Hardtail Reviews Archives - BIKEPACKING.com https://bikepacking.com/bikes/hardtail/ Bikepacking Routes, Stories, Gear, and Inspiration Wed, 14 Feb 2024 20:22:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Revel Tirade Review: Arizona Trail Approved https://bikepacking.com/bikes/revel-tirade-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/revel-tirade-review/#comments Wed, 14 Feb 2024 14:03:41 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=168392 Revel Tirade ReviewDesigned around a thoughtful titanium frame and a 140-150mm travel fork, the Revel Tirade is the Colorado-based brand's heaviest-hitting hardtail yet. We were curious to see how it compares to the now-defunct Why S7 and what it offers as a mid-travel bikepacking rig. Coinciding with today's launch, Miles has been pedaling around Southern Arizona for several weeks to find out. Dig into our full Revel Tirade Review here…

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Esker Hayduke LVS Review: A Future Classic https://bikepacking.com/bikes/esker-hayduke-lvs-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/esker-hayduke-lvs-review/#comments Wed, 07 Feb 2024 12:34:32 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=166747 Esker Hayduke LVS ReviewThe Esker Hayduke LVS is the latest sibling in the now-classic bikepacking-oriented Hayduke lineage. However, with 600mm chainstays, a feature-laden titanium frame, and a unique overlanding rear rack, the LVS is completely different from its predecessor. We tested the Hayduke LVS for several months in all sorts of permutations. Find out how it stacks up as a gravel bike, a trail ripper, a wheelie machine, and a cargo-carrying rig in this detailed review…

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2024 Transition TransAM Review: Shiny Things https://bikepacking.com/bikes/2024-transition-transam-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/2024-transition-transam-review/#comments Tue, 09 Jan 2024 12:12:35 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=165151 2024 Transition TransAM ReviewThe limited re-release 2024 Transition TransAM was announced in early November with modernized geometry, a revamped steel frame, sliding dropouts, and a couple of slick paint jobs. Logan’s been testing one for a couple months and reports back with a full review after trail riding and bikepacking with it around Pisgah National Forest. Find it here…

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Pipedream Sirius S6 Review https://bikepacking.com/bikes/pipedream-sirius-s6-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/pipedream-sirius-s6-review/#comments Thu, 07 Dec 2023 12:40:56 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=164404 Pipedream Sirius S6 ReviewHow does the slackest bike we’ve ever ridden perform out on the trail? The answer might surprise you. Learn more in our review of the Pipedream Sirius S6, the brand’s latest hardtail that improves on the S5 we reviewed last year with the same unique geometry rolled into a beautiful titanium frame with loads of mounts...

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Rigid Steel Mountain Bikes (The Best Off-road Touring Bikes) https://bikepacking.com/index/rigid-steel-off-road-touring-bikes/ https://bikepacking.com/index/rigid-steel-off-road-touring-bikes/#comments Thu, 12 Oct 2023 14:00:42 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?page_id=51344 rigid steel mountain bikes and off-road dirt touring bikesUpdated October, 2023 (originally published January, 2019) In our opinion, fully rigid steel mountain bikes—especially those with plus-sized tires—have inherited the crown of the first ATBs (All Terrain Bikes), offering sure-footed traction and an adventurous spirit. They’re the updated essence of the original 1980s mountain bikes, and like their forebears, are robust enough to be […]

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Mason RAW Review: High-Caliber Hardtail https://bikepacking.com/bikes/mason-raw-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/mason-raw-review/#comments Thu, 24 Aug 2023 11:08:22 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=154028 mason raw reviewDesigned to offer an engaging and spirited ride for folks venturing beyond gravel and onto trails, the UK-made RAW is Mason’s first dedicated flat-bar mountain bike. It has proven its capabilities at events like the Highland Trail and Dales Divide, and we were curious how it would handle multi-day bikepacking trips, trail riding, and everything in between. Find Miles’ long-term review of the Mason RAW after countless unloaded rides around the Pacific Northwest, a route-scouting trip to Idaho’s Sun Valley region, and a handful of close-to-home overnighters here…

