The Best Bikepacking Bike - How to GO Bikepacking Series - Ep 1

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks for tuning in! You can help my channel get out of the growing stage by giving this video a like. If you’re near the southwest Wisconsin area, let’s ride together or head out on a bike camping trip. Shoot me a message on Instagram: @great_egret_adventure. instagram.com/great_egret_adventure/

[@RiggerHippie]

I have the Soma Wolverine V.4 Type B. Best bike I ever owned...very versatile

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Super versatile! I love my V3!

[@supermario1127]

Great informative video. All beginner (like myself) bike packing riders should watch this. Thanks and keep the videos coming!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks! I’m having fun putting these videos together, so I’ll keep them coming.

[@djsonfire0001]

Great video it does take a while to figure out how and where to put your gear on your bike how you access certain things more than others every person is totally different. The hard part for me was going through three different seats and a couple different handlebar setups and water bottle locations. I have a priority 600x and I think it is billed just perfect for cross country off-road trEks.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

That bike is amazing. I hope you’re have the time of your life on it.

[@CAPRAQUEENRC]

I love that you included a Carbon Specialized Diverge. I now ride a custom 2018 Diverge Sport Carbon with custom Trek 920 front rack, specialized rear rack, Atlas Downhill crankset 170mm, absolute black chainring in boost spacing 36 tooth, rear cassette upgraded to a 11-42 tooth rear cassette Tiagra brake levers/shifters, GRX RD-RX400 rear derailleur with custom OSPW, upgrades the mechanical brakes to TRP HY/RD 160mm front and rear to maintain mechanical brake levers, JagWire compressionless housings with Pre stretched cables, semi-permanently mounted tool keg so it cannot fall off in a crash, installed wheel reflectors despite everyone saying they are uncool lol, custom head tube badge for increased performance, permanent BB sleeve conversion, tubeless setup, CushCore front and rear, Chester pedals, para cord chain stay guard, RF crank boots, GoPro mounts front and rear, and a stem mounted phone holder to use my phone as a computer ❤️ is fast, playful/agile like CX bike and I’ve taken in through every condition except sand (no sand near by to test my bike in) and nothing stops it from the deep mud to going up (yes up ⬆️) rock and rut gardens to small flights of stairs. But my most important upgrade is the frame protection I use, Free stickers and autographs from every bike shop I visit plastered all over my bike making it the radical looking bike on the trails 🤘🏼❤️

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

The Diverge is an great bike and yours sound freaking amazing!!

[@mountaincruiser817]

I'm probably not the only one who noticed an commented but the cracked “aluminum” frame you showed was clearly a Ti frame. And cranks like that surely can be catastrophic. Great channel btw. First time viewer.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

You're right! It is a titanium frame! Apologies. I think what happened was I had both the photos for the aluminum and ti frame in the same folder whilst editing and edited in the wrong one in.

[@lowblues]

I built up a Niner SIR9, carbon fork, 2x12 and a Jones bar. Best multi day bikepacking rig I’ve had. This is my 3rd bike packin rig.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Perfect steel frame and comfortable for days. I love the Jones bar! I have one on my fat bike. I might do a similar build on a Surly ECR. That is if I can get one before they’re all gone!

[@outbackwack368]

Thanks for the great info! Just found your channel and would welcome your thoughts... I'm in a quandary because I really enjoy mountain biking (Intense full-sus) and gravel (Cannondale Topstone Carbon Ultegra) and want to get into bikepacking. My dilemma is that in the near future we'll be traveling full-time for several years in an RV and will need to only have 1 bike each. I am WAY more comfortable riding my mountain bike than my Topstone, as is my wife (numb fingers), so I keep heavily favoring either a custom titanium hardtail or short-travel mountain bike in plus tires. I can fully lock out my current mountain bike and essentially make it a rigid as well as partially lock out the front to make it a hardtail. I also LOVE having a dropper seatpost, which really limits a rear bag and MUCH prefer the MTB shifters and brakes over drop-bar setups.Ideally, I'd keep my current MTB and adapt it but its weakness is a very limited triangle for a frame bag, plus no real mounts. However, all bags can be strapped on in some fashion. I'd probably just get a 2nd set of narrower wheels with fast tires for road and gravel (just put a set of Light Bicycle carbon wheels and 40mm Pirelli Cinturato tires on the Topstone and what a MAJOR upgrade that was for ride quality! SOOO supple now :-) But I prefer flat bars with a sweep and rise for road. I'm 61 and now it's all about comfort... although it is fun blasting down the road at 25mph. Since I've never bikepacked, I have no idea how an extra 20 pounds will feel on my bike, and I haven't bought any bags yet because I'm not sure what bike I'll wind up with. Right now we each have Cannondale Topstone's and I have my MTB. What would YOU do? Thanks and be safe!

