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29+ bikes or plus bikes are the dream steed of choice for bikepacking adventures. Combining the benefits of wide tires similar to a fat bike, with the manoeuvrability and lighter-weight build of a mountain bike. You can cover more ground and explore places, you cant really get to with most gravel bikes.
Plus bikes generally have tire clearance for 2.8” to 3.0” or even wider tires.
The extra tire width provides more bump absorption and comfort for rough terrains. Even on fully rigid bikes. Making the need for front suspension less important. Having that said some of the bikes listed below are hardtail plus bikes which in my opinion are the ultimate.
Making their debut back back in 2012. The first plus bike to make a splash in the market was the Surly Krampus. The 29er hardtail with 3″ wide tires, fit perfectly between your standard mountain bikes with 2.3″ tires and fat bikes with 4″ to 5″ tires.
They are essentially the monster truck of the bike world! A overland adventure bike. Ideal for bike trips on loose, rocky, challenging conditions. The wider tires make these bikes incredibly stable and grippy. For those less skilled riders they are confidence inspiring.
But they are not ideal for those looking to shred fast down trails and rip into corners. As the larger tire volume is responsible for folding. Wide tires means extra floatation over the rough stuff and more traction. Which in theory is what you want when riding with all your gear weighing down the bike.
These bikes all come with amazing lower end gearing making them perfect for climbing steep hills with gear strapped to your bike.
Some of these bikes are perfect for overnight trail shredding Bikepacking adventures. While others are ideal for racing the tour divide! Also in the mix are some more capable “monster gravel bikes” or aka monster-cross bikes.
Esker Japhy
- Category: Steel Hardtail Bikepacking Bike
- Price Range : $2,000 to $3,250
- Frame/Fork : Steel/Suspension (120 mm Travel)
- Bike Weight : 14 kg (31 lb)
- Tire Clearance : 29 x 2.8″
- Wheels/Tire Size : 29 x 2.8″
- Low/High Gear Inches : 18.65″ / 96.28″
- Stack/Reach Ratio (M) : 1.34
- Chainstay (M) : 425 mm
- Wheelbase (M) : 1171 mm
- Trail (M) : 105 mm
Born out of the desire to ride anything from the backyard to the backcountry. The Japhy by Esker is a hardtail steel bikepacking bike with 120 mm trail. It was built to serve either your adventurous side with the ability to go on some epic bikepacking adventures, to your favourite flowing trail rides. The hardtail that just about does it all, finding a nice sweet spot!
Kona Unit X
- Category: Off-Road Adventure Bikepacking Bike
- Price : $1,599
- Frame/Fork : Steel/Steel
- Bike Weight : 14.1 kg (31.1 lb)
- Tire Clearance : 27.5 X 3.0″
- Wheels/Tire Size : 29 x 2.6″
- Low/High Gear Inches : 18.70″ / 95″
- Stack/Reach Ratio (M) : 1.33
- Chainstay (M) : 430 mm
- Wheelbase (M) : 1144 mm
- Trail (M) : 97 mm
The Kona Unit has to be one of my personal favourite plus bikes for the avid bikepacker. This is the bike I want to get for my next adventures. They come fully rigid however it is easy enough to get a suspension fork conversion to turn this bike into the ultimate adventure rig! A bike packing monster, it’s one of the more practical bikes in the Kona lineup, I am currently riding the Sutra I think I need an upgrade!
Breezer Thunder
- Category: Off-Road Adventure Bikepacking Bike (steel frame rigid trail bike)
- Price : $1,499
- Frame/Fork : Steel/Steel
- Bike Weight : 15.3 kg (33.73 lb)
- Tire Clearance : 29 x 2.95″
- Wheels/Tire Size : 29 x 2.5″
- Low/High Gear Inches : 19.76″ / 100.26″
- Stack/Reach Ratio (M) : 1.38
- Chainstay (M) : 450 mm
- Wheelbase (M) : 1177 mm
- Trail (M) : 105 mm
The Breezer Thunder is a well priced fully rigid bikepacking mountain bike. Coming in at a similar price to the Kona Unit X. But the Thunder comes with a dropper post and clearance for tires up to 29 x 2.95″.
The Thunder is bikepacking ready with mounting options galore, including rack and fenders, bottle mounts, triple pack mounts on the fork legs, plus the seat stay mounts. Then additional bosses on the top tube and under the downtube.