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Viral Derive Review: Built to Wander https://bikepacking.com/bikes/viral-derive-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/viral-derive-review/#comments Thu, 20 Apr 2023 11:16:47 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=146519 Viral Derive ReviewThe Viral Dérive is a trail and bikepacking-ready titanium hardtail with a Pinion gearbox, Gates belt drive, and plenty of mounts. We've been testing one against "the theory of the Dérive" over dozens of trail rides and several bikepacking trips for this review. Find the video review alongside a photo gallery and some written thoughts here...

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A Look at the New 2023 Esker Hayduke (Video) https://bikepacking.com/bikes/2023-esker-hayduke-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/2023-esker-hayduke-review/#comments Sun, 26 Feb 2023 14:45:47 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=143274 2023 Esker HaydukeThe 2023 Esker Hayduke was announced a few weeks ago, improving the brand's tried and true steel bikepacking hardtail. In our latest video, Neil and Andrew outline the bike's new features, including updated dropouts, rack mounts, and geometry tweaks. Andrew also offers his thoughts on how it pedaled and shares a look at his loaded bikepacking kit...

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Pipedream Sirius S5 Review https://bikepacking.com/bikes/pipedream-sirius-s5-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/pipedream-sirius-s5-review/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2023 12:32:40 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=136692 Pipedream Sirius S5 ReviewAt first glance, the Pipedream Sirius S5 may seem like just another steel hardtail, but it marches to a different beat than any other bike we’ve tested to date. Logan finally tuned in to this bike’s unique frequency after several spins, and it ultimately became one of his all-time favorites. Find out why in this detailed long-term review...

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Otso Voytek Review: Shapeshifter https://bikepacking.com/bikes/otso-voytek-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/otso-voytek-review/#comments Wed, 12 Oct 2022 11:48:38 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=127563 Otso Voytek Review, 29+The Otso Voytek is a unique full-carbon hardtail mountain bike that can be set up in 27.5+, 29+, or 26" fat bike mode. Recently updated with more tire clearance and a redesigned carbon fork, we were curious about how it would perform as a dedicated bikepacking rig. Find our review after several months of trail riding, loaded bikepacking, and packrafting here...

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Cotic SolarisMAX Review: Stormtrooper Approved https://bikepacking.com/bikes/cotic-solarismax-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/cotic-solarismax-review/#comments Tue, 19 Jul 2022 12:31:59 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=122005 Cotic SolarisMAX ReviewAfter months of trail riding and bikepacking on his first British “hardcore hardtail,” Logan weighs in on a bike that’s been on his radar for a while, the Cotic SolarisMAX. Read more on that and find out what ultimately led him to buy it for keeps in this long-term review…

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Chromag Surface Voyager Review: Canadian Shredpacker https://bikepacking.com/bikes/chromag-surface-voyager-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/chromag-surface-voyager-review/#comments Wed, 20 Apr 2022 12:37:11 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=116778 chromag surface voyager reviewReleased last summer, the Chromag Surface Voyager is a Canadian-made rowdy steel hardtail with several new tricks that make it look pretty appealing as a backcountry bikepacking rig. Miles has been testing one for nearly five months, from hot laps in BC to scouting new routes in the American Southwest. Read his in-depth review here...

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Panorama Taiga Review: A Case for the Semi-Rad Steel Hardtail https://bikepacking.com/bikes/panorama-taiga-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/panorama-taiga-review/#comments Tue, 01 Feb 2022 13:11:06 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=115583 Panorama Taiga ReviewCanada's Panorama Cycles released their first hardtail mountain bike, the Taïga, last summer. With a Reynolds 725 steel frame, clearance for 29 x 2.8” tires, sliding dropouts, and lots of mounting options, we were interested to see how it stood up against other similar steel hardtails. After riding the Taïga for several months with both a 120mm travel fork and with Panorama’s own rigid carbon fork, Miles shares his full review here…

