Is A Gravel Bike A Good Bikepacking Bike?

As the bike industry wrestles over what exactly makes a good bikepacking bike, it seems like a lot of companies think the ultimate answer is a gravel bike. Are some of the new “adventure gravel” bikes being released simply a marketing scheme, or are they ready to take on the rigors of bikepacking? In this video we share some data on the matter, some truths behind gravel bikes, and why they may or may not make good bikepacking rigs.
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Hosted by Neil Beltchenko
Music by Ben Weaver (benweaver.net)
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Mentioned Links:
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29er Drop Bar Gear Index - bikepacking.co...
GRX Wide Range Video - bikepacking.co...

[@TrentSiggard]

Here's my take. I'm a new 'quarantine' biker who originally looked to biking as a way to get into shape (I'm overweight). I got a cheap mountain bike (Giant Talon 3) and told myself I could buy a new bike after 1000 miles if i stick with it. I took that bike on some trips and rode it like crazy. Despite living in the Santa Monica mountains where there are tons of epic MTB trails, I didn't find appeal navigating insane rocky terrain that would warrant needing suspension. I also found myself riding a lot of road as opposed to trails. I enjoy a good trail/fire road/gravel road mixed with pavement so the Gravel Bike was the perfect sweet-spot for me. Around that time I got exposed to bikepacking, adventure biking, and touring so the versatility of a gravel bike just seemed perfect all around for those interests too. Not perfect at one thing, but good enough for everything I was interested in. I've found a-lot of other new bikers had the same path, thoughts, and buying habits as myself this year. Gravel Bikes seem to be that perfect medium for those like me just getting into riding and are unsure of which specific discipline interests you the most.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Good stuff Trent, thanks for the comment and welcome to the bike world.

[@earthring]

Same here!

[@melissaramirez9492]

What are your fav bike packing spots out of LA?

[@zerosocker]

Thank you for this comment. I just got a hybrid bike because I'll be commuting. Also I will do a little bit of touring/bikepacking and therefore I thought a hybrid was a great entrance bike. However, if I get into biking I'll definitely add this to my collection!

[@user-ri5li7sn9m]

Also a newer biker (hiking injury pushed me into bikepacking). Last year I put in a lot of miles on a late 90s Gary Fisher mountain bike. Definitely felt like I was "under-biking" on some of that terrain, but whatever. This year I can't decide whether to stick with the old mountain bike and big fat old panniers, or upgrade to a modern mountain bike with fat tires. My aching neck and shoulders seem to be calling for an upgrade.

[@marksadventures3889]

I always come back to the same pictures in my head, some old Chinese or Indian guy on a rebuilt bike that belongs in an archaeological dig, his house on the back of him and probably the family too and think, I wonder if people have just lost the road here? Is it about your pleasure of riding or just the point of paying ridiculous sums for a bicycle that some sales guy either on tv, in store or online has told you you NEED to be taken seriously as a cyclist? Well I'm here to tell you that is all pure 100% BS. Any bike will do, if you look after it will be better. I don't give a sh*t what other people even cyclists think, it's my wheels not theirs, they don't need to ride it. Too many bike snobs. Get a bike, make sure it works and just ride it! I am thinking of solid tyres though! No punctures.

[@tarekzantout9057]

Just completed a 115 mile bikepacking trip with a Trek Crosstreck AL3 gravel bike. It was packed with non lightweight camping gear including a BA Hotel 2 tent and went through some serious terrain. It handled extremely well and took a beating. Mud, dirt, sand, rock and water and that gravel bike preformed very well. The right tires make all the difference! It's all about enjoying the journey. Happy adventuring!

[@Ascottishsamurai]

I'm fortunate to own a few different bikes including a fat bike, a duel-suspension mountain bike, and a gravel bike. I started tracking my mileage on all three different bikes this past year a GPS and I put six times as many miles on the gravel bike as either of my other bikes. If I had to get rid of all of my other bikes and could only keep one, it would be the gravel bike.

[@daniels6554]

I guess because I like the bikepacking style of bags on my titanium gravel bike, it portrays me as a bike packer on the wrong bike. But, I don’t do many rough trails. So, it’s the right bike for my riding on mixed surfaces. If I end up planning a trip on mountain bike trails, I’ll throw on some 45mm tires and hang on tight.

[@garyhall9359]

Have used both my Gravel and mtb for bikepacking, now only use the mountain bike and have gone back to flat pedals.

[@interwurx]

Same here. Flats and a flat handlebar is best for me.

[@Jon-hb6gx]

Depends on one's distance and the terrain on the trip.

[@tleavey87]

Flat pedals 100% of the time for me! I feel like unless you’re racing, flat is the way to go.

[@saskhiker3935]

Nice to see people say Flat peddles is way to go. Was going to invest in spd's but they don't look comfortable and i can't just do ankle rotations on a long ride.

[@todd92371]

My hardtail with Jones bar, suspension fork, and Redshift suspension Seatpost is a versatile ride now.

[@lebanc571]

I did the Central Ontario Loop Trail on a gravel bike a few weeks ago. It was very comfortable.

