Hey everyone,
I'm planning a bikepacking trip to Norway and want some input on my setup. I'm looking to maybe purchase this bike (aluminium CX frame) and I'm trying to figure out if this is a realistic choice for the trip.
The plan:
- Primarily riding paved roads and some gravel paths
- Some forest trails and off-road sections
- Camping along the way, so I'll be carrying gear
- No rack mounts on the frame, so I'll be going full bikepacking setup (frame bag, saddlebag, handlebar bag)
My background: I've done a 1000km tour from the Netherlands to Switzerland on a Trek Domane AL Gen 2, staying in hostels and hotels the whole way, so I know I can handle long days in the saddle. This trip would be different since I'll be camping, meaning more weight.
- Is the Crux E5 geometry too aggressive for multi-day loaded riding? It's a CX race frame, not really designed for comfort over long distances
- Anyone done Norway on a similar setup? How were the roads and trails?
- What bikepacking bags would you recommend given no rack mounts?
- Any Norway-specific tips, routes, camping rules (Allemannsretten), terrain?
- What tire size/ type should I get?
I know a dedicated gravel or touring bike would be "ideal" but do think this bike could have its own advantages, faster on road and also quite useful at home. Plus it seems like really good parts. Curious to hear from anyone who's pushed a CX or race-oriented frame further than intended.
Thanks
edit: these are some of the specs. The bike is running Shimano's GRX Di2 groupset with electronic shifting and a 1x GRX crank setup. Wheels are the Carbon Speed EVO 3.5 TR. The cockpit is fully carbon, handlebar, seatpost and stem are all from PRO's Discovery line. Saddle is an S-Works Phenom. Tires are the Challenge Gravel Grinder Pro in the handmade tan wall version.
by InfiniteEnergyy
8 Comments
As long as you can fit some bags, it looks fine. I’d probably want to use a smaller chainring, though, since some inconsiderate deity or another put some proper bastard hills in that country.
I did loads of bikepacking and touring on a boardman cx team. Loved it. As long as it has the mounting points for your chosen luggage go for it.
I’m also curious to hear what you guys think this specific bike with the modifications is worth? Its the 2016 aluminium version.
I’m Norway-based, what route are you planning? I would just advise to be aware of the limits to allemannsretten, e.g. the differences between utmark (where camping is allowed) and innmark (where it isn’t). Also be aware that fires are banned in the summer except for where it’s safe on a beach far from trees or on snow, for example). During dry periods there may even be a stronger fire ban that includes gas cooking equipment, so be aware of what warnings are in place.
Short answer: don’t buy this bike.
Long answer: A lot of the gizmo’s this bike has (carbon bar-stem combo, carbon wheels) are nice and fancy but not useful for bikepacking, and it lacks mounting points and proper gearing.
It IS possible to cram full camping gear into a bikepacking bag setup, but it requires a lot of investments in extremely lightweigt tent, sleeping bag, matress etc.
But a rack + pannier setup makes it a LOT easier.
So if you are going to spend €1100: get the proper bike to start with: (at least proper gearing and some mounting points) like Cube Nuroad, maybe Canyon Endurace Allroad, Canyon Grizl, Marin Nicasio, Kona Rove etc.
looks fine!
You’ll need to use a frame/ saddle/ handlebar bag combo, I don’t think those forks are rated for carrying weight on them.
Get a bike made for what you intend to do with it. Don’t get a bike and try to make it work because it’s got a cool paint job. You need frame mounts including fork.
Sorry but if I were you I would buy a dedicated adventure gravel bike (steel frame, carbon or steel fork) with mounts everywhere and an adapted cassette/chainring.
Not sure about what you have here but it does not feel enough especially if you have never bikepacked. I think you need a rack + panniers too if you’re not equipped ultralight and need warm/rain clothes.
This bike does not seem suited for any of that. With the gravel bike you can still fit smaller tires for a road setup.
You mentioning not being aero with panniers made me chuckle. If that’s your first bikepacking trip aero is the least you should worry about. Worry about endurance, about packing/unpacking everything everyday, about enjoying your path rather than the destination etc.
Hope you will make the best choice for yourself and have a wonderful trip !