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Otso Fenrir Review: A Two-headed Beast https://bikepacking.com/bikes/otso-fenrir-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/otso-fenrir-review/#comments Tue, 21 Dec 2021 13:31:57 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=108996 Otso Fenrir ReviewWith a unique geometry designed for either drop bars or flat bars, the new stainless steel Otso Fenrir is a two-headed beast that’s purpose-built for bikepacking. The Fenrir has clearance for plus-size tires, loads of mounts, and several tricks up its sleeve that allow it to transform into almost anything you want it to be. We’ve put over 1,000 miles on one for this detailed review...

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Santa Cruz Chameleon Review: A Three-horned Beast https://bikepacking.com/bikes/2022-santa-cruz-chameleon-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/2022-santa-cruz-chameleon-review/#comments Tue, 05 Oct 2021 12:11:48 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=106871 2022 Santa Cruz Chameleon Review, MX BuildJust announced, the 2022 Santa Cruz Chameleon went through a complete metamorphosis, including a whole new geometry and redesigned sliding dropouts. The new design works with three tire size configurations, and they offer a complete mullet (mixed wheel size). We put several hundred miles on the new Chameleon MX while bikepacking and trail riding, both in mullet and 29er modes, for this in-depth review.

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Bombtrack Cale + Cale AL Review: Veneto Trail Tested https://bikepacking.com/bikes/bombtrack-cale-and-cale-al-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/bombtrack-cale-and-cale-al-review/#comments Tue, 10 Aug 2021 13:55:31 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=101659 Bombtrack CaleWe recently took a Bombtrack Cale and Cale AL to Italy to see how they'd hold up to a week of bikepacking in the Dolomites for this two-in-one first-ride review. Find an introduction to both models, our Veneto Trail packing lists, and lots of images here...

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2021 Salsa Timberjack Review: Perfecting the Hardtail https://bikepacking.com/bikes/2021-salsa-timberjack-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/2021-salsa-timberjack-review/#comments Tue, 29 Jun 2021 12:08:07 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=100312 2021 Salsa Timberjack ReviewFor 2021, Salsa announced a major update to the Timberjack, their alloy hardtail. With a redesigned and more progressive geometry, more mounting options, and complete builds ranging from $1,699 to $2,499, we were eager to compare the latest and greatest to the previous version we reviewed. Find Miles’ thoughts on the 2021 Salsa Timberjack XT 29er here, including a deep dive into its new geometry and how that carries over to bikepacking.

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Why El Jefe Review https://bikepacking.com/bikes/why-el-jefe-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/why-el-jefe-review/#comments Tue, 06 Apr 2021 12:34:03 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=95438 Why El Jefe ReviewJust released, the Why Cycles El Jefe is the latest titanium hardtail in the company’s lineup. We got to test out this bikepacking-specific pro model for a few weeks prior to its release. Find the detailed review and a comparison to Why’s other hardtails here…

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Nordest Sardinha Review: One Size Fits https://bikepacking.com/bikes/nordest-sardinha-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/nordest-sardinha-review/#comments Tue, 30 Mar 2021 12:23:41 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=92375 Nordest Sardinha Review, Sardinha IIWith compelling geometry, all the right provisions, and an historically contemplative name, the Nordest Sardinha has been on our radar since it was first announced. Fortunately, we finally got to put the Sardinha II through its paces for this long-term review. Find all the details and loads of photos here...

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Esker Japhy Review: Next-Gen Steel Hardtail https://bikepacking.com/bikes/esker-japhy-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/esker-japhy-review/#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2021 13:23:04 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=94136 Esker Japhy ReviewReleased as a 29” alternative to the incredibly versatile Hayduke, the Esker Japhy is a chromoly steel hardtail with 29+ tires, a 120mm travel fork, and three value-packed builds to choose from. We’ve been testing the mid-range Japhy J2 for the last few months to find out what it’s capable of. Find the full review here…

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Kona Unit X Review: The Ultimate… Gravel Bike? https://bikepacking.com/bikes/kona-unit-x-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/kona-unit-x-review/#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2020 12:33:51 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=78743 Kona Unit X ReviewWith a compelling new geometry, 29 x 2.6” tires, and a 1x12 drivetrain, the Kona Unit X looks like a great bike for 1,400 bucks. We tested one to find out how it stacks up on the trail, bikepacking, and even as a gravel bike. Here's the full review...