Tumbleweed Prospector
- Category : Expedition mountain touring bike
- Price : From $2,500
- Frame/Fork : Steel/Steel
- Bike Weight : 14.8kg (32.6 lbs)
- Tire Clearance : 26×4.0″, 27.5×2.8-3.8˝ and 29 x 2.1-3.0
- Wheels/Tire Size : 27.5 x 2.8″
- Low/High Gear Inches : –
- Stack/Reach Ratio (M) : 1.53
- Chainstay (M) : 456 mm
- Wheelbase (M) : 1139 mm
- Trail (M) : –
The Prospector is the ultimate expedition mountain touring bike, designed around the Rohloff hub. A fully sealed transmission with a wide 526% gear range that has been proven to be reliable in the harshest of environments, with many reaching more than 100,000 miles. both bike and hub are made to be reliable, tough and field serviceable in the most testing of conditions. Expedition bikes like this are built with a tough frame/fork, strong wheels, comfortable fit, reliable components and as much tire clearance as possible.
Surly Krampus
- Category: Purpose built 29+ trail bike
- Price : From $999 (frame set) $2,299 (hardtail)
- Frame/Fork : Steel/Steel or 120mm travel fork
- Bike Weight : 13.3kg (29.4 lb)
- Tire Clearance : 29 x 3″
- Wheels/Tire Size : 29 x 3″
- Low/High Gear Inches : 17.52″ to 81.05″
- Stack/Reach Ratio (M) : 1.41
- Chainstay (M) : 435 mm
- Wheelbase (M) : 1113 mm
- Trail (M) : 93 mm
The bike that pretty much started it all, a dedicated 29+ bike that can ride over just about anything in its way! Changing the way people approach trail riding. Showing how large diameter and high volume tires don’t necessarily mean slow riding. It is far from the fastest bike we have ever seen, but it doesn’t need to be for the bike adventures it is intended for. Does extremely well at eating up rocks, steep climbs, and sand. Making it an overall good value bike for your next adventure.
Salsa Fargo
- Category: 29er Gravel / Off-Road Touring Bike
- Price : $2,649
- Frame/Fork : Steel/Carbon
- Bike Weight : 11.1 kg (24.47 lbs)
- Tire Clearance : 29 x 3″
- Wheels/Tire Size : 29 x 2.2″
- Low/High Gear Inches : 21.96″ to 84.06″
- Stack/Reach Ratio (M) : 1.75
- Chainstay (M) : 445 mm
- Wheelbase (M) : 1083 mm
- Trail (M) : 78 mm
This bike could be considered an off-road touring bike at heart but it still makes a great adventure gravel bike. Just like the Cutthroat it’s made for exploring. It does offer wide tire clearance of up to 3″ rubber. You also get different build options when available if thats what your after, with the choice for titanium for those epic and fast adventures. Could also be considered a drop bar mountain bike. The steel frame and carbon fork build offers a lighter option, weighing in at around 11.1 kg. Priced at $2,649 for the 1×11 Apex model you get mechanical disc brakes on 29 x 2.2″ tires.
Surly ECR
- Category: Off-Road Adventure Touring Bike
- Price : $1,900
- Frame/Fork : Steel/Steel
- Bike Weight : 14.8 kg (32.7 lbs)
- Tire Clearance : 27.5 x 3″ or 29 x 3”
- Wheels/Tire Size : 29/27.5 x 3″
- Low/High Gear Inches : 18.29″ to 83.23″
- Stack/Reach Ratio (M) : 1.49
- Chainstay (M) : 451 mm
- Wheelbase (M) : 1090 mm
- Trail (M) : 81 mm
Exit cities rapidly and explore the backcountry and beyond with the Surly ECR! Surly’s flagship bikepacking bike is mostly at home when your adventure starts on dirt and gets more technical from there. Purpose built for your next bikepacking adventures. Whether it’s a quick overnighter, or a month long trek across a country or half fully loaded through multiple countries, the ECR is your answer. Adapted for frame bags, and all kinds of racks and other bike bags to maximise your hauling capabilities.
Wilier Jaroon Plus
- Category: Off-Road Adventure Gravel Drop Bar Bike
- Price : $2,500
- Frame/Fork : Steel/Carbon
- Bike Weight : 13 kg (28.66 lbs)
- Tire Clearance : 29 x 3”
- Wheels/Tire Size : 29 x 3″
- Low/High Gear Inches :
- Stack/Reach Ratio (M) : 1.63
- Chainstay (M) : 449 mm
- Wheelbase (M) : – mm
- Trail (M) : 69.5 mm *
A high end steel frame bike dedicated for the world of touring and bikepacking by Wilier. With MTB inspired DNA combined with the 16° flared out racing handlebars gives you a cross breed bike born for adventure.
