Rigid Steel Mountain Bikes (The Best Off-road Touring Bikes)

By Cass

PUBLISHED Oct 12, 2023

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Updated October, 2023 (originally published January, 2019)

In our opinion, fully rigid steel mountain bikes—especially those with plus-sized tires—have inherited the crown of the first ATBs (All Terrain Bikes), offering sure-footed traction and an adventurous spirit. They’re the updated essence of the original 1980s mountain bikes, and like their forebears, are robust enough to be around 20 years from now. Rigid bikes aren’t the fastest or lightest in the world, but they’re amongst the most fun and capable for the money.

Plus Tire Heyday

If you’re new to bikepacking and wondering what we’re talking about when we reference plus-size bikes, it’s those that have ample clearance for tires between 2.8 and 3.25″ on suitable rims, whether they’re 26″, 27.5″, or 29″ in diameter. The heyday of plus bikes and tires has come and gone, but we think they remain ideal for a broad range of bikepacking pursuits.

Surly introduced this supersized tire width in 2012 with the 29+ Krampus. Since then, it’s been championed by a number of manufacturers in a variety of rim sizes. As for our penchant for ferrous frame materials, whilst we’re fully aware that many riders are perfectly happy touring on aluminum bikes, we appreciate chromoly (or steel, in common parlance) because it’s capable of surviving the odd ding and knock, whether you’re riding it, boxing it for a flight, or transporting it on the roof of a bus. It’s also less prone to fatigue and easy to repair, making it a perfect material for backcountry exploits.

Lastly, plus-size tires lend themselves very well to tubeless setups. The large volume allows you to run lower tire pressures than you might otherwise, adding even more grip and comfort to mixed-terrain touring and trail riding. Setting them up without inner tubes eliminates the risk of a pinch flat, but watch out for rim strikes.

Here are several criteria that are important to note when looking into these bikes:

Confused about all our talk of plus sizes and wheel diameters? Be sure to scroll down below the lineup of fully rigid steel mountain bikes for our breakdown of which wheel size will work best for your needs.

List of Rigid Steel Mountain Bikes

There are a few things to note about our list of rigid steel plus bikes. The factors that we found particularly important to consider are listed in the highlights (in red). These include the maximum tire size (and to the best of our knowledge, its wide trail equivalent), and the dropout width specs. In addition, note the bottom bracket spec. Bottom bracket drop is relevant to pedal clearance, but don’t forget to account for wheels and tires of different diameters when you compare them. Also, we reference whether it’s threaded or PressFit (PF)—an important factor for many. Click each list item to expand the details and see a larger photo. Lists are displayed in alphabetical order, with bikes we’ve tested grouped at top (represented with a hexagonal “T” icon):

• $1999
  

  Bombtrack Beyond+

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel & Carbon
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
  • Bottom bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110 / 12 x 148mm
  • BB drop: 65mm

  See Our Full Review

  The Beyond+ is now only offered in a single version, but our review and what we’ve shared below remains accurate.

  We tested the Beyond+ 2 and were impressed. It’s a light, sharp-handling, fully rigid hardtail with all the bikepacking touches you’d expect from a company that’s passionate about adventure. Take away the carbon fork and GX drivetrain and you get the Beyond +1, which sports the same frame and geo, albeit with a different finish, a rigid steel fork, and a cheaper price tag. Like all good bikepacking rigs, it features provisions for fork bags and rear racks. And, should you want to run front suspension, a 120mm fork with 25% sag keeps the geometry the same. Or, slot in a 130mm fork with 30%, slackening it out a touch for big trail descents. Both the carbon fork and the steel for have eyelets for water bottles and cargo cages.

  You can also see more images of the Beyond +1 in Franzi Wernsing’s Rider and Rig.

  Highlights

  • Agile manners; fast and fun handling on singletrack
  • Versatile frame that’s ready for reinvention when the mood takes you
  • Excellent gear range for mountainous bikepacking
  • Clean, good looks
  • Relatively light for a steel hardtail
  • Modern standards in a classic steel frame makes a great combo

  Drawbacks

  • Pricey for a non-suspended hardtail
  • Relatively low BB requires some care with flat pedals and rocky conditions
  • SRAM brakes are bulky and get in the way of bags
  • Getting hold of Bombtracks can be tricky, as it’s a small company
  • No extra small sizes for folks of a smaller stature

  • Price: $1999 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• £725
  

  Brother Big Bro

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/steel
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 3” / 29 x 2.6"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 12 x 148 / 15 x 110mm
  • BB Drop: 60mm

  See Our Full Review

  We’re big fans of the Brother Cycles Big Bro. It’s simple, classic, and sensibly specced. It is based around a 4130 Chromoly Steel frame, a matching rigid fork, 73mm threaded bottom bracket, and has full-length external cables. It was updated in 2022 with boost hub spacing, clearance for big 27.5 x 3″ or 29 x 2.6″ tires, lots of mounting points, and comes in four sizes as both a complete build or as a frame only.

  • Price: £725 (frame Only)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $1175
  

  Crust Scapegoat

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire size: 26 x 3.8 or 29 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 12 x 148 / 15 x 110mm
  • BB drop: 58mm

  See Our Full Review

  The Scapegoat is Crust’s expedition bike. It features a low Q-Factor, go-anywhere design that fits about any tire. A tight rear end and longish top tube mean its meant for trails, yet is has a lot of traits that are suitable for multi-year expeditions. Unlike many fat bikes out there (although its not just a fat bike), the Scapegoat sports a 73mm Bottom Bracket shell, which allows a comfortable 170mm Q-Factor.

  The rocker dropouts mean you can run 26 × 3.8” tires, 650b/27.5 x 3.8″ tires, or full 29+ rubber. The frame is 4130 double butted Chromoly. What makes it most interesting is its non-suspension corrected fork. It features 15 x 110mm front dropouts, 12 x 148mm rear dropouts, and is loaded with mounts. Check out our long-term review here.