[@TheYanchau]

Haaaa finally THE question! Gravel bikes are hype and it has been linked with bikepacking unfortunately (I have one myself and raced the Frenchdivide with it). But in my opinion, hardtails and rigid mtbs are clearly the best bikes for touring/racing in any kind terrain without struggle! Better position for technical terrain and better gearing to carry stuff on steep climbs. Better tire clearance and then you just play with tire pressure depending on the terrain you are planning to ride. Thanks Neil !

[@ghpatriot]

well that just like your opinion man

[@TheYanchau]

@@ghpatriot Yes of course :)

[@twowheeljaunt2430]

@@TheYanchau Agree

[@dangerous8333]

@@ghpatriot The dude.

[@TheLemon333]

Unless you're riding a little more road than trail. I don't have a car so it is my best option. Mash on roads and then slower chill underbiking on the dirt. The road can be a nice respite between the rigors of a steep dirt slogging too. So many styles of touring right?!

[@meganbagley9766]

+1 for under-biking :)

[@bethanyrust]

I think it is route dependent. I’ve done several bikepacking trips on a Jamis Renegade. It is great on smoother gravel and more gentle climbs, but quickly shows its limitations on rough descents and steep climbs. Last weekend had me stating it was the last bikepack trip I wanted to do on it. On a hard tail there would have been a little more riding and less pushing up hill, also more comfortable and confident descending. It’s sufficient for bikepacking, but sometimes, I want more than sufficient.

[@thomasmuller986]

When you dont have endless money and space a gravelbike is the ultimate 1 bike solution. Got a Rove ST for everything and a cheap vintage steel Rando for commuting in a city of thiefs.

[@matthewlittler8387]

The Rove ST was my second choice and I would have got one if I didn't get my Brodie Elan Vital. Both are excellent bikes!

[@thomasmuller986]

@@matthewlittler8387 did not know the Elan vital. I think it is not available in my country germany. Looks dope. Good built Kit. Geo seems a little on the sluggish Side to me because head tube angle 70º and chainstays 450mm. But fresh color & Decals

[@MaverickTube]

ill second that! quiver killer bike

[@dangerous8333]

I disagree. An MTB is the one bike solution. Can a mountain bike do everything a gravel bike can? Yes. Can a gravel bike do everything a mountain bike can? No.

[@thomasmuller986]

@@dangerous8333 depends where you live and what terrain. MTB sucks on tarmac and gravelbike 45-55mm tires can still do some rugged roads and light offroad stuff. Gravel bike handle Bars for more hand positions for 8 hours on bike tours.

[@gravelsasquatch6430]

My Salsa Cutthroat GRX is a 1wd adventure machine! It's the best bike I have ever owned!

[@paultaylor6678]

You are 100% correct! Fast, strong, versatile.

[@tyebragg2522]

Thanks for all the awesome content. Keep em’ coming. Depends a lot on rider skills and ride terrain. This year I’ve bikepacked with both my Lauf True Grit gravel race bike and my Salsa Mukluk fat bike. Most recently finished the 711 mile Trans South Dakota on the Lauf. My lack of MTB skills made the day 1 Jeep roads and singletrack a challenge. From there the Lauf was at home on the gravel except for the long, muddy B-roads where the 45mm clearance with 42mm tires wasn’t enough. I’ll continue to use the Lauf for gravel bikepacking, and will probably get a 29er for multi-surface adventure/ultra routes.

[@vickaiser]

Good presentation. I’m a new owner of a Salsa Cutthroat and a Surly ECR. It’s been fun having both bikes and comparing the specific utility for bikepacking, gravel riding, etc. very distinct bikes but lots of overlap too. I’m enjoying them both.

[@Trailvagabonds]

Man, a Cutthroat is my dream rig right now. I have a Journeyman because I don't have the cash for that

[@gaypreator8547]

General population riders just know skinny tires are not good on off macadam. Therefore, a general gravel or mountain bike (Unless you pointed out the difference-who would know) will be fine. Just get out there. Don’t worry about more or less. Enjoy. My only modification is a Peddlar extender, because I deal with a prosthetic device. Repeat - get out there. 🙂 🚴

[@simonbartolomeo8548]

Great video! The Salsa Journeyman has proven to be the perfect tool for the varied terrain here in the coffee axis of Colombia. I say perfect only because I particularly appreciate the extra challenge of underbiking on much of this terrain, which is probably more suited for a Mountain Bike. As we scout more gravel/bikepacking routes, we'll really put the gravel bike to the test to see if it can in fact handle bikepacking here. Thanks for your content and cheers from Colombia!

[@ThatMountainMoment]

Agreed! Journeyman bridges the gap between MTB and gravel. Tons of mounting points for bottles and packs. I put a wider Walmer Bar from Curve Cycles and full 14L drybag mounts with space to spare. Salsa really hit the mark with price and versatility.

[@simonbartolomeo8548]

@@ThatMountainMoment I continue to be amazed, impressed and completely satisfied with this bike. From road rides to mellower single track, it really does do it all.

[@curtisschreiber1402]

Used a gravel bike for the GDMBR…tires too narrow-hated it..need to have at least 2.0 tires…

[@BeaverTerror]

Wrong. 700c rolls over bumps better than 650b.

