Help me build a bikepacking bike!

[dirttorpedo]

For touring I'd probably steer clear of a mountain bike conversion because of the typically short chain stays and the heel rub issues that ensue with rear pannier bags. I've converted an 80/90's 700C hybrid into a touring bike that could take 38mm tires (gravel kings worked nicely). A dirt drop stem, some drop bars and bar end shifters worked well with the existing drive train and brakes. the nice thing about a Surly long haul trucker is that it can take really fat tires if you want to do more challenging dirt roads and trails. The Kona Sutra and Soma Saga are other good bikes with lots of tire clearance.

Soma also has a budget brand called New Albion that makes a nice rim brake steel all rounder called the privateer. It could be the basis of a good budget touring bike built up with vintage mountain bike and road parts. I wonder if you would be able to find a used European trekking bike for a good price (like a used Koga Miyata World Traveller).

 

[thom04]

London to Croatia will be amazing - hope to see some photos! A thread documenting the bike & journey would be great

If I was lucky enough to be planning a trip like this I'd avoid a 26" mtb and try to bag a proper tourer.

There's usually a few nice 90s Dawes knocking about online well under budget (+ they tend to already have racks on them) I'd spend the left over cash on fixing it up & getting a solid wheelset and saddle

 

[Tootyred]

I ride a 26" tourer made from a 91 team marin...im 6'4" and size 12 feet....i dont kick the panniers. Its got more to do with how you set up the rack. If your really worried problem solvers make little extenders for the eyelets or you can just bung in a bit of steel plate.

However, late to mid 80s bikes normally do have much longer chainstays if you are worried. If you can find an old saracen conquest, the stays are soooo long i had to put extra links into the new chain!

 

[bikeworkshop]

I ride a 26" tourer made from a 91 team marin...im 6'4" and size 12 feet....i dont kick the panniers. Its got more to do with how you set up the rack. If your really worried problem solvers make little extenders for the eyelets or you can just bung in a bit of steel plate.

However, late to mid 80s bikes normally do have much longer chainstays if you are worried. If you can find an old saracen conquest, the stays are soooo long i had to put extra links into the new chain!
View attachment 920490

Also many better quality racks will take panniers a couple of inches further back, and quality pannier bags have more structure and a better shape.
I've never been unable to set up a mtb as a tourer where rack eyes are fitted, even for customers with huge feet.
As for all those barnacles, you just don't need them unless you want to look like a hipster with 2 litre bottles on your fork legs and a baguette between your thighs

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Also many better quality racks will take panniers a couple of inches further back, and quality pannier bags have more structure and a better shape.
I've never been unable to set up a mtb as a tourer where rack eyes are fitted, even for customers with huge feet.
As for all those barnacles, you just don't need them unless you want to look like a hipster with 2 litre bottles on your fork legs and a baguette between your thighs

I find low riders useful Tom, or are you referring to the modern bike packing fork?

 

[bikeworkshop]

"Barnacles" are multiple fittings, as found on the very heavy and lumpen surly offerings .
(We sell quite a few surly Forks as there's little else available)


All you need to mount a lowrider are mudguard eyes, although rack eyes and low rider "braze-ons" make it a lot easier.

 

[originsoundd]

I ride a 26" tourer made from a 91 team marin...im 6'4" and size 12 feet....i dont kick the panniers. Its got more to do with how you set up the rack. If your really worried problem solvers make little extenders for the eyelets or you can just bung in a bit of steel plate.

However, late to mid 80s bikes normally do have much longer chainstays if you are worried. If you can find an old saracen conquest, the stays are soooo long i had to put extra links into the new chain!
View attachment 920490

Sick bike! And good insight thanks. On my Hahanna (18" frame, 16.75"/425mm chainstays) currently my feet sometimes hit the bag if it moves forward a little bit when I hit a particularly big bump. Not annoying on a 40min commute but I can imagine it would get annoying on a 40 day trip

 

[bikeworkshop]

Sick bike! And good insight thanks. On my Hahanna (18" frame, 16.75"/425mm chainstays) currently my feet sometimes hit the bag if it moves forward a little bit when I hit a particularly big bump. Not annoying on a 40min commute but I can imagine it would get annoying on a 40 day trip

Ideally yourpanniers would be a little further back, but if they can't be adjusted, it's got a cost involved.

Your pannier shouldn't move forward when secured though - basic bags don't have adjustable clips, but can be held back by putting something round the pannier rail.