  Highlights

  • Purpose-built for heavy loads, lots of weight up front, and expedition-style bikepacking.
  • Clearance for 29+ tires across all sizes.
  • Many specs we appreciate, including sliding dropouts, thru-axles, boost hub spacing, external cables, and dropper post routing.
  • Relaxed, upright position is perfect for multi-day riding.
  • RRobots graphics and design input fit the Scapegoat philosophy.
  • Short reach would likely work well for drop bars in some cases.
  • Massive main triangle.

  Drawbacks

  • Steep head tube angle and short reach might not work for everyone and are somewhat limiting on steep terrain.
  • Slightly heavier than other 29+ rigid steel bikes, but steel 29+ ain’t ever light.
  • Unloaded, the handling feels twitchy. Toss a rack and some mini panniers on!
  • High bottom bracket and 29+ tires makes for a high, tippy perch. Stability is improved with weight.
  • 29 x 3.0” tire clearance doesn’t quite fit in the shortest rear dropout position.
  • More expensive than a Surly or Salsa, but more affordable than a Tumbleweed.

  • Price: $1175 (Frameset)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $1375
  

  Jones Plus LWB

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel (or ti Truss)
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.25"
  • Bottom Bracket: 68mm Threaded Eccentric
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 150mm / 12 x 148mm
  • BB drop: 88mm

  See Our Full Review

  When we tested the rigid-specific Jones Plus (now rebranded LWB), we were blown away by its trail manners; we never expected a bike that was so upright and comfortable to ride could also be so capable on technical singletrack. The latest iteration features some tweaks; there’s now provision for a rear rack and the rear hub is Boost-spaced (rather than 135QR), which helps clearances with 1x drivetrains and wider plus tires. As per all of Jones’ bikes, all forks can be shod with 26 x 4.3” fat tires if you want some extra “suspension” to your ride. And, in addition to the steel and Ti truss options, there’s now a more user-friendly steel unicrown fork, with the exact same offset and dimensions. Note that the BB drop is offset by the ability to rotate the eccentric bottom bracket by as much as 12mm and the fact that all Jones bikes are specced with cranks 5mm shorter than usual. There are two sizes and a number of colors to choose from. We tested the steel diamond frame, but there are also spaceframes and titanium options too.

  Priced below with truss fork. You can also purchase a frameset for $1,100 with a Steel Diamond frame with unicrown fork (most economical build) or with a steel truss fork for £1,350. Top of the line is the Ti spaceframe and truss fork, which goes for $4,550.

  Pros

  • Incredibly comfortable ride, across all its applications.
  • Surprisingly capable over technical terrain.
  • A stable load carrier that doesn’t sacrifice enjoyment either.
  • Possibility of different wheel sizes to suit different riders and frame sizes.

  Cons

  • Lack of braze-ons for fork-mounted water bottles and Anything Cages, as well as easy fitment of a rear rack – you’ll need to use p-clips.
  • Somewhat proprietary parts, though this is changing with the next frameset evolution.
  • Relatively expensive for a Taiwanese-made chromo bike, though quality is excellent, and the fork is undoubtedly costly to manufacture.
  • Rohloff compatibility is limited on the 135mm versions of the frames, and (currently) ruled out on the next generation of Boost frames.

  • Price: $1375 (Frame/Truss Fork)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $1800
  

  Jones Plus SWB + SWB Complete

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel (or ti truss)
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 3.25”
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 100 / 12 x 148mm

  Replacing the classic Jones mountain bike of old, the rigid-specific SWB offers full 27.5+ clearances (with ample room for 29 x 2.6” too) and a slightly rejigged, longer rear end. Note then that Short Wheel Base is a relative term – the stays are still some 449mm in length. The premium-priced, custom-specced version and the newer, more affordable SWB Complete have the exact same geometry and are both made in Taiwan, though the latter uses non-heat-treated tubing and loses the eccentric bottom bracket, which is useful for in-the-field drivetrain repairs and adjusting BB height. Still, at $1,800, we can’t fault the SWB Complete for price. It has all the Jones magic for a much more inclusive cost than we’ve seen before, even if the gearing (22-83″) is a little on the low side for loaded, mountainous bikepacking, and the tires aren’t tubeless ready. There’s room for a 27.5 x 3.8” tire if you want extra volume up front, whether you’re running the truss fork (available in steel or Ti) or the SWB Complete’s unicrown version. And, there’s plenty of space for 3.25” tires in the back. Read our full release with specs here.

  • Price: $1800 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $1199
  

  Kona Unit X

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 X 3.0″ / 29 X 2.8″
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 X 110MM / 12 X 148MM
  • BB drop: 65mm

  See Our Full Review

  The Kona Unit X was completely revamped in 2020, and these changes hold true today. It’s now built around 29 x 2.6″ tires, boost hub spacing (148 x 12mm rear and 110 x 15mm front), and its geometry was updated to follow modern trail bike trends. The frame has two standard bottle mounts in the main triangle, downtube mounts, and triple pack mounts on the fork legs. It also has front and rear rack mounts and fender bosses for even more versatility. Logan was so impressed with the 2020 Kona Unit X that it was our top pick for our 2020 Bikepacking Awards. Make sure read our full review here.

  Highlights

  • Incredibly versatile geometry that’s equally at home on the trail as it is on gravel roads
  • Great value for the complete
  • Slotted dropouts can be used for singlespeed or IGH conversion

  Drawbacks

  • Minor build kit gripes, including narrow 760mm handlebars, and no dropper post.

