Help me build a bikepacking bike!

[originsoundd]

4 pages in, I think you need to be clear on your requirements or us retro folk will spam you with loads of bonkers options …..

Size/fit is the most important. Sounds like a 16” or 18” might work; but best to go by the horizontal top tube length (you will not want to be too stretched out). What is the top tube measurement on your current bike as a start?

Steel (not because it’s cool or real, but because any workshop can fix it); not suspension because it’s unnecessarily complicated - the good advice above has already brought you to that conclusion I think.

Once you’re clear on size, then it’s down to details: lots of braze on eyelets for mudguards and racks; forks that are not too fat (makes fitting racks and stuff a PITA); make sure your wheels are good: loads of hardly used ones on here for sale rather than worn out ones that came with the bike.

Everything else is straightforward common sense: lots of bar and stem options to get comfy; whatever saddle you like (go for comfort over looks/cool); tyres that won’t puncture rather than tan wall retro classics.

You should be able to put the bike together for much less than your stated budget, leaving cash for other camping kit, boring stuff like locks and lights, and fun.

To be honest, I don't really know what my requirements are. I'd like stuff like braze on eyelets but from everything I've seen touring/bikepacking-specific features like that seem to only be available for a lot more money. For example the Surly Troll fork is £160. But hey, I don't know my stuff as well as anyone in this thread so maybe I'm wrong. I don't really want something with cantilever brakes as I find it really frustrating servicing and adjusting them (probably down to my skill level) but in any case I can just do a v-brake swap. I've found a lot of M739/XTR sets going for £40~ so seems to be within my budget. I have no clue about saddles. I bought a Charge Spoon to swap the Selle Italia that came with my bike. No idea if its generally regarded as comfortable or not but it was more comfortable than the previous saddle so theres that.

I'd like to fit wide tires, I current have 2.3" BMX tires on my Hahanna and they feel really nice. Much more comfortable than the 1.5" Marathons that were on it when I got it. A dynamo hub would be nice but that also seems to be an expensive option. I have seen people get ones off of old bikes and swap the electronics inside them to make them work better, but that along with any sort of wheel building stuff seems expensive (and a bit confusing). I've never built my own wheels, and every time I've tried to true wheels (without a stand of course) I've just ended up rounding the spokes and not really making any improvements. Upgrading to a modern groupset (e.g Shimano CUES) seems like an interesting idea. Again, wheel building sort of holds me back from this. I don't really understand wheels in terms of their sizing and specs (dish, hub sizing, spoke count, bearings, etc). So (with my current knowledge) I'd have to pay a bike shop to build me some wheels, because I don't want to **** up any expensive or uncommon parts (If I went this route of course). As you said there are lots of hardly used ones around for great prices!

Getting pedantic/pretentious, I don't like bright, over the top colors. Most of the GT liveries (see their '91 catalog) I'm not a fan of. I'm a big fan of the current, more understated color scheme on my Hahanna and most Konas. I really like the paintjobs on old Ritcheys and Orange bikes too.

It's admittedly quite confusing to buy this old 90s era stuff! Doesn't stop me from trying of course. I found my Kona by searching "Bike" on Marketplace and limiting the price to £50! I found my top tube size here, it says, 22.5? Presume thats inches.

P.S All these "bonkers options" are fascinating!

 

[originsoundd]

I'd be looking at something like this as an option.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1175035086859179/
View attachment 919313

Looks great. Shame I'm based in London!

 

[Twozaskars]

By the time it's got panniers, bottle cages, pump, tent and whatever else attached will the colour be that visible? Or just aerosol it so it looks cr@p and at least deter thieves. I always look at those adjustable stems and think they look rubbish but now I suppose the option to adjust bar height at any time within a minute can only be a good idea on a tour like this.

 

[TreaderSteve]

Second-hand Dawes Galaxy with knobbly tyres? Such a bike could take you round the world on road, trail and loose stuff (I ain't saying 'gravel'!). How much of this bikepacking malarkey will need genuine mountain-bike capabilities? I can't imagine a lot of pedalling will be done on really rough/ steep stuff fully laden with tents, clothes, food and kitchen sinks. Rather, you'll be pushing.
Are you seeking the wrong bike? Yeah a 90's MTB will be cool and whatnot but you might not find front forks with all the braze-ons you need if as mentioned earlier you're looking to use front low-rider pannier racks. They're generally a bit stretched-out. Do-able of course, but I'd say you must start with the right frame. For the mileage I'd be more content on a tourer with knobblies.

 

[originsoundd]

By the time it's got panniers, bottle cages, pump, tent and whatever else attached will the colour be that visible? Or just aerosol it so it looks cr@p and at least deter thieves. I always look at those adjustable stems and think they look rubbish but now I suppose the option to adjust bar height at any time within a minute can only be a good idea on a tour like this.

I agree with you, but it's just a personal preference of mine. I don't want it to come across like I won't ride a bike of a certain color/paintjob, I just like a balance between function and form.

 

[Twozaskars]

I agree with you, but it's just a personal preference of mine. I don't want it to come across like I won't ride a bike of a certain color/paintjob, I just like a balance between function and form.

Maybe get down to your nearest huge train station and have a look at all the bikes locked up there, something might catch your eye. Then search for one that's for sale.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I paid £75 for this. Full 531st, two bottle mounts, top tube pump peg, rear rack mounts, low rider mounts. Came with 35 mm tyres (I fitted 28mm)700c so very smooth and comfortable. I changed it back to drop bars as is my personal preference. This will take you wherever you need to go.