Which retro mtb suited for bikepacking

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

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

I use them with a 50/34 or 48/32.

 

[Tommy27]

I'm thinking of (though still need to buy) running a Race Face Turbine, with a 44- 34- 22 and an XT 739 long cage Rear Mech, would that still work with a 11-34?

Also I've noticed that some of the Suntour XC Pro Cranksets ran as low as 42- 32- 20 or was this just a Micro Drive setup and to compensate for the relatively small range of the cassettes?

 

[KayOs]

I'm thinking of (though still need to buy) running a Race Face Turbine, with a 44- 34- 22 and an XT 739 long cage Rear Mech, would that still work with a 11-34?

Also I've noticed that some of the Suntour XC Pro Cranksets ran as low as 42- 32- 20 or was this just a Micro Drive setup and to compensate for the relatively small range of the cassettes?

I don't know the Suntour part but the XT/Race Face setup should work.

 

[doctor-bond]

I'm thinking of (though still need to buy) running a Race Face Turbine, with a 44- 34- 22 and an XT 739 long cage Rear Mech, would that still work with a 11-34?

Also I've noticed that some of the Suntour XC Pro Cranksets ran as low as 42- 32- 20 or was this just a Micro Drive setup and to compensate for the relatively small range of the cassettes?

I’d suggest calibrating gear ratios you know with what you are planning, to get a feel for how low you need to go e.g. I’ve just carted 20kg of shopping up a 300m climb and I’ve got 24/30 (20 gear inches) and didn’t need the 30t (I’m middle aged with a paunch).

When you know how much you’ll need, you can decide the best way to set it up.

With 22/34 you’d be down to 17 gear inches - could you even pedal fast enough to stay upright?

Shimano are conservative with their rear derailleur specs and rate most of them at 32t, with Nexave and Modern Altus 34t (
XTR rapid rise are Nexave in wolfs clothing so I’d bet my pants they could do 34t’)

Shimano specs

Also:
Most triple front mechs seem to cope with 22t difference, giving loads of options.
Most of the time you’ll be going along the flat/down so dont neglect the high end.
Suntour XC Pro (Micro Drive) do come in at 20 32 42 so you won’t need as much at the back to get your desired gear inches.
The modern cheap but excellent Altus has 34t and 43t wrap capacity (front tooth difference plus rear tooth difference).
M739 has a 39t wrap and a max 32t (although I bet you could get it to 34 - haven’t done so myself)

 

[Karol]

This is my type
From what I read, it's a typical expedition bike
But I guess there aren't many of them

 

[enigma]

I use these two for bike packing and I am pretty happy with them.
Univega Alpina S7.7, feels quite soft, which brings a lot of comfort.... View attachment 751844
Dyna Tech Torus XT(R), just awesome...
View attachment 751845

Off topic .. but am I looking at early steel amp forks, running v brakes? In the top pic on the univega...
I have a Kona with amp forks I'm building and the curve cantis are a nightmare.
I figured v brakes and flex of those light forks might be a recipe for disaster.. I've some nice og lx arms and some platinum finish avid levers that would suit the bike if my concerns are unfounded..
Both absolute peach bikes by the way!

 

[KayOs]

Off topic .. but am I looking at early steel amp forks, running v brakes? In the top pic on the univega...
I have a Kona with amp forks I'm building and the curve cantis are a nightmare.
I figured v brakes and flex of those light forks might be a recipe for disaster.. I've some nice og lx arms and some platinum finish avid levers that would suit the bike if my concerns are unfounded..
Both absolute peach bikes by the way!

Yes indeed. When I bought the bike, Logan V-brakes were already fitted but they were a horror. I then swapped them for a set of XTs and am more than satisfied. The fork has no problems at all and I've already ridden down quite a few trails with it, even with luggage.

So off with the Curves and on with the LX

Oh and thanks for the compliment!