[@nadgeemark]

A couple of things I quickly realised when going from my Surly Ogre with panniers to a Marin Headlands 2. Firstly the bike + bags weight dropped from 19kgs (42lb) to 11kgs (24lb) and my bag volume reduced from 70 ltrs to about 34 ltrs. So the bike is much lighter and more responsive but I need to pack very carefully. Secondly, the bike was way over-geared with a 1 to 1 granny gear but a 4.3 to 1 top gear. I’ve put on a 36T chainring which gives me .85 at the bottom and 3.6 to 1 at the top. To help with the ride quality I’ve put on WTB 700 x 45c skinwalls run tubeless with lower pressure. Overall, it’s fast, light and comfortable, but, when I’m riding remote and/or hardcore trails it’s the Surly Ogre every time. It’s rock solid over any terrain.

[@holyfox94]

Gravel bikes are a trend. A new toy we can spend our money on. I wonder what’s up in a few years? Back to the good old trekking bike with racks and Ortlieb paneers?

[@sepandphan3085]

Ride what you have, upgrade when you can

[@billoneill6114]

Great advice! Just get out there and enjoy what you have. Pretty much any bike can be a decent bike packing bike.

[@BrianRPaterson]

I reckon the ideal gravel/bike packing bike is a 29-inch metal (alloy/steel or Ti) hardtail mountain bike with disc brakes that's one size bigger than I usually ride off road. With a nice wide flat or moderate riser bar, AND bar-ends to help with climbing. And maybe a 1x drive train. For me, one ESSENTIAL would be the ability to lock out the fork. It makes all the difference on the climbs.

[@trevorhill1577]

I totally agree. I've a 29er and a 650b mountain bike with discs, wide flat riser bar and seat post suspension. I choose the bike according to the terrain and distance, the 29er for longer distances over the easier trails.

[@samfrankel8536]

I'm dabbling in bikepacking with a Trek Checkpoint. It's all about where you intend to ride, right? There's all kinds of gravel road touring here in Minnesota where you can explore without being in the back country. It seems silly to be exclusionary.

[@daigentaylor]

I have a trek checkpoint for gravel riding and bike packing. Absolutely love it.

[@doyourawesome4116]

@@daigentaylor I agree

[@doyourawesome4116]

I have the 2020 with Shimano 105. Pushing 700c x 38. This set up for me is used more for road. I defiantly feel bumps easily, but with 40s and lower pressure in the tire, would be great for a long trip.

[@matthafer2415]

My 2017 specialized Sequoia might just be the perfect bike. Steel frame and fork, not the carbon. I love it

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

I'm saving up for a medium Surly ECR 27.5 in Tank Green!!!

[@RusticRussellAdventures]

I looked at that too but went with something else instead. Mainly cause I got a screaming deal on it 👍

[@mattmacpherson1033]

I currently ride a Scott 970 from 2014 with a 3x drivetrain. I am running 30 mi gravel trips regularly and have done up to 43 miles and shooting for 50 soon. I have WTB Venture 50s on it and could do probably 3” tires if necessary. Having said all of that I am looking to get a gravel bike next year when they are in stock. My bike currently tops out at 23 MPH downhill in a wind storm. It weighs 37 lbs without bags. I know how slow I am because I was going down hill 23 miles into a 30 mile mostly gravel ride and pedaling top gear at around 95 RPM. I got passed by a gravel bike. The rider was talking on the phone and sitting up. He was pedaling about a 65-70 RPM and he went flying bye. I will keep this bike for rough roads and single tracking.

[@TrailsofCalifornia]

Thanks for this video! I'm trying to learn everything about bike packing right now. To get started next spring. This helps a lot!

[@daveebert7747]

I have a Norco hard tail mtb that I use for all my bikepacking. But living just outside of Toronto most multi-day adventures in southern Ontario are mixed terrain. I will be buying a Kona Rove LTD and see how that works out. I appreciated your video on larger gear ranges for Shimano GRX. Definitely gonna fit a 11x40 cassette on the back. Will update you this summer after a few trips.

[@billoneill6114]

My first gen diverge is working good for me but I've only been riding rail trails so I don't need very big tires. Max is about 35 rear 38 front but I did add a CG-R seatpost, redshift stem and flared drops. Gearing is still 1-1

[@skovgaard1976]

This summer I got a bike, just for doing short overnight trips. I love mountainbiking, but I dont like longrides on mixed terrain on my fully, so I got a Marin Nicasio +......man i love this bike cheap bur it is great for puting bags on and just go for an adventure. To this day I have don allmost as much bike packing as mountain biking 1268km on gravel and 1492 on the mountainbike, it just gets me uot on trips.

[@thomasspotzl4240]

Turn the bar bag 90° and mount it under the aero bars. Streamlined!

[@mattflanagan7519]

Hi Neil, it’s a great discussion. Is there a chance you might do something on how to set up aero bars for bike packing. It’s confusing to know where to invest my money. Would it be advantageous to use a Fred Bar to have a more relaxed position?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Great idea, I have received a few questions regarding this. I have used a Fred Bar in the past with a flat bar and would consider it with a gravel rig for more of an upright position, but because of the geometry on some drop bar mountain bikes, it’s not really necessary. I’ll see if I can makes something on this topic in the near future. The Fred Bar certainly has its advantages with some bikes but aero bars are the bees knees when you plan on pedaling mostly gravel roads all day.

