The Bombtrack Hook EXT is a hugely versatile adventure machine. And it’s up there as one of the best adventure gravel bikes on the market. The frame boasts good looks thanks to the Columbus Cromor double-butted steel tubing. And its this frame that makes this bike so versatile with more mounting options for your bikepacking endeavours. Including luggage carrying capacity and the rider the bike has a 180kg weight limit.
When it comes to price the Hook is reasonably priced and offers decent value for money. Obviously Bombtrack bikes are quality. However you can pick up a Kona Sutra LTD for example for about the same price as the base Hook and it offers larger tire clearance and is overall a more capable steel frame adventure gravel bike.
Taking a look at the bikes geometry we can better describe how this bike performs. The trail is in that mid-range for comparable gravel bikes at 57 mm which means the ride feel up front is more responsive and predictable. It is not overly stable as this type of bike is not designed for carry heavy loads of gear.
The rear end is considered shorter when compared to other gravel bikes. It is jumpy and quick, not taking long to get up to speed and mainting that while riding fast up a hill for example. Chainstay length is 420 mm.
It does come with the Marin Butted Alloy, Compact 12º Flared Drop bar. It is not very wide. Maybe I am use to my 50 cm drop bars but it just doesn’t feel the best when riding. I also did find the MicroSHIFT Advent groupset a bit sluggish at times. Out of the box it was not running smoothly and jumping gears. But once this groupset is serviced and dialled in it works fine, especially for the overall price of the bike.
Meet the Bombtrack Hook Family
There are four different models in the Bombtrack Hook family. A truely capable adventure gravel bikepacking bike. Let me introduce you!
Bombtrack Hook
Built around a steel frame and carbon fork, boasting speed and versatility. Size-matched 650B or 700C wheels across the sizes provide you with control and comfort. The base Hook model was more so designed to be a gravel racer, but its just at home as a tourer, commuter, or even summer-season cross bike. Available in glossy metallic blue or glossy black/purple. The bike comes with a Shimano GRX 2×10 groupset. Tire clearance for up to 45c tires and a weight of 11 kg, Which is pretty good for a steel gravel bike.
Bombtrack Hook EXT
The Bombtrack Hook EXT is just at home on backcountry campouts as it is on post work rides. The steel model of the EXT options. And my personal favourite, just because it’s made from a steel fork and carbon fork. Not to mention the sturdy 27.5’’ wheelset with 2.0″ tires which makes this bike much more capable than the previous Hook mentioned above. Also equipped with s Sram 1×11 Rival groupset.
Bombtrack Hook EXT-C
This rig is the ultimate bikepacking machine, if you want a lighter weight bike option that weighs almost 2 kg less at 9.4 kg! With almost the same components as the EXT however you get a full carbon build and Hunt wheels with the same Sram Rival 1 groupset. Also you get the same sized WTB Venture TCS Light tires compared to the WTB Rangers on the steel EXT.
Bombtrack Hook EXT TI
Could this be the ultimate of ultimate bikepacking machines? The titanium frame partners alongside a V2 carbon fork with triple cage mounts, as well as a multitude of luggage configurations for added cargo options. Featuring Shimano’s latest electronic GRX Di2 groupset, a double crankset provides close-ratios but a wide range. Making tubeless set-up easy, its lightweight WTB EZR rims and fast rolling WTB Ranger TCS Light tyres provide excellent speed and traction across mixed conditions.
The Ultimate Bikepacking Machine?
The Hook could be your ultimate bikepacking machine. Its definitely built to explore, but it does fall short when compared to some other drop bar adventure bikes. The tire clearance is good but it could be wider. When it comes to geometry is is not as stable as something like the Sutra, but this may also mean that it is a bit quicker for the flash-packing adventures. But probably not as capable if you plan fully load up and go on epic around the world adventures. They come with a carbon fork which may suit certain adventure riders more offer a little more suppleness, comfort and flexibility on the rougher stuff than a steel fork would.
Bombtrack Hook Models Compared
| Bombtrack Hook | Bombtrack Hook EXT | Bombtrack Hook EXT-C | Bombtrack Hook EXT TI | |
| Price | $3,475.99 | $4,028.99 | $5,054.94 | — |
| Category | Gravel | Gravel | Gravel | Gravel |
| Weight | 11.0 kg | 11.2 kg | 9.4 kg | 2.1 kg (frame) |
| Frame | Steel | Steel | Carbon | Titanium |
| Fork | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon |
| Wheel Size | 700c | 650b | 650b | 650b |
| Wheel Material | Aluminium | Aluminium | Aluminium | Aluminium |
| Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc | Hydraulic Disc | Hydraulic Disc | Hydraulic Disc |
| Groupset | GRX 400 | Rival 1 | Rival 1 | GRX Di2, GRX 800 |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 10 | 1 × 11 | 1 × 11 | 1 × 11 Electronic |
Bombtrack Hook Vs Bombtrack Audax
Built for comfort the Hook with its more upright riding positioning is much better suited for bikepacking and longer days in the saddle compared to the Audax. The Audax is something to consider if you are planning shorter rides but need to travel as fast as possible. With the option for mounting gear still if you want to take the tent along. With the shorter wheelbase, chainstay and trail its definitely intended for faster, more responsive and snappy riding.
| Bike | Hook EXT | Audax AL |
| Category | Gravel | Endurance |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 11.2 kg | 10.4 kg |
| Frame | Steel | Aluminium |
| Fork | Carbon | Steel |
| Wheel Size | 650b x 2″ (52mm tire clearance) | 650b x 47 (fork – 50 mm & frame 47 mm tire clearance) |
| Wheel Material | Aluminium | Aluminium |
| Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc | Mechanical Disc |
| Groupset | Rival 1 | microSHIFT |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 11 | 1 × 11 |
| Stack/Reach Ratio | 1.52 (Medium) | 1.44 (Medium) |
| Chainstay Length | 425 mm | 420 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1025 mm | 1021 mm |
| Trail | 67.1 mm (high) | 54.4 mm (mid/neutral) |
| Standover Height | 803 mm | 782 mm |
| Fork Offset/Rake | 48 mm | 53 mm |
Bombtrack Hook EXT vs Kona Sutra LTD
| Bike | Hook EXT | Sutra LTD |
| Category | Gravel | Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 11.2 kg | 13 kg* |
| Frame | Steel | Steel |
| Fork | Carbon | Steel |
| Wheel Size | 650b x 2″ (52mm tire clearance) | 29″ x 2.25″ (58 mm tire clearance) |
| Wheel Material | Aluminium | Aluminium |
| Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc | Hydraulic Disc |
| Groupset | Rival 1 | Rival 1, NX |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 11 | 1 × 11 |
| Stack/Reach Ratio | 1.52 (Medium) | 1.54 (54 cm frame – medium) |
| Chainstay Length | 425 mm | 445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1025 mm | 1094 mm |
| Trail | 67.1 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Standover Height | 803 mm | 781 mm |
| Fork Offset/Rake | 48 mm | 55 mm |
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