ideal 'do it all' bike; one that can be taken on several days of road touring, bikepacking, as well as moderate single track.--- with capability to throw on a suspension fork -----. Can anyone add to this list?
I can add to the list in the
Value Class for other parents like myself sending children off to major University's = $$$ currently. Tip=you young parents need to start saving Now LOL
Besides any 29er hardtail or rigid
Any Dual Sport / Crosstrail ....aka.....Gary Fisher.....brain child class bike makes good, at a value package price
with some modifications to mutate them into a Renegade's.....
* They start with touring type gears,set up and very similar geometry to a Salsa Fargo. They have room for 2.2" front (much more with a rigid MTB fork swap/if wanted) and 2" rear rubber. They also braze on's for racks. As a package bike they are a value. They are typically slightly lighter weight than same price class, 29er Hardtails by a few pounds.
* For those whom don't work in a bike shop, get discounted components to build (assemble) their own, where a ready to go, package bike is substantially less costly, these/this comes in about 1/2 the price of a Fargo or Orge r.t.g. bike. Which imo are frankly over priced for what they are. BTW- I got the Origin 8, Lever II, Black Op's, carbon fork ,brand new, off ebay for $199.00 recently
* Mine below - a Crosstrail based mutated Renegade is 25.5 #'s strip'ed with peddles and carbon fork .........not bad.
* Trip's 26,36,48 x 9s / 11-32 = same as a Fargo package
* Spech. Renegade Control 1.8" rubber front and rear
* My Spesh frame is
Anodized Alum (6061), hydro formed, which was important to me, my habitat for rust prevention and comes with a lifetime warranty.
* I modified/cut the riser x 8 degree sweep bars that came with the bike and flip'ed the stem, added bar ends. The ergo grips were fine/nice. Ditto the Targa saddle. A little sweep puts your wrist in a nice,natural position.
* Added Origin 8 Carbon Fork
* Added MTB quill peddles and toe clips because that is what I am used to and I also use this bike for utility purpose from boots to sneakers. Longer trips I use my bicycle specific, Specialized, MTB / Vibram sole shoes
* The rest is typical add on's - Planet Bike disc rack, trip computer, SKS Mud Guard, Modified by me rear rack mud guard , frame mounted switch head pump w) internal patch kit storage, Topeak large, ergo,expandable saddle bag with tools,tube,etc; modest size saddle bag panniers which haul heavy stuff when needed, various dry bags & straps - aka - old school early 90's MTB bike pack set up----still the way I roll, Under Armor water proof back pack for light weight dry stuff, modified to rear rack light, front bar - front light to light up the fire roads at night
A value priced, mutated.........Renegade,,,,from the Dual Sport/Crosstrail class .........for you Dad's and Mom's out their saving $$$ for your children's education, a Land Rover SUV, building your first home,etc.etc. or if your single, another bike LOL. In my 50's I see bikes as getting over priced for being banged out of China, mfg. shops and marketed by various. If I was going to spend a few grand the frame would darn sure come out of a Made In The USA fab shop.
* BTW - I think you should add a Fat Bike to your list
You can drink a cup of coffee while riding them on dirt tour trip
.......I like em
.....just lack some multi purpose ability for my all around taste.
* For "
ideal" rather than value. I would likely look at a Linskey , Titanium 29er with a carbon fork or titanium fork with a curved rake, rack ready..... personally. For hard core terrain... a hard tail.....same. If I am dishing out some real cash on a bicycle my frame is going to be
welded and
fab'ed in the U.S. of good ol A.
Enjoy the outdoors.......
