In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
What is a bikepacking bike?
Bikepacking or adventure bikes are a variety of gravel bikes that differ from classic gravel bikes in that they are specially designed for travelling and long-distance racing on difficult terrain. However, they usually have a comfortable and upright riding position. In terms of equipment, the focus is also on suitability for travelling and everyday use; components such as wheels and handlebars are generally robust and easy to maintain.
What characterises the frames of bikepacking bikes?
Important aspects of the frames are ample tyre clearance and many attachment points for luggage, tools or mudguards. The frames are often robustly constructed and are therefore relatively heavy. In some cases, there are pannier racks specially designed for the frames.
How is the driving behaviour?
The bikes are trimmed for smooth directional stability and are relatively safe to ride even on difficult terrain. Wide handlebars improve control off-road.
Which tyres fit?
Bikepacking bikes are the bikes with the thickest tyres with racing bars. There are hardly any representatives below the 40 to 45 millimetres typical for gravel bikes; the tyre width is usually significantly wider. Some allow tyres in mountain bike format (around 55 millimetres), which are usually combined with a smaller wheel size of 27.5 inches.
What do I need to bear in mind when translating?
The gears are wide-ranging for the intended use and have particularly small mountain gears. In most cases, individual chainrings are mounted without derailleurs so as not to restrict tyre clearance. They are relatively small (40 teeth or less) and are often combined with wide-spaced, coarsely graded mountain bike cassettes.
What additional benefits do bikepacking bikes have?
Nomen est omen: The additional benefit lies primarily in the preparation for carrying luggage. There are additional attachment points on the frame for a water bottle or toolbox under the down tube; there are also threads on the fork bars for additional bottle cages or luggage.
What do bikepacking models cost?
As proven specialists, these bikes can only be found in a higher price league than simple gravel bikes. Favourable representatives start at around 4000 euros; high-quality bikes can cost up to 8000 euros.
What do bikepacking bikes weigh?
Due to the robust design and wide tyres, the weight tends to be at the upper end of the scale. Models under 8.5 kilos are expensive and rare; most models weigh around nine kilos or more.
What are typical representatives?
Jens Klötzer
Editor
