Hello everyone. I’m currently on the lookout for an off-road-focused bikepacking bike and have my scopes set on two frames, the “tout terrain outback xplore II” and the “KOCMO Pinio 29”. Any feedback or opinions on which path to choose would be greatly appreciated.
https://www.kocmo.de/produkt/pinio-29/
There are many very positive reviews for the outback that state it’s an excellent touring bike. The kocmo however has barely any reviews out. Apart from the obvious differences between a steel- and titanium frame: here is what I gathered:
KOCMO:
– lighter frame, more aggressive riding position (which sounds good to me as I’m mostly a gravelbike rider)
-classic sliding dropouts for tensioning the belt (nothing wrong with that, but one more part that can go bust)
– no braiseons for racks or additional cargo (which is also fine as modern bikepacking gear tends to circumvent that problem quite neatly)
-officially only to be set up as a 29er
-comes stock with a C1.12 gearbox (which means no additional costs for upgrades as the P/C1.12 seems to be the sweetspot as far as I know)
Tout Terrain
-heavier frame and more relaxed geometry
-ingenious tilting gearbox to tension the belt (although maybe more fragile?)
-plenty of braiseons as it’s purpose built for bikepacking
-can be set up as a 29er or 27,5+ (also great, as an additional 27,5+ wheelset would be great for winter riding)
-comes stock with a C1.9 gearbox (additional cost of 150€ means it’s still cheaper than the KOCMO)
-custom color options
I’m only considering the titanium version because I really enjoy winter-rides a lot and for some reason my government decided on dumping TONS of salt on the road each winter. This has already cost me multiple BB’s and wheel-hubs. Although titanium bikes are often sold as “forever bikes” I know that such a thing does not exist. But getting rid of a bike because there is no upgrade path left is not the same as being stranded mid-ride because something broke/rusted to bits.
I plan on building up the bike myself over the course of the next year (have already done so twice, however not with a pinion) and already have a handful of parts that would get it on the road. This project is not going to be easy on me financially but I did the math and think I’ll manage. Any opinions or insight on either of these bikes (or more alternatives that are available in the EU) are appreciated.
Thanks everyone.
by NorbertTC