I'm a new bike packer and have so far done several weekend trips. This pic is from my last trip this past summer in BC, Canada. I have fallen deeply in love with it and want to expand the terrain I get into. I am currently rocking a Norco Search XR Flatbar with 900 x 47c tires. This bike does the trick for most gravel roads/trails but it's hard on longer days and rougher terrain. I've taken it down some smooth single track just for fun (unloaded) and it was a blast, but any terrain that is too rough or bumpy hurts my body. I'm curious about adding a hardtail to my quiver (specifically a Salsa Timberjack), but am worried about efficiency while fully loaded. I have one friend who has been able to increase their average speed because their comfort level is much higher on a hard tail so they have more energy to actually pedal. But, I've also seen many posts that suggest to just go fully rigid with fatter tires.
How have y'all balanced efficiency with all day comfort? And what are you experiences going from a rigid bike to a hard tail on bike packing adventures?
by Appropriate-Poet-314
2 Comments
I have a custom Moné La Roca hard tail 29” that’s pretty sick that’s slacked out and tucked in the back. Super playful, rides great loaded, climbs well and feels stable on the descents. I’m under biked on the rowdy single with some terrain to catch air or tech rock, could be faster on the gravel but all around great rig to have in the quiver. Just purchased a sick Revolt X carbon 700cc gravel with 40 mm travel on the front and a dropper, drivetrain is a 1×12 eagle with a 42 up front.
https://preview.redd.it/8hxay3342xpg1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6ebbdd90619bc2bedb065c3a1475d909de33c173
Cane creek “thudbuster” suspension seat posts are great for hard tail bikes and really make small bumps barely noticeable. There are other options other than the Thudbuster but that’s my favourite. I also have a norco search. And it has a thudbuster in it.