It won’t set your world on fire, but if its cheap enough it will be fine and should survive well enough. Parts should be easy to obtain if something goes wrong as it all very common standards too. Looks appropriately spec’d and theres nothing that needs to be upgraded.
Looks like its got mounting points on the frame for racks and mudguards if you want them.
All of that being said, it is an older design and doesn’t have and would be difficult to fit a lot of the things modern bikes have such as disc brakes, progressive geometry, larger diameter wheels, big tyre clearance. You could fit 1x gearing, and some bikepacking handlebars though.
In summary, its a quality bike and theres no reason why it would stop you having a great time. Its a great intro to see if you like bikepacking, but if you really get into it, the bike may leave you wanting a little.
stevebein on
My biggest concern would be the brakes. My bikepacking setup is far heavier than my commuter bike, and there are many situations where I’m barreling downhill in wet conditions. Even with hydraulic disc brakes, I found I didn’t have enough stopping power, so I embiggened my brake rotors. I’m not sure caliper brakes are up to the task.
2 Comments
It won’t set your world on fire, but if its cheap enough it will be fine and should survive well enough. Parts should be easy to obtain if something goes wrong as it all very common standards too. Looks appropriately spec’d and theres nothing that needs to be upgraded.
Looks like its got mounting points on the frame for racks and mudguards if you want them.
All of that being said, it is an older design and doesn’t have and would be difficult to fit a lot of the things modern bikes have such as disc brakes, progressive geometry, larger diameter wheels, big tyre clearance. You could fit 1x gearing, and some bikepacking handlebars though.
In summary, its a quality bike and theres no reason why it would stop you having a great time. Its a great intro to see if you like bikepacking, but if you really get into it, the bike may leave you wanting a little.
My biggest concern would be the brakes. My bikepacking setup is far heavier than my commuter bike, and there are many situations where I’m barreling downhill in wet conditions. Even with hydraulic disc brakes, I found I didn’t have enough stopping power, so I embiggened my brake rotors. I’m not sure caliper brakes are up to the task.