Hey everyone, I'm from the Philippines. I'm planning to buy a new (cheap) bike to get into bikepacking. Here is the bike that I'm planning to buy. I know a bit about what I want and what to look for when buying after a few weeks of research, but I know that I'm still far from being able to discern with full confidence on the nitty gritty specifics of it. So I'd like to ask for your opinion!
Here are the full specs of the bike from the shop:
-ALLOY FRAME 6061 (M)
-HYDRAULIC BRAKES (LOGAN)
-1×8 SPEED (11-32T)
-SENSAH MX8 SHIFTER
-SENSAH MX8 RD
-LOCK OUT FORK
-SEALED BEARING
-INTERNAL CABLING (SEMI)
-ALLOY CRANKSET
-ALLOY STEM
-ALLOY DOUBLE WALL RIMS
-SOFT SADDLE
-TIRE 29×2.10
As a beginner, I am not very particular about the very superior quality of the parts. But I would like to ask the following with these specs:
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Will I be able to go relatively fast on paved roads (if needed) with this tire size? Do you think this bike setup would be "heavy"?
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Since I'm hoping to bikepack in less paved roads, what terrains would I be limited to?
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Should I switch the handlebar for a dropbar if I'm planning to use it for longer rides or is the flatbar not that bad?
Thank you and I hope someone can help me with my questions! I'm really excited to start going around places with a bike.
by AkaiBourbon4869
2 Comments
With front suspension and those tires, you’d be able to handle a fair amount of off-road terrain. Will you be fast-rolling on paved roads? Not necessarily, but that’s the tradeoff you make for wider / knobbier tires and front sus.
The main concern that would put me off this bike is the gearing. 32t for your biggest rear cog is very limited, and with a loaded bike you’re going to struggle on hills. For reference, lots of folks with bikes similar to this have a 30 or 32t front chainring with a cassette that maxes out at a 46t or 52t cog in the granny gear. Unless you want to buy this and then swap to a new cassette, I would seriously consider looking for something with more gears.
I toured 10000km on a bike like that. Towed a bob trailer with a handlebar bag, and tried panniers on the back with the handlebar bag later on another trip. There are really no major limitations, just adapt to what you have. There are lots of things you can buy to add panniers to the front if you want. As to where you can go is up to you. The world is there to explore.