Hello,
I have two bikes and I want to take a bike packing trips. The two bikes to choose from are a 2015 diamondback sorento, or a 2008(i believe) Specialized XC. Both bikes shown.
Of the diamondback which has a hardtail but cheaper parts, which components would be the most likely to need replacing on a eastcoast tour down the greenway. Which factory components could I swap from the Specialized to the Diamondback?
Thanks in advance.
by Clyde_Stride
3 Comments
I wouldn’t take the specialized because the geometry isn’t great for bike packing. You have limited triangle space plus suspension sag which will limit bags and water. Plus I don’t think pedaling on flat will be very fun at all on that bike. The diamondback may be cheaper but the triangle has more space. I’d just be worried about the gearing (looks quite small). Does it have rack mounts on the back? That would also be helpful.
Id be on the specialized personally.
I take my older Transition Patrol bikepacking and it does fine. It takes a little creativity but if it’s a singletrack heavy trip its awesome fun.
If its long enough to need more food room I use king cage clamps on top of some cut tube rubber to put cages on the fork. Full frame bag with some tape on any rub spots from the suspension. Wolf tooth valais for the dropper in my case. You have opportunities for a better butt bag than I do.
The hardtail, last thing you want hauling a load of extra gear is rear suspension and weird geometry that just suck power over longer distances, plus much easier to fit racks etc on a hardtail and its lighter.