Priority 600X Adventure
- Category: Commuter/Adventure Bike
- Price : $3,500
- Frame/Fork : Aluminum/Suspension Fork
- Bike Weight : 15.12 kg (33.34 lbs)
- Tire Clearance : 29 x 2.8″
- Wheels/Tire Size : 29 x 2.25″
- Low/High Gear Inches : 600% Gear Range (Pinion)
- Stack/Reach Ratio (M) : 1.57
- Chainstay (M) : 462 mm
- Wheelbase (M) : 1143 mm
- Trail (M) : 95 mm
A belt drive pinion hardtail designed for cross-country / bikepacking adventures. It’s simply built for adventure. With the reliability and durability of the enclosed Pinion C1.12 gearbox and grease-free, carbon fiber-reinforced Gates Carbon Drive Belt. It’s ready to go anywhere. With a cross and trekking-friendly geometry in mind, including a load of braze-ons for all your extra gear.
Bombtrack Beyond +
- Category: Off-Road Adventure Bike
- Price : $2,900
- Frame/Fork : Steel/Steel
- Bike Weight : 14.4 kg (33.34 lbs)
- Tire Clearance : 29 x 3″
- Wheels/Tire Size : 29/27.5 x 2.8″
- Low/High Gear Inches : 18.30″ to 83.20″
- Stack/Reach Ratio (M) : –
- Chainstay (M) : 450 mm
- Wheelbase (M) : 1127 mm
- Trail (M) : 83 mm
A off-road touring adventure bike that can take you just about anywhere. A lively bike when unloaded and just as fun when packed up with all your bikepacking gear. Bombtrack make some of the best adventure bikes on the market and this bike is no different. Weighing 14.4 kg and featuring a 1×12 drivetrain and 650b wheels with 2.8″ wide tires. With all the mounting options you could need and more. And clearance for up to 3.0″ tires. With the vast sweep of a Jones H-Bar handlebar you get more comfort and hand positions with the Beyond+ ADV model. While the Beyond+ option comes with your standard flat bar.
Kona Big Honzo ST
- Category : Steel Hardtail Bikepacking Bike
- Price : $2,399
- Frame/Fork : Steel/Suspension (130 mm Travel)
- Bike Weight : 14.43 kg (31.81 lb)
- Tire Clearance : 27.5 x 3.0″
- Wheels/Tire Size : 27.5 x 2.8″
- Low/High Gear Inches : 18.30″ / 83.20″
- Stack/Reach Ratio (M) : 1.40
- Chainstay (M) : 425 mm
- Wheelbase (M) : 1167 mm
- Trail (M) : 92 mm
A hardtail that gives you the option for customisation but is ready to rip out of the box. Made from steel, so it feels amazing and rides how it should for adventures. It has adjustable dropouts, so you can run a front derailleur or even as a single speed if you like. Comes set up as 27.5+ but can run a 29” wheels. It’s got boost spacing for extra stiffness and control. Along with an NX/SX Eagle drivetrain giving you a 18.30″ climbing gear!
Niner SIR 9
- Category : Steel Hardtail Bikepacking Bike
- Price Range : $2,799 to $6,599
- Frame/Fork : Steel/Suspension (120 mm Travel)
- Bike Weight : 11.61 kg to 13.06 kg (25.6 lb to 28.8 lb)
- Tire Clearance : 27.5 x 3.0″
- Wheels/Tire Size : 29 x 2.6″
- Low/High Gear Inches : 18.41″ / 95″
- Stack/Reach Ratio (M) : 1.46
- Chainstay (M) : 430 mm
- Wheelbase (M) : 1136 mm
- Trail (M) : 95.6 mm
A steel framed bike with 120mm travel frame, with no less than 18 threaded mounting points for all your bikepacking gear. The rear rack mounts are strong to hold up to 55 lbs or 25 kg. With tire clearance for up to 29 x 2.4″ or 27.5 x 3″ while offering easy options for geared or single speed configurations. Made for most types of riding you have planned. Its works just as well as a bike for ripping the local trails or multi day missions in the backcountry.
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