  • Price: $1199 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• €729
  

  Nordest Sardinha

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 3.0″ / 29 x 2.6″
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 110 x 15mm / 148 x 12mm
  • BB drop : 60mm

  See Our Full Review

  The Nordest Sardinha features a Taiwanese-made, double-butted CRMO 4130 frame with clearance for 27.5 x 3.0″ or 29 x 2.6″ tires. It’s available in sizes S, M/L, and L, fitting riders from 168-193cm (5’6″-6’4″). The frame gets a threaded bottom bracket, 44mm head tube for a straight or tapered steerer, and a welded plate chainstay yoke to allow for plenty of tire and chainring clearance. It also has triple bottle mounts on both the top and bottom of the down tube, as well as a pair on the seat tube. Nordest sells the Sardinha as a frame only or as a “kit” that includes a matching rigid chromoly fork and headset. Both come in yellow with blue and red fish-themed graphical icons and phrases such as “Base Camp” and “Vital Support.” Read Logan’s review here.

  • Price: €729 (Frame)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $2550
  

  Otso Fenrir

  • Frame: Titanium/Stainless
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.6"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 148mm

  See Our Full Review

  Taking its name from a giant wolf in Norse mythology that was destined to devour the sun, the Otso Fenrir has a lot to live up to. But Otso claims it’s their most versatile rig to date. The Otso Fenrir is built around a custom-butted stainless steel or titanium frame with loads of mounts and adjustability, and according to Otso, it’s built for bikepacking on rides like the Tour Divide or any other mixed terrain route you might dream up. What makes it unique is a geometry designed for use with either drop bars or MTB flat bars. In short, this means it has a longer reach than most drop bikes, and a shorter reach and higher stack than most mountain bikes.

  From Logan’s review: “As far as bikepacking, The Otso Fenrir has everything you might need as far as mounts, provisions, frame bag space, and long-ride comfort. It’s pegged squarely at big mixed terrain routes like the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, the Tian Shan Traverse, Baja Divide, NMORR, or any number of rides that combine singletrack with all forms of dirt roads. It doesn’t hesitate on any terrain, and I wouldn’t hesitate to take it on any given bikepacking trip.”

  • Price: $2550 (Stainless Frameset)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $1349
  

  Panorama Taiga

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Carbon
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.8" / 27.5 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 148mm
  • BB Drop: 65mm

  See Our Full Review

  The Panorama Taïga is based around a Reynolds 725 steel frame, 29 x 2.8″ tire clearance, lots of mounting points, and can be set up with a rigid or suspension fork. The Taïga was updated in 2023, and it addresses some of the minor issues we had with the original version. On the geometry front, the bottom bracket has been lowered by 5mm, and the stack/reach numbers have also increased slightly. Complete builds are now specced with size-specific dropper post lengths, 32-spoke wheels from Hunt, and the rigid fork comes stock, but suspension forks are available upon request. The Taïga is available as a frame only, frameset, complete build, and with a Rohloff hub. Check out Miles’ review here.

  Highlights

  • Packed with all the right features, including sliding dropouts, loads of mounts, and external cables
  • Choice of rigid or suspension fork is a nice touch
  • Balanced geometry that handles trails and the extra weight of gear naturally

  Drawbacks

  • Tiny main triangle with little room for a frame bag
  • Stock dropper post is too short on larger sizes
  • Limited to three sizes
  • A little heavy and sluggish at times

  • Price: $1349 (Frame / Fork)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• £720
  

  Stooge Dirt Tracker

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 110x15mm / 148x12mm

  See Our Full Review

  The Dirt Tracker is Stooge’s modern take on the tracker bikes that ruled in post-war Britain. According to Andy of Stooge Cycles, “With their huge handlebars, kinked top tubes, and dirt action attitude, this is my great ‘what if?’ What if the Trackers hadn’t died their natural death in the 1970s and continued to develop into mountain crushing, trail slaying, utilitarian ultra beasts?”

  Stooge’s Dirt Tracker is a rigid 29+ mountain bike that’s designed to be as trail-capable as the Dirtbomb but loses the additional tank tube, gains a beefed up biplane fork, and has increased utility with more bottle and rack mounts. Just like the Dirtbomb and Speedbomb, the Stooge Dirt Tracker is only available in the one size: 18″ with 459mm reach (625mm effective top tube). It’s made from seamless, double-butted 4130 Chromoly steel, uses a 30.9mm seatpost with internal dropper routing, boost hub spacing, IS brake mounts front and rear, and a 73mm threaded bottom bracket with a standard EBB insert. It has a 66-degree head tube angle, a 65mm fork offset, and appears to have lots of potential as a dedicated bikepacking rig. Read more in Logan’s review here.

  Highlights

  • Incredible ride quality and supple feel that’s still lively and quick
  • Lower BB with a slightly longer chainstay and more fork offset offers a brilliant blend of stability and playfulness
  • The perfect Stooge aesthetic with beautiful curves and bends
  • All the mounts you could need
  • Bi-plane, raked-out fork is a thing of beauty
  • Doom Tracker bars are the icing on the cake

  Drawbacks

  • Not available in multiple sizes
  • Would love to see this bike with a sliding dropout vs. the eccentric BB
  • A third mount on the downtube would be useful for larger cargo cages

  • Price: £720 (frameset)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• £780
  

  Stooge MK7

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.8" / 27.5 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: Eccentric
  • Dropouts (F/R): 110x15mm / 148x12mm
  • BB Drop: 60mm

  See Our Full Review

  The MK7 is the latest iteration of the bike that started it all for Stooge back in 2014. The Stooge MK7 is a classic mix of the Scrambler and the MK4. It has lots of bikepacking potential but doesn’t shy away from rowdy trail rides and big skids. The official wheel size is 29×3 front/29×2.3-2.6 rear, but it also plays nicely with 29 x 2.6″ – 2.8″ and 27.5+. Make sure to check out Logan’s review here.

  • 
  • 

  Highlights

  • Extremely fun bike—perhaps the most fun I’ve had on a rigid mountain bike ever, or at least since the original Krampus
  • A playful yet stable geometry that’s near perfect for rigid trail riding
  • Nice tubing selection and design that’s both comfortable and lively
  • Original look marries a classic aesthetic and klunker vibes with modern angles
  • Love the 2.6 / 3.0” 29er combo
  • A versatile platform that’s good for many configurations: singlespeeding, bikepacking, trail bike, etc, etc.