[@daveebert7747]

I have been riding a Norco hard tail MTB for the last 5 years. I have done everything from 8 day all pavement touring to all outback wild camping trips. Most of my trips over the past 2 years has been mixed terrain so I have ordered a 2021 Kona Rove LTD. With 650b x 47 tires and bosses now on the forks and plenty on the frame it should fit my needs well.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

In my 20s, I rode my hard tail Stumpjumper everywhere. It was some of the best riding I’ve ever done. You can’t go wrong with either the Norco or the Sutra, but, man, that LTD is a sexy bike that’s super versatile.

[@AdventuresWithDaniel]

Good stuff, I'll definitely check out your other videos!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks, man! A new one will come out later today!

[@lesleeestes1031]

I am very old school, I have a HUFFY one speed cruiser with fat tires, and a large pull cart for groceries or camping.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I dig old school! Your setup is perfect for both camping and groceries.

[@KemDIY]

Love your videos. I used to watch your Harley videos when I built a Harley sportster 48! I’ve always been into motorcycle touring, back packing, cycle touring and now more bike packing and I just happened to stumble upon your videos again! Super cool. What else do you do!? Lol. Anyways loving the content and your instructional and diy focus.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks man! I also build canoes! 😃. Head back over to the Moto channel. I just started building on a new Sporty!

[@KemDIY]

@@GreatEgretAdventure awesome will do!

[@rotormotored]

I'm really enjoying your Vids, Bro. You are very instructive and I am learning many things. Your well made Videos and your music selection make for an informative, enjoyable watch. Just keep them coming and I will watch.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks, Ed! The second video in the bikepacking series is coming this weekend. It’ll be about choosing the best saddle for bikepacking. Hopefully it’ll be a good one!

[@rotormotored]

@@GreatEgretAdventure Looking Forward.

[@dannyzuehlsdorf3697]

I have a 2020 Masi Giramondo 27.5 that I'm really excited about taking on a few weekenders

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

My rigs throughout my life have leaned more touring than bikepacking. Even when I build up frames for off-road use. That’s exactly what that Giramondo is and, man, that’s a beautiful bike!

[@TheBakerTrader]

I also just bought a masi giramondo,700c though as the 650b was impossible to find in Canada anymore. Not a ton of reviews out there so it was mainly a gut choice, will see how it behaves in the future .

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Dang! You both are making me want a Giramondo. Too many bikes, so little time. 😀

[@pgreenx]

Taking my new Fargo on first bikepacking trip next yr 3000 miles in great divide. Hopefully I make it!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

That sounds like a great adventure!

[@darrylhalden1948]

I'd be looking for an all round bike - agile and nippy around town but capable of bike packing maybe for shorter tours..that sort of thing

[@trotheimer3337]

Hehe New Glarus. That's funny. Greeting from Switzerland.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Ha! The entire town plays up it's Swiss heritage. It's beautiful there.

[@trotheimer3337]

@@GreatEgretAdventure Didn't know that. If i ever should visit the US, i'm going spend a couple of days there. Even if it's just to avoid home sicknes. Gruss.

[@rlake349]

Going on my first bikepacking adventure with my 2021Specialized Chisel and Blackburn outpost bags. I don’t see why it wouldn’t be a decent bikepacking bike, we shall see. Great video👍🏻

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

That’s the beautiful thing about bikepacking. You can do it on any bike and anyone that says that you *NEED* a certain bike is just wrong. (Ahem, that includes me and my aversion to aluminum 😀). Let me know how your first trip goes!

[@clintandtracyevans9538]

I’m planning to do the Idaho Hot Springs route on my Chisel next month. I hope all goes well... thanks for the vid.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

@@clintandtracyevans9538 that’s a bikepacking adventure I’ve been wanting to do since I first heard about it five years ago. Let me know how it goes!

[@rlake349]

I finished the 260 mile route across Missouri in 5 days and 4 nights with 63 miles being the longest day. The bike was 62 lbs with all the gear including 2 liters of water. Although my setup was better suited for single track, the bike was great and the only change I made was a cheap WTB rocket saddle which was a bit more comfortable than the stock specialized saddle.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

@@rlake349 perfect example of how you don’t need a certain bike. It sounds like it added to the adventure!