[@mattflanagan7519]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom Awesome, thanks

[@GrahamAtDesk]

I was about to ask the same question. 👍

[@bonkersblock]

Every bike is a gravel bike! Gosh darn it..🤔🤣

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

*can be

[@zer0kelvin212]

I use N=1, and living in Canada, my bike has to clear for 3 inch 27.5 tires, so gravel bike was never an option to me. Something like Salsa or Surly, bikepacking MTB style is better! But if I lived in a warmer country, without 40 cm of snow, my N=1 could be a gravel or a road touring bike. Coming from a military background, the idea of underbiking is not in my habit. I am used to being well equipped and wall prepared for the worst. Thus, having a hardtail MTB feels like the safest option, to help navigate the roughest terrain.

[@jamisonswift8320]

I like a gravel bike because it can dual purpose. One bike to commute and have fun with riding around town, but you can still load it down and do a bike packing trip if you want to. Tour Divide? Probably not, but for a few days out and about, it works. Then you just unload it and you're back to your daily driver. Plus, around the Twin Cities the potholes are bad enough that I prefer something a bit more supple, even on pavement.

[@prudentiaski]

I was totally dissapointed when my local bike shop/Specialized sold me on the Specialized Sequoia as a "do everything" bike. Along with many other bikes, its a road bike with fat tires not worth the money.

[@abishaakmal7455]

no, for explanation purposes to my wife, bikepacking bike and gravel bike is entirely different bike and need to be separate purchase

[@prudentiaski]

It depends on the definition of bikepacking - but they are road bikes no matter how wide the tire is. A good bikepacking bike has the geo of a trail or xc bike. A good bikepacking bike has to cover distance as well as take on the terrain. A gravel bike or adventure gravel bike would be great if the terrain was dirt roads. However, if you get these adventure gravel bikes on singletrack, they're not fun. But... a lot of people view bikepacking as a fire road sport. In that case they're fine.

[@chucklist3074]

My Salsa Warbird is overloaded with a fairly minimalist amount of gear and flexes longitudinally a lot. In fact, I can't even let go of the handlebars without it getting into a wobble that, if I let progress, would leave me out of control. The bike is just not set up for a full load and I wish I would have considered the Cutthroat or the Fargo.

[@erics9214]

First, just a minor historic correction, the era of the Clunker bikes was late 70s to early 80s. By mid 80s lots of companies were making mountain specific bikes. I bought my first one in 85. There appear to be a lot of different ideas about what constitutes bikepacking. For rides that mostly consist of reasonably maintained dirt/gravel and tarmac, the gravel bikes are a good choice. But, as you mention, the manufacturers seem to want to spec them with too high gearing, more of a race setup. Long grinds with a load are not going to be fun with that gearing. A middle ground, something like the Great Divide, I think can reasonably be done on a gravel bike, but you're going to have some bad days where the washboard and rocks beat you up. I prefer a hard tail and fatter tires to take up some of that pounding. My rig for those rides has flat bars, front suspension and 27.5x2.8s. Not the fastest rig, but all day and more importantly, multi-day comfort. For more hard-core rides, like the Colorado Trail, my hard tail is sufficient, and has some over-all weight and climbing advantages. But, I'd consider a full suspension setup if you aren't in a hurry. I've seen folks riding gravel bikes on those kind of trails, but you're really, as you suggest, "under-biked". There will definitely be sections that become more than challenging on a gravel bike. But, hey, pushing is always an option.

[@philipaddyman7402]

Nice set up Neil. Interesting. Definitely agree gravel gearing is too high!

[@guritno2012]

regarding the development of my country and spirit to explore and discover outback on bike, I would like to see the industry to produce toward hybrid hardtail 9which is more versatile than garvel bike) with wider range of tire/tyre types and size frame compatibility, and convinent frame with multiple places to mount/attach water bottles, bags, mud guard or panier racks. While in the wheel side, up until now I barely find, at the market here, wheel size of 650B (smaller wheel with bigger tyre) , in contrary it is getting more and more popular among bikepaker because of it's versatility on those kind of terrains.

[@tomas7403]

I love bikepacking with my gravel bike but some travels are much better with my hardtail with suspension fork for sure.

[@nicojar]

Something very interesting: it's really more of a USA question than an EU question => here in EU our paths are older and paved since the Roman Empire, most of the trails are used by a packed population, from south Portugal to northern Poland you'll find roads, roads, roads... and gravel roads. Trails exist, but in way fewer numbers and in very remote areas (though we'll all agree that "very remote areas" means FUN). Therefore, here (I'm in western Europe), a gravel bike takes you to a good 70%, 80%, and if you're in countries like Netherlands or Belgium, 90% of all the paths in the country. And the 10% remaining will benefit from having a proper MTB. That's why, during covid times, bikepacking gained a lot of recognition - and everybody bought a gravel bike. Personally, I've been bikepacking here for 6 years on road bikes and cyclocross (really, a gravel's brother, just for racing in gnarly wooden areas: 33mm knobbly tires). I just bought my first dropbar MTB (a Salsa Cutthroat) - which one would still consider a mix of a hardtail and a gravel. Here people don't know this kind of bikes and call that "a niche". Most sales in shops are electric city bikes and electric MTBs... There is a fair part of the population that is into MTBs (mostly because our montainous / wooden areas kept some single tracks here and there), but this one can definitely be called a niche as for bikepacking, simply because no one would think of taking an MTB to bikepack (single tracks are still too seldom for travelling and trails are gravel paths since the rebuilding of Europe post-WW2). Covid shook that a bit. If you observe races like the TCR, most people use a light gravel bike. So, for us, bikepacking, de facto, EQUALS gravel, or for the most part. And my Salsa Cutthroat... allows me to get to the paths less pedaled :)

[@jeroenjegerings]

I draw the same conclusion as you, as a Dutch person. I'm new to the bikepacking world, but of all the long distances I plan, I never get off a paved road.