  Drawbacks

  • No mounts underneath downtube
  • Top tube/seat tube junction could be a centimeter or two higher
  • Internal gusset at down tube/head tube junction would be a cleaner look
  • Small and XL sizes would be nice
  • Heavy frameset

  • Price: £780 (Frame / Fork)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $1499
  

  Surly Bridge Club

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 2.8”
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 100QR/10 x 138mm "Gnot Boost" for 135 or 142mm
  • BB drop : 60mm

  It’s perhaps no surprise to see so many Surlys in this list, as the plus size tire was their crazy (good) idea in the first place! The Bridge Club, however, is a little different. It comes specced with 2.4s on 29mm rims. But, there’s ample clearance for 2.8s (which mount up nicely on the rims provided). The price point is very inclusive too; $1499 gets you a simple and well considered spec list that will suit newby bikepackers or those who carry extra payloads, given the low gearing and double chainring. Granted, there’s not as many fork barnacles as the likes of the Ogre, Troll, and ECR. But that doesn’t mean Surly have skimped out either, as there still provision for rack mounts and triple-boss cages. A Gnot-boost-style dropout means you can run a number of QR hub standards too, which could come in handy when travelling into the reaches of the globe. Read our review here.

  • Price: $1499 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $1849
  

  Surly Karate Monkey

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 3”
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / “Gnot Boost” 135, 142, or 148mm
  • BB drop: 55mm

  The Surly Karate Monkey is a classic hardtail, reborn in its latest incarnation to take a longer fork (up to 140mm) and plus tires as standard. A favorite of both Miles Arbour and Michael Dammer (see our Rider and Rig from the Colorado Trail), the KM is famous for being a tough-as-nails hardail that makes up for it’s relatively heavy frame weight with its fun, confident, and cheeky disposition. In fully rigid form, the Surly Karate Monkey promises a great blend of low maintenance components and invigorating handling at a reasonable price tag.

  • Price: $1849 (Rigid Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $1849
  

  Surly Krampus

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110 / 12 x 142/148mm
  • BB drop : 60mm

  The Surly Krampus started it all. The first plus tire bike, the first 29+ bike, and arguably the first bike that drew the term “bikepacking bike.” Why? Although the comparable bikepacking-specific Surly ECR can do it all, the Krampus dominates steep rooty singletrack, rock gardens, and technical conditions between the two. It’s a trail bike at heart. The high bottom bracket and slack geometry make it a thrill ride, and honestly one of the most fun, confidence inspiring bikes you’ll come across. The best analogy is that it’s comparable to being a big kid on a grown up BMX bike, one that can plow over anything. Even loaded with a frame bag, seat bag, and handlebar luggage, it performs well and feels solid and confident. If you are waffling over other bikes, and enjoy trail riding as much as you do bikepacking, the Krampus is a must-ride.

  Highlights

  • First plus tire and 29+ bike
  • Balanced geometry that’s suitable for trail riding and bikepacking
  • Rack mounts and downtube mounts
  • Rigid and suspension builds

  Drawbacks

  • No seat tube mounts
  • No dropper post on rigid builds
  • Heavy, affordable build kit leaves room for improvement

  • Price: $1849 (Rigid Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $1699
  

  Surly Ogre

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 3” or 29 x 2.6”
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 100QR/145mm "Gnot-Boost"
  • BB drop: 68mm

  See Our Full Review

  The Surly Ogre is one of our favourite do-it-all framesets, though note that as a complete bike, it comes with 29 x 2.5” tires, so it’s not a plus bike out of the box. There’s a lot to like: the Ogre is rigid specific so sports a large framebag, the dropout is compatible with a Rohloff hub of you so choose, and aside from a full complement of rack mounts, there are no less than four sets of triple-pack mounts on the fork, facing both forward and aft. We should point out that the bike featured in our review isn’t quite current; new frames no longer feature canti studs, making the bike disc-specific and more plus-size friendly, as it’s easier to install and remove wheels.

  • Price: $1699 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $5500
  

  Tout Terrain Outback

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Carbon
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 3” / 29 x 2.6”
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 142mm
  • BB drop: 65mm
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded

  See Our Full Review

  Hailing from Germany, Tout Terrain’s frames are made in Taiwan but painted and assembled in Germany. Veterans of the traditional bike touring world and well-versed in a variety of enclosed drivetrains, Tout Terrain have embraced the long-distance durability of the Pinion C12 system for the Outback, their first foray into the bikepacking realm. Having had some time with this bike in the French Alps, we can vouch for its singletrack prowess and its build quality. We love the geometry too; it’s a little slacker than some, so it suits big-mountain descents, and it sports a steepish seat angle that really helps with climbing. Each bike is built to spec from a choice of high end components. As such, it can be purchased with both a rigid carbon fork (complete with triple boss cargo/water bottle eyelets) or with a 120mm suspension fork for more dedicated trail use. The Outback was updated in 2024, and you can read about that here.

  Highlights

  • 29 x 2.6″ and 27.5 x 3.0″ tire clearance
  • Modern steel frame with loads of mounting points
  • Stable geometry for off-road riding

  Drawbacks

  • Pricey

  • Price: $5500
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan/Germany
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
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• $2900
  

  Tumbleweed Prospector

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 26 x 4.0" / 29 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Custom EBB
  • Dropouts (F/R): 100 QR or 110 thru / 135mm QR
  • BB drop: 58mm

  See Our Full Review

  The Tumbleweed Prospector is a unique do-it-all expedition bike made specifically for bikepacking and dirt-road touring. The Prospector’s headline feature is a custom yoke designed to allow its steel, symmetrical frame accommodate fat tires up to 4″ wide with a standard-width, über reliable Rohloff Speedhub. Translation? Without need for an extra-wide bottom bracket shell, there’s no increase in the distance between the pedals and the resulting Q Factor, a fat bike trait that’s irksome to many.

