Question for the hive mind… how much does weight impact your bike build? I ask because I built up what I thought was the ultimate bikepacking/off road touring bike. It’s a Krampus with front and rear Surly racks, rigid fork, dynamo front and Rohloff rear hub. It’s a great bike… in addition to bikepacking it’s a great dad bike and fun for just cruising around. I dig the 29+ tires, and it’s geared low so I can sit and climb most any hill. However, as currently built it weighs 42 lb with bags. It’s pushing 70lb when loaded up. It’s totally manageable when riding but hike a bike is painful, and lifting over any obstacles is difficult. I’m considering if it’s worth building something lighter while keeping the intent of the bike the same.
I recently acquired a first generation Salsa Timberjack, and figure I can build a similar bike at least 5-7lb lighter (35lb goal weight with aluminum frame and rear rack, lightweight suspension fork with handlebar bag, 29×2.6 or 27.5+ tires). All loaded up, is that going to be a noticeable weight difference? Or should I just embrace the heft of the Krampus and keep riding?
by Substantial-One6750
3 Comments
The rolloff, dynamo, and surly racks are probably the biggest things. Surly racks are heavy – I toured w the front rack and it was fine but def heavy.
When I bikepack now, I have a hybrid set up so I can move all the weight to my backpack during hike a bike.
But in general, the weight will suck a bit on climbs. It wouldn’t make a huge difference (7lbs really is don’t compared to total weight inluding you) aero and wheels change things too
I still think the Krampus is one of the best bikes on the market for bikepacking. The 3 inch tires really are fun and you can tackle any route with them. You could easily just through mezcals on the same rims for the 2.6 experience.
Weight does matter but the durability of the frame is really good here. I’d think the real reason to get a timberjack for me would be to have something for around town to bounce around some single track when home.
If I were you I don’t think I’d trade this in for weight alone. I’d try to buy light equipment to load it up with when your current stuff fails. Or be careful what you get now if you’re putting a kit together.
Idk what to say about pushing up hills. I haven’t really had a hard time doing that. You’ll get used to it after a while. It’s going to be tough always though. You could hit the gym some if you’re open to that.
Additionally I think we all have a wondering eye and always think something else will be better or something. It’s up to to decide what’s right for you though. It’s important to understand that that there’s no way around it—- some parts of bikepacking are just going to suck. Embrace the suck.
This is funny, I started with a TJ. I had it for a year, it was a great bike but I sought after the steel of surly and similar so I sold it. Bought a krampus frame this fall and just finished the build. I couldn’t be happier! I disliked the bleeding of brakes and fork maintenance, so my krampus is rigid and cable disc with oversized 203mm rotors with a set of klampers.