[@jaaphaasnoot3568]

Agree. Koga beachracer here, iDeal for bikepacking.

[@chris_noswe]

I've got a gravel bike and I raised my eyebrows as soon as you said that a gravel bike will loose "it's capabilities" as soon as it hits double- and single track etc. Mine is a lot beefier than yours though, but I've done trips with friends where they're on something that resembles that pink thing in your stand and they've had zero problems riding singletrack and more technical stuff.

[@gigglingchicken8444]

I just bought an affordable gravel bike for my daily commutes, town and fire road rides and I am absolutely loving it. I grew up riding road bikes and the feel is similar but way more beefy. I don't worry about gravel in the bike lane anymore and I really don't sacrifice that much speed for the extra security, especially with the right tires. I also love that I can take trails and dirt roads to get out of traffic or just bike in more secluded areas. I have a full suspension mountain bike that I do technical rides and really rough terrain and just to have fun. I thought these 2 bikes were all I need but bike packing sounds like a lot of fun as I am a backpacker. I want something that doesn't limit me in rough terrain, can carry a good amount, but isn't a total slog on pavement or pristine dirt/gravel roads. So now I am looking to have one more bike....

[@LeDore38]

Well I have a gravel bike so it has to be good enough for bikepacking :p

[@GR_BackingTracks]

Gravel bike, mountain bike (hardtail vs rigid?), touring bike, road bike. Fark, now I'm down another rabbit hole...

[@sickunit2096]

I did a short bikepacking trip on my Salsa Jman. It was decent but Im building a Surly Ogre with drop bars for a more serious bikepacking rig. It will be nice to have the two. option s.

[@doyourawesome4116]

Let us know how the surly ends up! I’ve been thinking about getting a surly, but I already have my two bikes. Don’t need more:/

[@sickunit2096]

@@doyourawesome4116 interesting turn of events, due to an Ogre frame not being available for months, I decided to build a drop bar Bombtrack Beyond.

[@doyourawesome4116]

@@sickunit2096 understandable. How do you like your bomb track? I have never really looked into that bike!

[@sickunit2096]

@@doyourawesome4116 Im really enjoying the versatility of the bike. I chose Di2 so I could interchange flat bars/levers and drop bar/levers. Its on my instagram, kvs_speed if you care to check it out ✌🏼

[@doyourawesome4116]

@@sickunit2096 I think versatility is what a lot people are going for these days. One bike that does it all compatible . I added you. My name is Jose on my Instagram. Thanks!

[@Boris_Chang]

Pavement, gravel, soft dirt, hard-packed dirt, grass, woodlands, commuting, touring with lots of stuff, touring with few stuff…. Do we really need a different bike for each activity? My 30-year-old Diamondback Sorrento mountain bike has always fulfilled all my needs. I might get a pedal-assisted trike soon since I’m now pushing 70 and feeling the effects of arthritis and back pain. I really do sound like an old fart, don’t I? Back in my day, blah, blah, blah. Just mainly teasing you younger cycling enthusiasts. I do get the whole collection thing since I have around fifteen guitars and basses. Have a great ride and stay safe. 😎

[@Caminhosdasrodas]

Primeiramente me perdoe pelo comentário em português, mas achei muito pertinente seu vídeo, aqui no Brasil, mas MTB hardtail dominam o mercado, como alguns dizem o mercado brasileiro não acompanha o mundial, dito isso, você me deu um novo olhar em relação as bicicletas de cascalho, como conclusão poderia dizer que o projeto de bicicletas de cascalho poderiam ter um melhor aproveitamento em corridas ou viagens minimalistas

[@andrewmackenzie4635]

I would definitely say I am an "underbiker" I love jumping on my btwin triban 3 with 25c marathon tyres and cutting my way through pretty much anything but sand and downhill trails

[@ddn1539]

Except if you actually live on the road, who exactly needs 20kg worth of gear on a bikepacking trip? I can't remember a day where I needed a microwave oven, I don't even have one at home ;))

[@OneclickOutside]

I don't know what to do!!! I have a Scott road bike which I like for daily exercise. I want to get a hard tail or gravel bike for casual riding and bikepacking - i forsee forest roads, packed, crushed stone, sucky pavement, etc.

[@trevorhill1577]

I tried both. It's a hard tail with seat post suspension every time, maximising comfort and reliability. Invest in a lightweight version, and if you want to go faster on smoother sections, add aerobars. The hard tail has more opportunity for modifications. The gravel bike is 'design limited', they just won't admit it needs to become a mountain bike.

[@emersonrezende]

Gravel bike is all I know for bikepacking. It works well for me, although there is room for some improvements. It is a versatile bike for me: bikepacking one day or shredding the gravel roads training for long endurance races such as unbound the next. I have gone through some gnarly beautiful routes in the Appalachian mountains and I am very happy with the results.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

It's certainly a great tool that has many uses.