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Salsa Timberjack Review: Value Meets Versatility https://bikepacking.com/bikes/salsa-timberjack-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/salsa-timberjack-review/#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2020 12:46:39 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=77915 Salsa Timberjack ReviewCapable and well-specced alloy hardtails that don’t cost a fortune are few and far between—often built with low-end components that aren’t suitable for technical singletrack and bikepacking. The Salsa Timberjack aims to change that. After three months of riding the 2020 Timberjack XT 29 build on a mix of challenging British Columbia trails and several bikepacking trips, Miles reports back with his thoughts. Find the full review here, plus a comparison with five similar alloy mountain bikes…

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2020 Marin Pine Mountain 2 Review https://bikepacking.com/bikes/2020-marin-pine-mountain-2-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/2020-marin-pine-mountain-2-review/#comments Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:40:47 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=78298 Marin Pine Mountain 2 ReviewMarin retooled the 2020 Pine Mountain 2 into a more affordable bikepacking-centric trail hardtail with a record number of threaded eyelets, more progressive geometry, and flashy build details. We’ve been testing one since March for this full review…

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NORDEST Britango Review: Down and Backcountry https://bikepacking.com/bikes/nordest-britango-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/nordest-britango-review/#comments Mon, 06 Apr 2020 13:15:29 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=74019 NORDEST Britango ReviewThe word “downcountry” might repel some readers, given its overuse in recent years. Nevertheless, a bike that climbs like a cross country bike and descends like an enduro bike is promising for riders seeking a multipurpose mountain bike that works for singletrack-heavy bikepacking. The NORDEST Britango promises to do exactly that. Our friend Sven shares his impressions after building and riding one for several months...

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Meet The New Why Wayward V2 (SquidWard!) https://bikepacking.com/bikes/2020-why-wayward-v2/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/2020-why-wayward-v2/#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2020 13:33:27 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=71889 2020 Why Cycles Wayward with Oddity Squid ForkThe 2020 Why Wayward V2 was redesigned with a higher stack, more tire clearance, and a few other tweaks to improve its ride quality. We got our hands on the high-end build, featuring the new Oddity Squidfork and Lowrizer handlebar. Dig in for our initial impressions on the "SquidWard" and find all the specs, plus loads of photos...

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Conan’s Silk Road 1989 Bridgestone MB-1 https://bikepacking.com/bikes/conans-1989-bridgestone-mb-1/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/conans-1989-bridgestone-mb-1/#comments Wed, 11 Sep 2019 14:09:59 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=62630 1989 Bridgestone OB-1, Conan Thai, Silk Road Mountain RaceConan Thai finished this year's grueling Silk Road Mountain Race in about 14 and a half days... on one of the most unsuspecting bikes in the field. Find details about his 1989 Bridgestone MB-1 in this special edition, mid-week Reader's Rig, in Conan's own words...

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First Look: 2020 Bombtrack Beyond+ ADV https://bikepacking.com/bikes/2020-bombtrack-beyond-adv/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/2020-bombtrack-beyond-adv/#comments Fri, 23 Aug 2019 12:11:54 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=61511 Bombtrack Beyond ADV2020 sees a few tweaks to Bombtrack's big-wheeled Beyond+ ADV, including three-pack cage mounts on each seatstay. Here are all the details, the full build kit, and a few thoughts on how it rides.