  However, there’s more to the Prospector than that. For those plus-tires, the prospector has a custom eccentric Bottom Bracket allowing a half an inch of bottom bracket height adjustability (12mm), in turn making it equally as suitable for 29+ and 27.5+ tires. The frame is built around a standard 135mm dropout for easy-to-source hubs as well as a 100mm QR fork (or 110mm with an optional thru-axle fork). The frame also features a suspension-corrected geometry. And, it has as all the necessary braze-ons for racks, panniers, and a myriad of water bottles. All of which makes for a very versatile bike, one that Tumbleweed promotes as a rugged, adaptable, backcountry explorer, as well as a fun rig to spin around the local trails.

  To learn more, find two Rider and Rigs on this site featuring the Prospector, one with filmmaker Jay Ritchey set up 27.5+, and one with world traveller Pepper Cook. Also, read the pre-launch QA with founder Daniel Malloy.

  Highlights

  • Insanely capable and versatile
  • Surprisingly nimble and quick
  • Elegant attention to finishing details
  • Tubing choices and frame design are great for far-flung trips as well as local trail rides
  • Standard MTB Q-factor even when used with 4” tires
  • Loads of mud clearance (especially in 27.5+ and 29+)

  Drawbacks

  • Heavy (especially with a Rohloff)
  • Lack of more efficient routing for stack of cables at the chainstay (when Rohloff is mounted)
  • Dropouts are limited to 135mm
  • Expensive compared to some other steel framesets (although it comes with Phil Wood EBB)
  • Limited to 4″ tires on 65mm rims
  • Can feel a little harsh on rough trails compared to more supple frames

  • Price: $2900 (Frameset/Rohloff Kit)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $1400
  

  Tumbleweed Sunliner

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 148mm

  See Our Full Review

  The Sunliner is a fully rigid mountain touring bike built with the same ultra high end steel tubeset and construction as the their Stargazer, but with the geometry from the Prospector that has been optimized for flat/swept back bars. The Sunliner has the same non-suspension corrected fork design as the Stargazer, which creates a huge front triangle and allows for maximum framebag space and easy fender mounting. The Sunliner can fit up to a 29 x 3.0″ tire and has all the mounting points for racks, fenders, and gear you would expect for a bike designed from the ground up for off-road touring.

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  Here’s an excerpt from Logan’s review: “The Sunliner’s obviously not meant to be a fast, racey gravel bike. Nor is it designed to be a mountain bike with bullish technical descending capabilities. However, it kind of excels at opening up possibilities in a wide spectrum of uses, terrain, and surface types—dare I say wider than the Stargazer or other similar drop-bar bikes. And it does so without needing to be some genre-defying, ultra-innovative creation. As I was discussing it with a couple of colleagues, we settled on calling it an honest bike, one that’s transparent in use for all kinds of endeavors, and it’s a bike you can just hop on and pedal without overthinking what or where you should ride.”

  Highlights

  • Well-balanced geometry makes the Sunliner capable on a broad spectrum of surfaces and all-terrain rides
  • Very stable with loads of traction when climbing in and out of the saddle
  • Nicely specced and constructed tubeset that’s comfy and responsive
  • No gussets give it a clean look
  • Rigid-specific frame translates to long head tube and large triangle for frame bag
  • All the mounts and feels great with a load
  • Nice color options; I love the Rhubarb
  • Great value for high-end frameset

  Drawbacks

  • No native singlespeed capability with EBB or sliding dropout (it would be a solid singlespeed)
  • Top three-pack mount on seat tube is unnecessary and limits dropper post length
  • Heavy front end might bother some people
  • Lack of 2x compatibility will likely be an issue for a few folks
  • Complete is a little pricey

  • Price: $1400 (frameset)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $2950
  

  Bantam Bicycles Travelall

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 2.4"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 12 x 100mm / 12 x 142mm

  Th Bantam Bicycles Travelall is their take on the “best bikepacking/trekking/go anywhere do anything bike possible.” It’s based around a custom-sized TIG welded steel frame, an integrated lighting system, geometry and handling optimized for bikepacking and loaded riding, and a suggested base build or your choice of a completely custom setup. The Travelall fits 27.5 x 2.4″ tires with fenders, has external cable routing, three bottle mounts, rack and fender mounts, and a copper Bantam head badge.

  Each Travelall comes equipped with a custom front rack called the Travelrack. According to Bantam, they’ve found a well-designed front rack to be lighter and more versatile than some handlebar bag setups, so they’ve equipped theirs with Wald basket mounts, triple bosses for cargo cages, and a headlight mount. Bantam has partnered with Portland-based bag maker Lords Luggage on a bolt-on, roll-top frame bag for each Travelall, made from durable waxed cotton canvas in a color complementary to your frameset color. See more of the Travellall from our MADE Bike Show coverage here.

  • Price: $2950 (Frame/Fork/Rack/Bags)
  • Place of Manufacture: USA
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $1350CAD
  

  Bassi Coyote

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 148mm
  • BB Drop: 50mm

  The Bassi Coyote is based around a 4130 Chromoly steel frame, a matching rigid fork, and Boost thru-axles. There are three-pack mounts on the fork legs and under the downtube, two standard bottle mounts, and rear rack mounts. The frame is set up with sliding dropouts for singlespeed and geared setups, and the frame is suspension corrected to accept 120mm forks. It has clearance for 27.5 x 3.0″ or 29 x 2.4″ tires, dropper post routing, and lovely frame graphics and colors. Read our press release here.