[@DavidSmith-wu5sw]

Pinion 600x is the bike I’m leaning towards

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Good choice. Such a good bike!

[@scottgibson245]

I decided on the Poseidon Redwood for my bike packing ride of choice. For the price point it's tough to beat.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

That’s a great bike for the price!

[@doxielain2231]

Does anyone have the Surly ECR? I'm still shopping around for my adventure bikepacking rig, and it's caught my eye.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Oh, man! I’ve been shopping for one myself. All that’s available currently is the extra small in beige pantsuit. I’m hoping they’ll have more frame sets available in spring. It’s such a versatile bike that I wouldn’t hesitate to take on a long adventure.

[@adityaschavali]

ECR is out of production I believe....try second hand market

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

The ECR is out of production, unfortunately. At the time this video came out and the comment here, it was not yet announced that Surly would discontinue it.

[@BulldogBadger]

Bike packing would be fun! I will choose my iron 883 LOL

[@jackdavidson5506]

Cool to see a cheesehead show up in my bike feed. On Wisconsin! Go Bucky

[@xavear]

Hi what front panniers do you use on your red color bike there? Need one that could mount a light. Tq

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

The panniers are Orlieb. The rack is a Tubus Low Rider. Both ver useful.

[@bikepackingg]

Nice thanks

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

You bet, my friend!

[@mazditzo]

I’m considering myself lucky, a month before pandemic, I got surly ecr for $500 (frame-set) ... sadly the components mostly from my old bike since the price ridiculously high during this enduring time.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I’ve been looking for an ECR for a long while. It’ll likely be a long wait. I’ll have a new build soon with a Bearclaw Thunderhawk. I’ll have to use older components as well. Hopefully this pandemic ends soon.

[@dongmalonda8480]

I have a giant XTC bike and planning to bikepack using it. Please let me hear your thoughts on this.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

The XTC would be a great bike bikepacking on single track or gravel roads. It might be slow going on pavement, but if you’re fine with that, there’s nothing wrong with it. If you’re planning to use a full size frame bag, it might be difficult to find one that fits. You could go with a custom made one or a half frame bag. I wouldn’t hesitate to go off-road bikepacking on this bike. Let me know how it goes!

[@AndysOutdoorAdventures]

Is Kona Dew a good bike for beginners' bikepacking bike

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

The Dew is technically more of an urban bike, but it is a good inexpensive option if your bikepacking trips aren’t far. There are better options for just a few hundred dollars more.

[@marciooki5820]

I love cycling I love touring But i still think The industry overvalued the prices And just like you said Any bike can be!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

So overpriced!

[@jollyandwaylo]

Have you checked to see how rich the owners are? That would tell you that bikes are overpriced. I don't see owners of bike shops living the high life so the money must be somewhere else.

[@Hella-en5dh]

I’ve never gone bikepacking but I think my surly midnight special would do just fine if I ever did.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

The MS is a damn sexy bike! It has enough bosses and eyelets to load up racks and bags for a great bikepacking adventure or a quick S24O. Great bike!

[@Hella-en5dh]

@@GreatEgretAdventure thanks man. I like Somas as well but it was between the Surly and a Fairlight Secan, I didn’t really want a bike that expensive so I just went with MS.

[@Hella-en5dh]

If I was going to build a frame specifically for bikepacking, I think I would build up a Surly Pack Rat. I love those bikes!

[@dickthomson3436]

My #1 is the Salsa Cutthroat and if you’re on a limited budget I like the Surly Ogre!!!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

The Cutthroat has been on my list of bikes that I want for a long long time.

[@PuffinPass]

@@GreatEgretAdventure Worth the cost of entry IMO. I have been enjoying mine as a dropbar MTB and plan on using it for packing as well....just need to work on gear ratios a bit, probably going mullet build because 36t with 11-42 cassette just isn't low enough for any loaded climbing.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

The mullet is the way to go for loaded riding. All my bikes the last few years have been mullet builds.

[@Alex-jo6up]

A 7:30, on voit une jeune femme au coté d'un vélo SPECIALIZED. Quelle est le modèle ? On dirait un VTT avec un cintre gravel. Merci What's the model of SPECIALIZER bike at 7:30 ?

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

That’s Lael Wilcox, one of the best long distance cyclists in the world and her bike is a Specialized Epic.

[@Alex-jo6up]

@@GreatEgretAdventure Thank's a lot 😉

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

De rien.

