I really want to get a bike to do some pretty long distance bikepacking at some point (think biking to another country), and these two are like, my final options. vis-à-vis my budget these are the finalists, but both seem nice!
I want to be able to take my bikepacking to some decently steep areas, biking preferably as far away from cars as possible so some offroad capability is definitely going to be appreciated, and I’ll undoubtedly be packing camping gear (I usually sleep under a tarp so it’ll be light, but still). I weigh 65-70kg depending on if I’ve been depressed recently haha
So both look like good options, main points about either are:
The [Kathmandu Pro](https://99spokes.com/en/bikes/cube/2023/kathmandu-pro) has a suspended fork, integrated carrier rack, mudguard, light, kickstand, lotta gears, but is like \~16kg, and is rated for 115kg
The [Toughroad SL1](https://99spokes.com/en/bikes/giant/2022/toughroad-slr-1) has in my eyes similar gear range albeit fewer of them, has a rigid fork that allows bags to be attached to it, is more expensive, has no mudguard or light, and I believe is sold with the front and rear racks, and is rated for 160kg, for a bike weighing about 12.5 kg
Thank you!
by Trekpriest