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Santa Cruz Carbon Chameleon (C): Full Review https://bikepacking.com/bikes/santa-cruz-chameleon-c-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/santa-cruz-chameleon-c-review/#comments Thu, 16 May 2019 12:45:36 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=52632 Santa Cruz Chameleon C, Carbon ChameleonAfter spending several months with the Santa Cruz Carbon Chameleon in both 27.5+ and 29er mode—clocking in over 1,500 miles of bikepacking and trail riding—here’s the full review. Find a deep dive into details, specs, impressions, and new photographs from several trips.

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Surly Bridge Club Review: Versatility and Inclusivity https://bikepacking.com/bikes/surly-bridge-club-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/surly-bridge-club-review/#comments Thu, 04 Apr 2019 10:38:59 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=54837 Surly Bridge Club Review BikepackingFor $1,200, Surly's Bridge Club claims inclusivity as well as versatility. Cass spends a winter with one, taking it camping, dirt road touring, trail riding, commuting, grocery shopping, and everything else in between...

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Tout Terrain Outback Review: Vorsprung Durch Technik https://bikepacking.com/bikes/tout-terrain-outback-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/tout-terrain-outback-review/#comments Thu, 07 Mar 2019 13:15:56 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=53106 tout terrain outback reviewWell established within the world of traditional touring, Tout Terrain’s first foray into the bikepacking realm comes by way of the 27.5+ Outback. Like other products in this German company’s extensive range of steel bikes, the Outback is a modern hardtail that embraces the technological marvels of an internal drivetrain, in the form of the Pinion C1.12. We take one to France's Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to find out what it's about...

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Four 27.5+ Hardtails (and more) From Sedona MTB Fest https://bikepacking.com/bikes/hardtails-sedona-mtb-fest/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/hardtails-sedona-mtb-fest/#comments Wed, 06 Mar 2019 16:12:57 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=53882 Kona Big Honzo CR HardtailWe had a chance to demo several new hardtails at the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival this past weekend. Here are thoughts on each, photos, a numbers comparison, and a few other miscellaneous photos from around the festival...

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Jamis Dragonfly Review: Converting a Commuter https://bikepacking.com/bikes/jamis-dragonfly-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/jamis-dragonfly-review/#comments Thu, 10 Jan 2019 13:13:08 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=51036 Jamis Dragonfly Sport ReviewThe Jamis Dragonfly Sport is designed around 26+ tires, adjustable sliding dropouts, and a Reynolds 520 steel frame. Modern geometry and a value-packed build were the driving forces behind Miles and Emily’s decision to bring the Dragonfly along on their vanlife excursion this summer. Read on for the full review, including a major emphasis on introducing the average cyclist to bikepacking, and why the dragonfly is one of nature’s most efficient killers...

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Why Cycles Wayward Review: The Unicorn https://bikepacking.com/bikes/why-cycles-wayward-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/why-cycles-wayward-review/#comments Thu, 20 Dec 2018 14:12:28 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=51174 Why Cycles Wayward Review, 29+ Titanium BikeFor bikepackers, 29+ is the stuff of legend. Added traction, floatation, suspension, and rollover make it the ideal platform for backcountry exploits. From afar, the latest rig in this niche, the titanium Why Cycles Wayward, looked to be the perfect specimen. TJ Kearns tested one on countless trail rides and several bikepacking trips to find out if it was indeed the mythical beast he’d been seeking...

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Bombtrack Beyond+ 2 Review: Up and over the Alps https://bikepacking.com/bikes/bombtrack-beyond-plus-2-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/bombtrack-beyond-plus-2-review/#comments Thu, 11 Oct 2018 15:12:08 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=48108 Bombtrack Beyond Plus 2 ReviewWith just six years of business under its belt, Germany-based Bombtrack Bikes has grown quickly. It now offers a wide and exciting range of adventure-ready bikes, many of them designed with bikepackers in mind. Cass Gilbert takes a Bombtrack Beyond+ 2 up and over the European Alps, and reports back on the ride...