[@danstenis660]

In the PC world, anyone can build a desktop PC after watching some youtube builld videos. I would like to be able to do that with a bicycle. Can you make videos on how to build a value adventure bicycle that has all the necessary features of an adventure bicycle. Please include the components and tools needed to assemble them and where to buy them. Being a value build, please consider costs vs performance and maybe listing the best components at different prices.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I’m definitely one of those that built a super fast editing PC using KZbin. I can definitely do a value build including all the components and tools. Such a great idea and I love building bikes. The difficult part will be sourcing a frame and components. Everything is really expensive and hard to acquire because of the pandemic and demand. Even still, I beg I can get a great video like this out!

[@danstenis660]

@@GreatEgretAdventure The problem with most mountain bike gearing is that it uses only one small-medium size chainring in front, thus sacrificing usually the high speed end. I hate sacrificing on ability of an all terrain bike. I want both the capability to go up steep grades and descend fast when going downhill. And the wide tires will give great grips when going fast. So the one are I wouldn't save cost on is a super wide gearing ratio.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

You’re 100% right. The range of 1x just doesn’t cut it. I want to climb hills and go fast in the flats. That’s where a mullet build comes in. Check out my video on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aojUYnywfauNkA It’s a bit dense with math, so I’m working on a less technical version that I hope to have out this week.

[@lostandfiend]

Great video, and I’m only 30 seconds in.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks, Lawrence! I hope the rest of the video was as good as the first 30 seconds! I work hard on these videos, so comments like yours means a lot to me.

[@lostandfiend]

@@GreatEgretAdventure Absolutely. Currently watching your videos on a rainy Chicago Sunday. Makes me want to get out to Galena for some gravel riding or to finish the TWAT on my moto. Cheers!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

@Lawrence Patrickus I love the gravel roads around Galena. Those last 20 miles of a century from Madison to Galena are some of the toughest riding I’ve ever done. I’m doing the TWAT for the first time on my Africa Twin this summer. I can’t wait. Hopefully this rain and cold goes away soon.

[@lostandfiend]

@@GreatEgretAdventure It's a ton of fun! Maybe I'll see you up there this summer on my Tiger. Got up to Rock Dam Lake last trip, hoping to finish it off this year.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I can’t wait to ride it. I’m thinking sometime in June. Hopefully I’ll see you out there!

[@adrianbeanco]

The fat bike. Best mule in bikepacking

[@GreatEgret]

100% true! Especially if you get a versatile bike like ECR.

[@israeladams6439]

priority 600 adventure..

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Belt drive and pinion. I love it! Where have you taken it?

[@israeladams6439]

@@GreatEgretAdventure still saving up for it actually, tempted to just finance it but idk..

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Look for a credit card that offers 0% interest for 12 or 18 months and pay it down before you’re charged interest. That’s what I did with my Thunderhawk frame. I never used the card again after paying it off.

[@israeladams6439]

@@GreatEgretAdventure yes..priority also finances so we will see..

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Keep me posted. I’d love to know what you think of that bike!

[@shuckahoseerazzle8486]

Id still say the best bike for bikepacking/touring is a gravel bike dropbar

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I agree. That’s been my setup for the last decade.

[@bartmullin8018]

My 2018 Karate Monkey evolved to a rig with front & rear racks (front holds sleeping bag), Salsa Anything fork racks), 175mm Race Face Cinch cranks, Surly external b.b.s, Surly Moloko bars (horns taped-comfy plus grippier), Advent X 1 x 10 group-set (10-48t cluster), Race face 28t oval chainring, Selle Atómica X saddle, and cheapie motorcycle phone holder for bars (metal moto-style phone-holders far more durable than p.o.s. plastic bike types). Tires are Vittoria Martello 2.8(f)-double sidewall Enduro type and a Vittoria Agarro 2.6 trail type in the rear; rear has faster tread but, still grippy and the front is a s___t-hammer that is surprisingly good all-rounder (except for mud/clay) and even not too terrible on asphalt. I run RosWheel pannier (med) paniers plus top-box system in the back, Revalate full-frame bag, Surly Dry-sack on one side of the forks and an improvised small bag on the other side. It's taken a minute to evolve but, now i only need to upgrade my tent and get a couple of other items in the camping gear category and I'll have a more comfy set-up.

[@philiprayner1772]

what about using a beech crusier ?

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

The best bike for bikepacking is the one you have, I always say.

[@RalfWenda]

Great Video. Thanks. My favorite Bike is the ROSE Backroad Limited Edition. Its a Carbon Bike with GRX Di2. The Look is awesome. But you need 5K Bugs :( Greetings from Germany!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks, Ralf! That Rose Backroad is a great bike. I love companies like Rose that sell direct to consumer.