  • Price: $1350CAD (Frame / Fork)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $2249
  

  Bombtrack Beyond+ ADV

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Carbon
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 148mm
  • BB drop: 70mm

  The ADV is the bigger sibling of the Beyond+. Technically, it shouldn’t be in our listing, as it’s not a fully rigid steel bike, but, the carbon fork comes with triple eyelets for cargo cages, and you could also swap it out for an aftermarket rigid fork if you prefer the idea of traveling with steel over carbon. This aside, it fits the criteria of an overland explorer perfectly. With its 1×12 Eagle GX cassette, it boasts a wide gear range, and it also has WTB tubeless-ready rims and our favourite Ranger Tough tires. It comes with the ultra-comfortable Jones Loop H-Bar, too. This is a bike you could get rowdy on, too; it’s suspension corrected for a 120mm fork, set up with 25% sage, or you can even push it to 130mm with 30%.

  Highlights

  • Lots of mounting points
  • Carbon fork with three-pack mounts
  • Compatible with suspension forks
  • Competitive pricing for both complete builds and framesets

  Drawbacks

  • Carbon fork won’t be for everyone

  • Price: $2249 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $1499
  

  Breezer Thunder

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.95"
  • Bottom Bracket: BSA Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 110 x 15mm / 148 x 12mm
  • BB Drop: 70mm

  The Breezer Thunder is a fully rigid steel mountain bike with a reasonable price tag and some pretty appealing features for bikepacking. It’s built up around a Chromoly steel frame and fork, boost hub spacing and thru-axles, external cable routing (as well as internal dropper post routing), and has clearance for tires up to 29 x 2.95” wide. The frame itself is fully kitted out with mounting options, including rack and fenders, standard bottle mounts, triple pack mounts on the fork legs and the seat stays, plus additional bosses on the top tube and under the downtube.

  Highlights

  • Fork mounts, top tube mounts, seat stay mounts, and more
  • Impressive price point makes for a very affordable bike
  • Rigid or 100mm travel fork
  • Versatile geo

  Drawbacks

  • A few budget components, but not a deal breaker
  • 67.7° head tube angle might be suited to a longer travel fork for some folks

  • Price: $1499
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $1175
  

  Crust Evasion

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 2.8" or 26 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 12 x 100mm / 12 x 148mm (or 135mm QR)

  The Crust Evasion is designed around 26+ (up to 26 x 3″) tires on 45mm rims, but it’s just as happy on a 650B tire (27.5″) up to x 2.8″ wide. This bike is designed for dirt touring and bikepacking and touted as “comfortable for the long haul but fast and nimble while still being ready for some pretty technical/rough riding.” It’s got plenty of rack mounts and bottle bosses, and rocker-style dropouts to either run a 148mm thru-axle rear or 135mm QR, single speed or Rolloff. The bi-plane front fork features a 100mm x 12mm thru axle.

  • Price: $1175 (Frameset)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• £1499
  

  Genesis Longitude

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 3” / 29 x 2.4”
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 100QR/130QR
  • BB drop: 70mm

  Over in the UK, Genesis have built up an enviable reputation for putting together very capable bikes that don’t break the bank. The rigid-specific Longitude is no exception. It offers a great spec for the price, including a WTB tubeless-ready wheelset, a sensible Deore double chainset for a broad spread of gears suited to touring and bikepacking, and reliable if basic Shimano Alivio hydraulic brakes. Genesis even throw in a couple of Gorilla Cages to get you started. If you’re in the UK, this one is hard to beat on price.

  • Price: £1499
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $2242
  

  Hunt Bikes 29+

  • Frame/fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: PF30 PressFit
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 100mm / 12 x 142mm
  • BB Drop: 62mm

  We’ve long admired Hunt’s frames from afar, elegant as they are. Hunt is based in Australia, but framesets can be shipped worldwide. Designed to accommodate both 29” and 29+ tires, these bikepacking-orientated framesets come in three sizes and two colors: gloss black and brushed chrome. As you’d expect from a company enamoured by bikepacking (see the Hunt 1000 event that they put on across the Australian Alps), there’s no shortage of bag and water bottle mounts. Note though that there’s no provision for racks, as by their own admission, they much prefer soft bags, and the bottom bracket is press fit rather than threaded.

  Highlights

  • Simple, no fuss design
  • Designed for the Hunt 1000 in Australia

  Drawbacks

  • Only three size options
  • Expensive
  • No rack mounts

  • Price: $2242 (Frameset)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $2475
  

  Jones LWB HD/E Complete

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max tire: 29 x 3.25
  • Droupouts F/R: 15 x 150m / 12 / 148mm
  • Bottom Bracket : 68mm threaded

  The Jones LWB HD/E is the latest addition to the Jones range. At first glance, it looks similar to the Jones LWB Complete. However, closer inspection reveals a very different beast. Although the reach, angles, and all-important fork offset remain the same, the HD/E sports 1in longer seats stays… effectively making it a Jones XLWB!

  These long stays free up more space for big panniers, help keep the bike stable under heavy loads, and prevents the front from lifting on heavy climbs. In addition, the clue is in the name: Heavy Duty / Electric. This bike uses a heavier gauge of head-treated tubing to ensure it can handle heavy heavy loads, or even an e-bike conversion kit, like a Bafang. The longer wheelbase creates enough space to fit one without any issues.

  A burly bike needs burly wheels. Hoops are Jones’ own. They’re 50mm wide and the rims have 36 holes, and are double-walled and eyeletted. They’re tubeless-ready, too, using Jones’ own Shraeder kit. In other regards, this bike is similar to the Jones LWB Complete, as seen here. The LWB HD/E is available as a frame only, and you can mix and match with a unicrown or truss fork.

  We did notice that the frame loses eyelets under the downtube, which is disappointing. Nor are there any on the seat tube due to the bend, though the upper side of the downtube does at least have provision for two water bottles, or a cargo cage and a water bottle cage.

