, perfect for navigating tight trails. With a 140mm fork set at 20% sag, the bike achieves a perfect balance between a relaxed head tube angle for downhill confidence and a steep seat tube angle for efficient climbing.
For riders seeking a more responsive climbing experience, the Britango can adapt to a 120mm fork, slightly steepening the head and seat tube angles for improved weight distribution and climbing posture.
Pricing and Availability: Nordest is now accepting pre-orders for the Britango MK3 frame, priced at €649, including VAT, with free shipping across the EU. Slated for delivery in May 2024, this bike represents an exceptional value proposition for adventurers seeking a versatile, durable companion for both local trails and epic bikepacking journeys.
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