[@davidjulseth8667]

lekker amsterdam: Alfine 8, gates carbon belt drive train!

[@dodginglions5163]

The Surly Bridge Club would do the trick!…Surly Straggler too!…great video, thanks for sharing!😎

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Both great bikes for bikepacking!

[@FundedFuturesTrader]

Nice video... From my research for a bikepacking bike, I understand you want wheels that have more spokes to support the weight, however you didn't cover this. Can you confirm this is a feature I should look for? Thanks...

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Thanks! Man, I could make a video just on this alone. And I’ll likely do that later this summer. Like a lot of things related to bikepacking and bike touring, it really depends on what type of riding you’ll be doing. The most important factor for spoke count choice is weight. If you expect to travel with a lot of gear or if you are on the heavy side, more spokes will lead to greater wheel strength. Second most important factor is terrain, and more specifically what the wheels might impact. Rocks, hardwood roots, or urban curbs can cause wheel damage. The last one is the greatest offender. In these situations you’d want a wheel built with 32 or 36 spokes. Buuut, those spokes add more weight to a wheel. If you’re going fast and light, likely with a wheel built with a carbon rim, 28 spokes is more than enough. A wheel built with 28 spokes can be very strong. I’m 155lbs and I’ve used wheels built with all kinds of spoke counts fast and light and fully loaded. I’ve never had a spoke break on me. That’s more to do with the quality of the wheel built than anything else. Keep in mind too that wider tires often found on gravel and bikepacking bikes will add a degree of suspension, so this reduces the likelihood of wheel damage you might find on a road bike with skinny tires and less spokes. To simplify this: look for a quality wheel made by a skilled builder that matches your riding conditions and in your budget. I hope this helps! Thanks for watching!

[@FundedFuturesTrader]

@@GreatEgretAdventure Thank you for your reply... 👍🏻

[@deanebosco3137]

I bought a All City Gorilla Monsoon monster cross and I'm lovein' it.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

That bike has been on my wish list for awhile. Great bike!

[@racamnetino]

What are your to go tires for off road? Loaded question I know. You could probably do a full video about it

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Great question and this will be in a future video in this series. The Panaracer Gravelkings are my go to right now. They’re one of the more challenging tires to install, but so worth it when you’re running tubeless. Tire choice changes for me based on the bike and riding environment. I’ll use a more aggressive tire if my route is mostly off-road. More on this soon!

[@Biketouring]

Enjoyed the video! Keep it up :)

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I just subscribed to watch your crazy adventures on a big wheel bike. Keep it up! I’m enjoying it.

[@thuggooch1776]

Have you ever taken a look at the Priority 600X Adventure Bike? Pretty snazzy rig there.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

For sure! Duzer and Priority really nailed it on the 600X!

[@brentlillesand259]

@@GreatEgretAdventure It looks like you do a lot of riding in Wisconsin. I live in MSN and have a 600X. Let me know if you would like to take a look at it sometime.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

I would love to. Thanks! I live in MSN too!

[@brentlillesand259]

@@GreatEgretAdventure I’m traveling this week, but I’ll reach out to you when I get back to setup a time for us to meet. I’m looking forward to meeting you.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Sounds good, Brent! Looking forward to it!

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Thanks for sharing.

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@pellealdag5384]

Decided to go for the Sutra LTD. I can pick it up next week! Thanks again :) Will keep you posted!

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

That’s pretty sweet, Pelle!

[@TheTrakker]

I'm loving the setup on my KHS Tempe 29er. Hardtail, nice suspension fork, plenty of places to secure gear and stuff. Would I love to have a Kona, Surly, etc? Of course. But I feel like I'm doing alright with what I have. It's done a great job for me for a few years now. No worse for wear, and no end in sight.

[@jpcosta9434]

Great video! 👍 Currently trying to decide between the Salsa Fargo and Surly ECR 29+...

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Man, I was trying to find a Fargo AND an ECR to build. No joke. I gave up and bought a Bearclaw Thunderhawk. Hopefully when this pandemic craziness ends I’ll build an ECR and have some off-road adventures on it! Keep me Posted on what you get. I love to hear what others are building.

[@jefftoonstra5087]

@@GreatEgretAdventure I just bought a frame and Ti fork to build one up! Will you do a review of the Thunderhawk and how you have it set up?

[@GreatEgretAdventure]

Unfortunately I haven't been able to build it up because of the components I want aren't available yet.

[@jefftoonstra5087]

@@GreatEgretAdventure I am about 3 months wait in my frame order….sigh. What components are you planning on using?