Which retro mtb suited for bikepacking

[Titiritero]

Our plan was to use cheap but reliable bikes we could leave behind at the end, so Rohloff was out of the question.

Although I see the value of high quality touring bikes, I don't like the stress of parking them unattended or being mistreated by bus baggage handlers...

 

[KayOs]

Get a Rohloff, I'm turning all our bikes into 14 gears.
They are amazing, but you'd probably already might know that.

Nothing outRohls the off

 

[Mark Manley]

Our plan was to use cheap but reliable bikes we could leave behind at the end, so Rohloff was out of the question.

Although I see the value of high quality touring bikes, I don't like the stress of parking them unattended or being mistreated by bus baggage handlers...

I bought a rather shabby but usable Thorn Raven frame for £80 which I am building up with parts I have for a possible long distance tour next winter, I am debating between a potentially less reliable Alfine 11 speed and a Rohloff hub but either way I plan to leave the bike at the finish and bring the wheels or at least the hubs back. I did a similar thing last year with a bike built from the parts bin but that only had an SA 3 speed so after removing the panniers and Brooks saddle I donated the rest and caught the bus back.

 

[troje]

Bomb proof is 531 or even better 853. Or have a look at a True Temper frame. KHS Montana Pro would work and has all the rack mounts.

 

[troje]

Oh and I would go for one with a relatively short top tube. Manufacturers in the nineties went crazy with long top tubes for that racier look. Not ideal for bike touring. Short too tube, short stem, together with a steerer that is curved and gives you different options to plant your hands on. Bar ends could work.

 

[Tommy27]

Thinking of going over to 8 speed, how bigger range could the XT 739 SGS/ Long Cage run? What would of been the average and biggest standard cassettes when they came out?

 

[Tootyred]

I believe 11-32, but 34 will work with some b screw fiddling. Total capacity is 38t so watch your big and small fronts chainrings if your going mega range rear.

 

[Titiritero]

Thinking of going over to 8 speed, how bigger range could the XT 739 SGS/ Long Cage run? What would of been the average and biggest standard cassettes when they came out?

There's an 8 speed Shimano cassette (HG-50), sometimes sold as a "Claris cassette" that comes in 11-34 with very even steps between sprockets (other Shimano ones jump a lot between the last 2), and it's my current favourite. All long cage vintage derailleurs will clear it without fuss.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I use the above and they're great. Micro shift also do one which works well, I use both.

 

[Tommy27]

So in theory would a 44- 32- 22 and 11- 34 work?