  Highlights

  • Long seat stays increase stability and gear-hauling power
  • Versatile and adaptable geometry that Jones is known for
  • Upright riding position is very comfortable , though not at the cost of performance
  • Low standover means the frame is suited to a wide variety of rider heights

  Drawbacks

  • 3″ tyres and 1x drivetrains can create issues in muddy conditions
  • No downtube bosses

  • Price: $2475
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $1325
  

  MONē La Roca

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 148mm
  • BB drop : 34mm

  The La Roca is Cjell Mone’s signature plus hardtail featuring a hand-brazed, custom-butted frame hardened 4130 chromoly tubeset and a unique, tuneable rear-end that allows a wide range of chainstay lengths depending on your wheel choice. 27.5 x 2.5″ minions will allow you to tuck into a super-short 405mm cheinstay length if you want to slam it. Or you can bump that number to a 430mm and run full 3.0″ 29+ tires.

  As shown here, La Roca is offered with a 120mm suspension-corrected biplane fork with 2x Anything cage mounts (four total on the frame). The Mone La Roca also has fender mounts and low rider rack mounts.

  Highlights

  • Undeniably unique aesthetic thanks to raw brass fillets
  • External bottle bosses for extra-long dropper seatposts
  • Complete builds available upon request
  • Option for 140mm suspension-corrected version of their bi-plane fork

  Drawbacks

  • Braze-ons only suitable for light-duty racks
  • Not compatible with several mechanical disc brakes
  • On the pricier side for a Taiwan-made hardtail

  • Price: $1325 (Frameset (with fork))
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $2150
  

  MONē SB2

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.6″ / 27.5 x 2.8″
  • Bottom Bracket: 68mm Threaded
  • BB Drop: 55mm

  Monē is calling the new klunker frame the SB2, short for Small Batch Straight Bar, and it features the twin top tubes reminiscent of the klunkers of yesteryear. Cjell is also tipping the hat with the coaster specific-ish brake allowances, which is a very Monē choice. The frames feature a mix of butted and straight-gauge tubing for a claimed sub-five-pound weight. For reference, Cjell tells us this is around half of what an old Schwinn frame weighs. The fork is also SB2 coaster-specific, featuring skinny 7/8″ chromoly blades setup as a unicrown for a ride quality Cjell describes as “maximum supple.” We’re told the fork is optimised for no front brake, which sounds a little sketchy because it is. Monē is also offering a breadtruck-brazed version of their bi-plane fork for folks who want to run disc front and rear. Read more here.

  • Price: $2150 (Frame + Fork)
  • Place of Manufacture: USA
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $1099
  

  Panorama Boreal

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max tire Size: 29 x 2.8"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 148mm

  Like the Pinion-equipped version, the Panorama Boreal is an all-terrain touring bike designed around a Reynolds 525 steel frame with a matching rigid fork and a low-maintenance build kit. It ticks a lot of boxes as a do-everything bikepacking rig. Building on the Boreal Pinion, the new Panorama Boreal shares most of the same specs but is based around a traditional drivetrain with a Shimano SLX 1×12 or a Shimano Cues 6000/8000 2×11 drivetrain. Otherwise, it offers everything we liked about the Pinion model, including an upright riding position, loads of mounting points, a Reynolds 525 steel frame, and a matching 4130 Chromoly steel fork. Complete builds come with Velo Orange Crazy Bars for multiple hand positions, a low-maintenance build kit, and there are three size options to choose from. Find our press release here.

  Highlights

  • Reynolds 525 steel frame and fork
  • Lots of mounting points
  • Competitively priced
  • All-terrain, upright geo
  • Rohloff builds available

  Drawbacks

  • Only three size options and no XL
  • Crazy Bars are a little crazy

  • Price: $1099 (frameset)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• £4200
  

  Quirk Cycles Overland

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.4″ / 27.5 x 2.6″
  • Bottom Bracket: PF30 / T47
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 148mm
  • BB Drop: 60mm

  The Quirk Cycles Overland is their take on a do-everything, go-anywhere bikepacking rig, which first debuted at the 2020 Atlas Mountain Race. According to Quirk, “The Overland is designed for those wanting to take their off-road adventures to the next level. Our aim was to run big tyres, increase our cargo-carrying capacity but still have a frame that is fast and fun to ride unloaded.”

  While the overall package remains the same, including custom geometry, Quirk Custom Select tubing, and being handmade in Quirk’s London-based shop, there are some interesting updates launched in Spring 2023 worth noting. Quirk has introduced 3D-printed seat tube cluster and dropouts, replacing the previous adjustable version that wasn’t necessary for their customers. Their integrated bolt-on Rack ‘N’ Roll has received some laser-cut mounting plates and custom-machined washers and bolts. The frame is now suspension-corrected for a 100mm travel fork so folks can swap out the steel fork out when some extra cushion is needed.

  All other details remain the same, including clearance for 29 x 2.4″ / 27.5 x 2.6″ tires (although customers have fit larger), front and rear internal dynamo routing, and lots of mounts for cages and other gear. The Overland features boost hub spacing, a custom unicrown cargo fork, and framebag mounts within the main triangle. For those after a custom bag, Quirk has partnered with our friends at Wizard Works for the ultimate custom experience. Read the press release here.

  • Price: £4200 (Frameset)
  • Place of Manufacture: London
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $2000
  

  Rivendell Gus Boots Willsen

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 2.6"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 100 x 135mm QR

  From Rivendell: “The Gus Boots-Willsen is our most versatile Hillibike. It weighs a little more than the Susie/Wolbis because the tubes are fatter and stronger, but there’s no dumb weight. For Hillibikers of all weights and loads to 60lbs. The Boots rides light and tracks well, even on trails more suited to the noble jackass.” It has a long wheelbase, high handlebars, and can clear tires up to 2.6″ wide. While it might look like a cruiser, the Gus has some serious off-road bikepacking potential.