[@kris.monroe]

Thanks for this! I see a gravel bike as an absolutely awesome entry-level bike for anyone getting started. It offers the road geometry for fitness riding and efficiency, with enough tire clearance to experiment with rougher roads! That said, my personal opinion and goal of bikepacking directly resemble that of backpacking: trails, remote camping, wilderness. A place I wouldn't want a gravel bike for 50% or more of the time. Now a drop bar mountain bike is a different story (I own a Cutthroat and love it) .... So, from my personal perspective (knowing plenty of people can do crazy things on a gravel bike) I would always opt for a hardtail mountain bike or drop bar mountain bike, for proper bikepacking adventures! 2.2 inch wide at the most narrow, for me. A gravel bike makes for an amazing touring bike though! There will be enough bike for whatever a bike tour throws at you, unless you're doing a lot of rough remote singletrack. When I go on more tours, it will definitely be with a gravel bike and not my skinny tire road bike. Efficient on the open highway, amazing on gravel roads so you aren't tied to the pavement if you find a short cut, and the added tire volume is comfortable on all the roads.

[@derelictxci]

Gravel bike seem to be the jack of all trades and master of none, which is nigh perfect for my usage.

[@kul0078]

I think it depends on what you want to do road/gravel/offroad.

[@madaprak]

Great video. Answered a lot of questions. Thanks

[@Trailvagabonds]

We have Salsa Journeyman which I guess are considered "All-Road" and not quite "Gravel" but we have enjoyed packing them with bags and have even taken them on some chunky singletrack in Pisgah National Forest while weighted down. I have the Apex 1x and agree the gearing is not great for touring especially on hilly terrain. Other than switching out the front ring, I'd love to know how to change the cassette to have a better range. The granny gear is too small and the smallest cog spins out at 30 mph currently. We have definitely enjoyed these bikes having sold off other bikes to get down to a 2-bike quiver (full sus mtb and the "all-road").

[@outbackwack368]

The Cutthroat could be the best of both worlds, but I'd rather have a flat bar on it and a front suspension...

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I think I might actually might do this to mine here soon! I'll report back.

[@the.communist]

Bike packing bikes should have mounts to install accesories

[@luisdasilva1980]

i have a Kona Sutra Ltd 2022 with 29er tires with 2.25 width :) it's a beast :)

[@Superbad94]

Hello how much Was your bike setup and cannyou Tell me witch one you have ?

[@philiprayner1772]

so could you use a beech cruiser for bike touring ?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

if thats the only bike you have, sure!

[@philiprayner1772]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom thank you for answering my question alot of bike sites tell you to post a coment or ask a question and they do not answer so Thank You

[@scottthorson1040]

I really enjoyed this video! As an avid mountain biker wanting to get into bikepacking, gravel and some road riding I went with a BearClaw Beaux Jaxon. I run 2.25 Vittoria Mezcals and could not be happier with my choice. Also I run a 34t front and TRS plus 9-46 to help with gearing. Being under biked is an understatement on some of the trails I ride this beast. To help reduce hand and back pain I replaced the handlebars with the Surly Truck Stop Bars (48cm) and got a 70m stem. This put me in a position where I could ride all day with little to no pain. I just completed the XWA last Sunday and I could not be happier with my choice of bike. In certain situations a hardtail MTB would have been ideal, but the BJ handled everything with no issues. One huge benefit to riding a gravel bike on this ride was how much faster I was on the long stretches of gravel roads. I passed a couple on hardtail MTB that started their ride 2 hours before I did. Now I only wish the new Ruby Ultimate XPRL fork could fit larger tires and this bike could replace my mountain bike.

[@todd92371]

Redshift suspension stem. Just love this thing!

[@RusticRussellAdventures]

Neil...I'm not going to give you the classic "the bike you own is a good..." If you truly know how and where you want to ride, but the right bike. Right? I live in the rockies, do a lot of single track, FS roads, and adventuring. Therefore I went 29+ w flat bars. Wouldn't have bought it for Iowa. Happy Trails buddy

[@nanciparoubek3256]

I feel like gravel bikes can stretch for almost any bike travel, makes them great for those of us who only have one bike for our road commute and any longer journeys

[@dangerous8333]

I would take a mountain bike over that since a mountain bike can do everything a gravel bike can, but a gravel bike can't do everything a mountain bike can. So if I were stuck with one bike, it would be a mountain bike.

[@minf0070]

I started bikepacking last year on my hardtail. While I was flying on rough terrain, I was super sluggish on the tarmac and hills. I bought myself a gravel bike this Spring, and it rides so beautifully on trail and tarmac, I ended up selling my road bike! I'm planning on some mods this winter to improve the gearing, but I've found the one!

[@Mr.Miyagi907]

Yeaaa! Me the same.

[@vkelly2701]

I go starbucks to starbucks on my gravel bike.

[@steveretiredandcycling]

My Jamis Renegade gravel bike is a great bikepacking bike. Took in on the Downeast Sunrise Trail in Maine for 100 miles of gravel. It performed very well with bikepacking bags (tent, sleeping and cooking gear). Ultimate test will be riding 850 miles later this month from Key West to Charleston SC 50% road and 50% path's.

