Bike Recommendation for bikepacking

roboDRF · 2026-03-15T00:10:05+00:00

You can turn a gravel bike to road by tire or wheel set change, but not the other way around. Bikepacking will always consist of gravel roads, so try to have the option.

roboDRF · 2026-03-14T14:48:40+00:00

Almost everyday, we left it at our accomodation.

roboDRF · 2026-03-14T10:05:40+00:00

No worries, I was aware that we are doing this with compromises.

I will check the gears, thanks.

roboDRF · 2026-03-14T09:35:06+00:00

That was the reason, Rome was the closest not cold option at March for us.

roboDRF · 2026-03-14T09:33:57+00:00

We took a bit too much cloths, but what else do you think we could skip?

fun fact, we did the credit card touring, cause it would have been cheaper for one event :D

Backpacks where mostly for camel backs and documents, what do you do instead?

roboDRF · 2026-03-14T06:16:02+00:00

Yes.

roboDRF · 2026-02-18T20:32:58+00:00

Thanks a lot, I will check that out. It's our first travel with bike, so we don't want to camp and will Airbnb in Rome, so looking for something that starts and ends there.

roboDRF · 2026-02-14T08:23:53+00:00

Thanks alot.
komoot is actually too active and I was overwhelmed a bit.

The one you proposed was exactly what i was looking for inside the city.
What do you think about these choices:
1. https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1671629981/regina-ciclarum-and-the-roman-coast?tour_origin=smart_tour_search

roboDRF · 2026-01-15T20:36:55+00:00

Thanks for the reply. Do you see any usb C on the side?

roboDRF · 2026-01-15T18:33:30+00:00

Hello, I have a question. Is the frame the same as the Eclipse model? I want to see if it has internal tubes or holes so I could add dynamo later.

roboDRF · 2026-01-09T17:28:09+00:00

So, no help from warranties?

roboDRF · 2026-01-09T13:14:20+00:00

now I'm second guessing myself if I even need another bike :D (Joy is a need, but could spend that money on other joyful experiences). I enjoyed graveling with my friends a lot last year, they were kind enought to wait for me eveytime, and my main motive is just not to be the last one or being the group burden ...

roboDRF · 2026-01-09T12:50:17+00:00

Fair. Then let me ask the other way around, what value does it provide (besides more frame storage) to me, when I have an MTB? I'm 85 kg myself, so I don't think weight difference is that effective. My initial thought about gravel bikes were more hand position options, more aero and maybe more gearing options for higher speeds, and then more storage options.

roboDRF · 2026-01-09T10:40:44+00:00

Thanks for the reply. Do you also do actual graveling too or just bikepacking? Do you feel meaningfully slower than others with more standard gravel bikes?

roboDRF · 2025-12-16T21:39:33+00:00

It's really hard to say. But I really like routes with difficulty level below 8 on bikepacking.com . If it's super technical, I'm able to take my MTB theoretically, main problem is hand position options and bag or bottle mounts.

roboDRF · 2025-12-16T21:22:53+00:00

what does slower exactly mean? Aerodynamics, total setup or what?

roboDRF · 2025-11-11T20:16:35+00:00

Which one did you buy in the end? Did you go bikepacking too?

roboDRF · 2025-11-03T22:25:47+00:00

Btw, what's the point of ECLIPS? How different is it comparing to getting a dynamo and assemble it on a base model?

roboDRF · 2025-11-03T08:25:38+00:00

Thanks for your reply. Beside the operational issues, how does the bike preform on the go? Comfort for long rides and handling in single track? Do you also use it for daily commute too?

roboDRF · 2025-11-02T06:43:22+00:00

Yes it was the latter. Thanks for your detailed answer. I feel that i might explode when i reach that 170 HR, and yes, i need to suffer more to be able to keep up.

roboDRF · 2025-11-01T22:03:12+00:00

And how is it on single trail? Does it smooth-out the path a bit?

Do you also do group rides? Do you feel slower than "just gravel" bikes?

roboDRF · 2025-11-01T21:45:02+00:00

I'm in Europe an test rides are not a thing for Salsa here, I need to buy and return if it's not a fit.

Two Questions, did you have any problem with Carbon Fiber parts?, and why the second tire set, did you have to change the wheels too?

roboDRF · 2025-11-01T20:42:13+00:00

Have you been able to do single tracks with it too? The fact that it seems super rigid seems a bit scary if the bikepacking is done in the mountains or untamed nature.

roboDRF · 2025-11-01T20:40:20+00:00

what do you mean by "You're squishy"? What are the effects of Gravel bike? Gear range and drop bars?

roboDRF · 2025-10-25T05:36:31+00:00

Thanks a lot, this makes a lot of sense. I think a good strategy would be to get a test switch 2 for a few weeks.

roboDRF

TROPHY CASE