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Niner SIR 9 Review: Tested On The Colorado Trail https://bikepacking.com/bikes/niner-sir-9-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/niner-sir-9-review/#comments Wed, 25 Oct 2017 13:44:15 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=36897 Niner Sir 9 ReviewNiner's latest SIR 9 is the company's third iteration on their cult classic hardtail. For 2017, it retains the high-end Reynolds 853 tubeset for which the bike is known, infusing its new frame with an up-to-the-minute geometry, all the latest industry standards, clearances for 27.5+ tires, and a host of bikepacking-friendly braze-ons. Given that the company is based in Colorado... it only seemed fitting to it out on the technically demanding and physically challenging Colorado Trail.

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Why Cycles S7 Review: Rodeo Bikepacking https://bikepacking.com/bikes/cycles-s7-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/cycles-s7-review/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2017 12:34:31 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=33021 Why Cycles S7 Review, 27.5+ titanium hardtailJoe took the 27.5+ titanium Why Cycles S7 to southeastern Utah for a bikepacking trip and trail rides on several Moab classics. Read the review to find out what this beautiful beast is all about, down to the engraved Ed Abbey quote and the torx-head bottle mount bolts...

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Viral Skeptic Review + The Pinion P1.12 Gearbox https://bikepacking.com/bikes/viral-skeptic-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/viral-skeptic-review/#comments Tue, 04 Apr 2017 13:07:23 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=31247 Viral Skeptic Review, 27.5+With a belt drive, Pinion Gearbox, 27.5+ tires, and an oddly colored titanium frame, the Viral Skeptic might come off as something of a concept bike when it’s clean and shiney. But after a couple months getting it dirty, the sum of its parts equals a rather slick future-proof rig. Read our comprehensive review as well as a detailed look at the Pinion P1.12.

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Chumba Stella Ti Review: Ultra XC or Solid Adventure? https://bikepacking.com/bikes/chumba-stella-ti-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/chumba-stella-ti-review/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2017 13:47:29 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=29472 Chumba Stella Ti Review, bikepacking bagsThe CHUMBA Stella Ti is designed to feel equally at home ripping the local XC course as it does lightly loaded racing the Tour Divide. But does it hold up to fully loaded bikepacking? Colt Fetters took it on Cuba’s roughest tracks to find out…

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Kona Big Honzo DL: Long-term Review https://bikepacking.com/bikes/kona-big-honzo-dl/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/kona-big-honzo-dl/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2016 14:58:42 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=27680 Kona Big Honzo DL Review, BikepackingAs the popularity of multi-day mountain biking soars to new levels, many bike manufacturers have set out to build bikepacking-specific models, aiming to split the difference between a touring bike and a mountain bike. Kona has made no such effort within their Honzo hardtails. The Honzos were built to be fun and capable trail bikes, with no apparent consideration toward the idea of carrying more than a single water bottle. Yet, by refusing to compromise on trail handling, Kona has by accident created an outstandingly comfortable and capable bikepacking machine – the Big Honzo DL…

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Interbike 2016 Outdoor Demo: Lucky 7 https://bikepacking.com/bikes/interbike-bikes-2017/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/interbike-bikes-2017/#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2016 14:59:40 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=24394 Masi Giramondo 2017 650bSeven new bikes with a lot of adventure potential from the 2016 Interbike Outdoor Demo...

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Salsa Woodsmoke Review (29+ GX): Space Oddity https://bikepacking.com/bikes/salsa-woodsmoke-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/salsa-woodsmoke-review/#comments Wed, 14 Sep 2016 13:40:04 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=22745 Salsa Woodsmoke Review, 29+ BikepackingThe latest progeny in Salsa’s eccentric lineup is aimed to bridge the gap between trail ninja and adventure rig. In addition to a fair share of trail rides, we took the Woodsmoke 29+ GX1 on a 1,000km expedition in Kyrgyzstan to see if it lives up to its pedigree…