[@joesheehan5540]

if it has a triple mount on the fork i’ll call it a bikepacking bike.

[@hannorasmusholtiegel6044]

I don’t agree with the video sadly. Bikepacking isn’t only a lighter more compact version of touring, for me the gravel bike is the perfect bike for packing, because it focuses more on speed then the touring bikes, i am still 18 and don’t feel like i need everything to be optimized towards having a ride that is easy on the body and that can carry all of the ,ost comfortable stuff i want to go out and clear as many kilometers on some forest roads and trails as i can in 3 to 7 days. I enjoy the speed and the acceleration of a gravelbike. Also it makes riding on tarmac more enjoyable when you have to. And I like the low position on light descends. It’s based around being fast, not nessecarily comfortable, thats what makes the difference t compared to touring.

[@trevorhill1577]

Gravel offers more pros for gravel and trail. When the paths become gnarly, muddy and generally more challenging and technical, the MTB has more pros. The mountain bike is the landrover where the gravel bike is the 4x4 SUV.

[@azizulzulzaha]

Is an endurance bike with 28/30mm tyres are good bikepacking bikes?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I wouldn't consider anything under 35mm to be honest.

[@agelaonsoikea]

My Genesis Croix de fer built with custom built generator hub wheels, Sram NX 1x11 drivetrain, Surly Open Bar, Brooks C17 saddle, Panaracer Gravelking 32x622 tyres and Bumm dyno lights.

[@Yocambio]

You are spot on manufacturers under speccing gravel bike gearing. I’ve been looking high and low for stock 1x configurations with more than a 36t or 40t cog, and almost all the 2x drivetrains feature 50:34 / 11x34 setups as stock. Shimano is partly to blame for this by not bridging the road-MTB drivetrain gap, forcing buyers to perform aftermarket surgery to run “mullet” gears with GRX shifters. Eventually this will be resolved but in the meantime I’ve been making my Cannondale Synapse perform bikepacking duties pretty well, with 50:34 / 11-36 and running 30mm tires (max is 32). Not great on anything rough, but remarkably effective generally.

[@agelaonsoikea]

My other bike for adventures is Project12 Cycleworks Patient Zero built with Shimano 1x11 gruppo, custom built wheels with Shimano XT hubs and 65x622 Vittoria Mezcal tyres, Bumm dyno lights, Tubus Vega rack, Brooks C17 saddle, Surly Open Bar, SKS mudguards and Shimano XT flat pedals. This bike is off road capable. Front forks are Salsa CroMoto.

[@soloist777]

Over 12months on from posting your vid. and it seems bike companies are adapting the gravel bike more and more to bikepacking(think Canyon's Grizl now with front suspension forks). I've just bought my wife a Focus Atlas 6.7 with the idea of joining me on future multi-day gravel adventures(I have a Cannondale Slate). Altho' on the heavy side (and that's before gear), it's a vey sturdy and stable bike with relaxed geometry for her. We did 3 weeks bikepacking in NZ's South Island last year on our 29ers including over the Tarnbrae on the A2OTrail. The 29ers were ideal for mountainous days like that so I don't think I'll be getting rid of them.

[@addingonbird1]

Recently did a section of the Colorado trail fully loaded on my drop bar flaanimal on 43s but it can take 650b x 2.4. Very versatile.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Nice, what stretch? That is some serious under-biking, unless it was a wilderness detour. Good on ya.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

@@addingonbird1 Impressive. That is a great bike from Denver to the start of segment 1. A little rough after.

[@elachichai]

Great video Neil. Not sure why so few likes. 1) Looks like aero bars may be better choice to handle bar extenders? slightly lesser space for gps/phone, light? part number? 2) How do I avoid stress points on Carbon frame bikes? 3) Any light fender options? SKS S-Board/S-Blade or SKS Urban Velo 42? 4) Saddle bag or Rear rack which can take any bag, load with cargo net? 5) Is full frame bag better for reducing air resistance than handlebar bag? Or will handlebar bag provide better weight distribution?

[@demigod2001]

I have been using my Niner RLT RDO with 700x45, GRX810, on all kinds of trails where would ride my hardtail MTB. Lack of suspension definitely slows you down. But, that is made up for by speed on gravel and road. It’s quite a sturdy and stable bike, handles well under load. I have been toying with getting 650’s but may opt for 700x50

[@donaldwalter1317]

I started in mountain biking, migrated to touring bikes that were 3x9 combos. It afforded me more packing (4 panniers) but as got older I found it more difficult to haul 25-30kg of gear up hills. I also use a foldable bike (11speed) with good load capacity. I however wanted to force myself to reduce my load so I could better enjoy the journey rather than being exhausted at each end of day trip. For that I went to a 22 speed, 650Bx47 gravel bike. I reduced my load capacity by 20 litres and weight by 12-15kg and feel better for it. In fact my average speed is up in spite of a bigger tires. There are still bike shops that try to sell the old triple gear for touring. My new gearing on a 2x11 has eliminated the cross chaining problems I often had.

[@Aragorn.Strider]

But can a gravel bike be a good all terrain light waight bike where you take limited package (and surely sleep at home) ? I think so Can a City Bike or a Touring Bike be a good Bikepacking Bike (where you mainly ride on tarmac/asphalt) ? I think so

[@TNSurly]

I like your comments on calling out under biking. I ultimately started with an aluminum CX bike for bikepacking but made the switch to a touring flatbar steel frame with 29” wheels which rides way smoother on rough fire roads.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

You found the way by a gateway bike and a little bit of pain, I think many folks are in your same boat.

[@barrybogart5436]

@@BIKEPACKINGcom What pain? Steel frame and flat bar is the way to go. But I do use a suspension stem and seatpost which helps just enough. I was a Randonneur for 30 years. Maybe that makes me a hardass.

[@captaincoyote1792]

You have a talent....speaking on the subject to, not at, the viewer. I have a Chumba Stella ti....absolutely love the bike for my bikepacking, backcountry rides to isolated fly fishing spots in northern New England. Now, I’m in the market for a less expensive gravel bike to keep in eastern Tennessee at my late parents home....to use while I live there “executing” their estate. The selection out there absolutely “boggles” my mind.....almost to the point of inaction! But your video is extremely helpful! Nice job on this video, amigo...damned nice job!

[@surlycyclingrag3347]

My surly ogre by itself weighed 55 pounds after 23,000 miles of gross weight of three hundred pounds the hub's started to get some slow speed all the time. It's not retired yet just in rehab. My girlfriend bought me a Masi XL Giramondo we started touring with two panniers a piece instead of four. I have a forty Lb reduction are daily miles have gone higher to 20 to 30. We talk about the bikepacking rig's try with everyone we see with one. Living on dehydrated food with over priced gear for the most it seems to be a only ten pound advantage. She rides a specialized diverge says it's the best bicycle she's every had. A surly troll for shopping and touring. If I had only room for one bike in state of California it's going to be every day slow touring!!

[@alexmorgan3435]

Salesman for bike manufacturers. First and foremost any derailleur transmission in dusty muddy gravel wet off road conditions is a nightmare to keep running smoothly. An IHG such as Rohloff or Pinion gearbox with belt drive is the way to go.

[@pixiedixie3682]

Very informative, thanks ! I’m thinking to buy a gravel one I have 2 models : the Nukeproof Digger or Surly midnight both slightly different, Thanks again.

[@ohwell2790]

I needed a bike with front suspension and a suspension seat post. At least a coil spring on the front and a seat post that would keep the shock front hurting my back. A ridged bike was out of the question. So, A 29er and with those options at the ripe old age of 78 can ride without pain of any kind. With a extension for the handle bars to bring them up so the angle of my back was acceptable enjoy my time on the bike.

[@jameshuggins4300]

You might call me a returning rider. I haven't been bikepacking yet but I would love to try it. O have been a pretty serious rider off and on mi whole life and commuted several years by bike. Fixed up my old hardtail and riding that for the moment. Hopefully I'll get buy something new next year!

[@lindatisue733]

Have a specialized vita. Put some schwabe tyres on it swapped out the handlebars. I use it like a gravel bike. I pack it with about 8-10 kg of gear, it is stable.

[@barrybogart5436]

Mods are good. I chose a MEC Cote but did the following subs. Flat bar with inboard stubby bullhorns; 36-spoke wheels instead of 24; suspension seatpost and stem and a 2x10 gear train. I use Timbuktu bags. I ride in BC.

[@Andrew.Drennan]

I love my gravel bike because I love underbiking. I use this channel as a guide for gravel because you look at things and components that would allow my gravel bike to take the abuse.

[@TheLemon333]

You could throw a 42t cassette on that grx even though Shimano doesn't condone it. 30/42 is a nice granny

[@anthonydryer6251]

Picked up a cosmic stallion a few months ago after riding a krampus for the last 2½ years. Have had a few long long days on the stallion so far and the krampus is definitely a kushier ride Krampus 29x2.3 big apples Cosmic Stallion 700x42c cannonball

[@agelaonsoikea]

Surly Open Bar gives me 3 hand positions. 1 on the ends with brake levers and a twist shifter, 2 on the curves and 3 in between 1 and 2.

[@clintonshiells3095]

Nice video with nuanced pros and cons. Might be worth stressing a bit more the need to design the frame to handle properly when loaded in the manner envisaged by the rider. Throwing weight on a frame designed to be ridden without bags changes the riding characteristics considerably.

[@2468bidw]

Honestly though, if your bike is so racey you get toe overlap, it’s probably not suitable for bike packing.

[@daveb3589]

Which would could be better for bikepacking a ally trail hardtail be better than a carbon xc hardtail? Cheers

[@trevorhill1577]

Really good video thanks. You've hit the big question and kudos to you. The gravel bike has evolved from the road bike for those who wish to leave the tarmac and head off road. They're already impinging upon the tougher trails and as the trails increase in challenge and technicality, so they morph into the domain of the mountain bike. You emphasised wider tyres, longer wheelbase, raising the handlebar for a more upright position, widening the handlebar, and improving the gearing. All this already exists on the mountain bike. Add in a bit of suspension and you have the mountain bike. As gravel bikes have evolved, so their weight has drifted from the single figure kilogram to the 11 and 11.5kg. My alloy framed mountain bike with seat post suspension and front rockshox suspension is 12.2kg. It's all meeting at around 12kg and for off road comfort, performance and mechanical reliability, this ultimate and final evolution must be called a mountain bike.