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First Look: Salsa Timberjack, Fargo 27.5+ & the New Mukluk https://bikepacking.com/bikes/salsa-timberjack-fargo/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/salsa-timberjack-fargo/#comments Wed, 27 Jul 2016 13:44:36 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=22825 Salsa Fargo 27.5+, PlusAt this weeks Saddledrive, with the introduction of a bikepacking bag kit, two new bikes, and major upgrades to several existing models, Salsa hammered their stake a little deeper in the Adventure cycling category. Here’s our first ride impressions on the Fargo 27.5+, the affordable Timberjack, and the redesigned carbon Mukluk…

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First Look: Surly Karate Monkey 27.5+ & 2017 Troll https://bikepacking.com/bikes/surly-karate-monkey-27-5-troll/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/surly-karate-monkey-27-5-troll/#comments Tue, 26 Jul 2016 15:34:12 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=22771 Surly Karate Monkey 27.5+At SaddleDrive this week, Surly reintroduced two of their classics — each completely overhauled with a few very interesting features. We had a chance to look them over and take a few rides... here are our initial impressions.

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Jones Plus Review: A Bike Like No Other https://bikepacking.com/bikes/jones-plus-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/jones-plus-review/#comments Wed, 20 Apr 2016 12:15:20 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=17208 Jones Plus ReviewWith its unusual frame geometry, eye-catching truss fork, 29+ wheels, and rigid-specific design, the Jones Plus sets out to rewrite the rulebooks. We took this unconventional rig bikepacking, trail riding, and touring, and were more than a little surprised by what we found...

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Jamis Dragonslayer Review: My Glass Slipper, Size 27.5+ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/jamis-dragonslayer-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/jamis-dragonslayer-review/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2016 10:36:24 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=13911 Jamis Dragonslayer, 27.5+ Bikepacking, Bedrock BagsShredding my own dragons with a suspension fork, trail-worthy geometry, 3” tires, and a bike fit for turning rough trails into fairy tales.

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Advocate Cycles Hayduke Review: Baja Winter https://bikepacking.com/bikes/advocate-cycles-hayduke-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/advocate-cycles-hayduke-review/#comments Tue, 09 Feb 2016 11:57:33 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=14668 Advocate Cycles Hayduke Review, 27.5+, Bikepacking, Revelate BagsIn 2010, I rode through Baja, Mexico on a Surly Long Haul Trucker. On our first off-pavement excursion, Nick and I pushed our bikes through long sections of sand and washboard. It wasn't fun. We needed bigger tires. After this experience, we stuck to Highway 1 and pedaled past all the dirt tracks, wondering where they might lead. There is a lot more dirt than pavement on the peninsula. Five years later, Baja was still a huge question mark. This winter I came back with an Advocate Cycles Hayduke.

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Marin Pine Mountain 2 Review: In with the old https://bikepacking.com/bikes/marin-pine-mountain-2-review/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/marin-pine-mountain-2-review/#comments Tue, 26 Jan 2016 15:52:16 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=13873 Marin Pine Mountain 2 Review, Bikepacking, Revelate BagsIn with the old, in with the new. That’s how Marin approached the 2016 Pine Mountain 2. We had the opportunity to thrash this steel 27.5+ adventure hardtail on southern Spain’s unyielding rocky trails. Here’s how she performed…

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Interbike 2015: Outdoor Demo Lucky 7 https://bikepacking.com/bikes/interbike-2016/ https://bikepacking.com/bikes/interbike-2016/#comments Wed, 16 Sep 2015 16:47:12 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=10216 Jamis Dragonslayer 27.5+Seven bikes that are worth noting from the 2015 Interbike Outdoor Demo...

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Gabe’s Carver Gnarvester Review: Camp + Shred https://bikepacking.com/gear/carver-gnarvester-review/ https://bikepacking.com/gear/carver-gnarvester-review/#comments Wed, 17 Jun 2015 11:23:07 +0000 https://bikepacking.com/?p=8444 Carver Gnarvester Review - Bikepacking Porcelain Rocket Framebag and Seat Pack"I can pick my way up tight lines, ride skinnies, drop ledges, and then unpack and make a cup of pourover..."

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