  • Price: $2000 (Frame + Fork)
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• £3595
  

  Shand Bahookie

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Carbon
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: PF30 Pressfit
  • Dropouts (F/R): 135×10MM / 142×12MM
  • BB Drop: 55mm

  The Shand Bahookie is a do-it-all mountain bike. It features a hand-built Reynolds 631 steel frame designed around 29er or 650B+ wheels and a rigid or 120mm travel fork. It looks ideal for for bikepacking, adventure racing, bashing round local trails, or heading out for a long day in the hills. It’s also available with a Rohloff for those looking for a bomb-proof setup.

  • Price: £3595
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• £4695
  

  Shand Tam

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: Eccentric
  • DROPOUTS (F/R): 135×10mm / 142×12mm
  • BB Drop: 72mm

  The Shand Tam is a Rohloff-equipped expedition bike designed to be comfortable and extremely capable. It’s built up around a Reynolds 853/Dedaccia steel frame, has modular dropouts to accept singlespeed and geared drivetrains, and comes equipped with Shand’s very own steel fork with anything cage mounts and internal dynamo wiring. The Tam has front/rear rack and fender mounts, an eccentric bottom bracket, and the standard complete build is specced with hydraulic brakes, WTB Nano tires, and a swept back Ritchey Kyote bar.

  Highlights

  • Comfortable, upright geometry for long-distance tours
  • Matching steel fork with three-pack mounts
  • Multiple bottle and rack mounts
  • Production Rohloff bikes are few and far between
  • Options for custom sizing, dynamo lights, and travel couplers

  Drawbacks

  • Expensive
  • 29 x 2.2″ tire clearance is limiting

  • Price: £4695
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $1880
  

  SimWorks Doppo MTB

  • FRAME/FORK: Steel/Steel
  • MAX TIRE SIZE: 27.5 X 2.8″ OR 29 X 2.4″
  • BOTTOM BRACKET: 73mm Threaded
  • DROPOUTS (F/R): 110 X 15MM / 148 X 12MM
  • BB DROP: 60mm

  The SimWorks Doppo MTB is made from Tange Chromoly Steel tubing and can be setup rigid with the included steel fork or with your favourite 120mm travel suspension fork. The frame comes kitted out with two standard bottle mounts, triple pack mounts under the downtube and on the fork legs. It has clearance for both 27.5 x 2.8″ and 29 x 2.4″ tires, uses boost hub spacing, front and rear thru-axles, and a standard 30.9mm seatpost with internal dropper post routing.

  Read the full press release here.

  • Price: $1880 (Framset)
  • Place of Manufacture: Japan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $1170
  

  Singular Swift

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 148mm
  • BB Drop: 75mm

  The Swift was first launched back in 2006, when UK-based Singular Cycles was getting started and 29″ mountain bikes were just becoming mainstream. The Singular Cycles Swift is now in its fifth iteration, which they describe as a “suspension capable do-it-all off-road machine.”

  The Swift MK5 has been updated with a tapered headtube for suspension fork compatibility, thru-axles front and rear, and internal dropper post cable routing, all while retaining the ride quality and handling it’s known for. The Swift is built up around Taiwan-made custom drawn triple butted 4130 Chromoly steel tubing, has a 73mm BSA threaded bottom bracket, boost hub spacing, clearance for 29 x 3.0″ tires, and all sizes get bottle mounts on the seat tube, down tube, and under the down tube.

  The matching Swift fork has a 483mm axle-to-crown (100mm suspension corrected), triple pack mounts, rack and fender mounts, and internal dynamo routing. The frame has dropper post routing, bolt-on cable guides on underside of down tube, and it uses post-mount brakes front and back. It comes in three sizes and one color option.

  Highlights

  • Matching rigid fork with cargo mounts or short travel suspension fork
  • Rear rack mounts
  • Full external cable routing
  • 73mm BSA threaded bottom bracket shell with eccentric insert
  • Hole for internal dynamo cable in right fork leg

  Drawbacks

  • Slightly more expensive than other Taiwan-made frames
  • Just three size options

  • Price: $1170 (Frameset)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $769
  

  Soma Jawbone

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.25″ and 27.5 x 2.6″
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 12 x 100mm / 12 x 142mm
  • BB Drop: 72mm

  The Soma Jawbone is built on a Tange Prestige heat-treated double-butted CrMo steel frame with clearance for up to 29 x 2.25″ and 27.5 x 2.6″ tires (with good mud clearance). The frame is designed to have more stability while loaded thanks to a longer wheelbase and slightly stiffer design. It’s also outfitted with plenty of mounts for packing gear. There are two variations on the frame: the A-type with thru-axles and a unique lugged fork, and the B-type with sliding dropouts and a unicrown fork. Learn more here.

  • Price: $769 (B-Type Frame + Fork)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• €1099
  

  Sour Bad Granny

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.4"
  • Bottom Bracket: 68MM BSA ECCENTRIC
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110 / 12 x 142mm

  The Bad Granny is something quite special from Sour, and it’s a joy to ride. Its companion fork sports two sets of eyelets, light cable routing, and clearance for 29 x 2.4″ tires. The frame is available in sizes M and L. According to Sour, “Usually grandparents have different functions in a child’s development. In this case our Bad Granny is here to remind you that singlespeed, rigid forks, and a laid back geometry is everything you need to have the most fun on a bike. Of course Bad Granny keeps up with the times, derailleur shifting, suspension forks, even internal or external dropper posts comes beside the old-fashioned style…she can handle it all.”

  • Price: €1099 (Frame-Only)
  • Place of Manufacture: Germany
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• £1995
  

  Stayer Groadinger OMG

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropout: 142, 148, QR

  The new Stayer Groadinger OMG is a built-to-order custom mountain bike based around a Chromoly Steel frame, rigid fork, and massive 3.0″ tire clearance. Here’s how Stayer describes the OMG: “The idea is that anything you can think to do with 3″ tyre clearance and a no-suss frame can be done with the Groadinger OMG. If you want a big rig for long distance off road touring then we can do that with the OMG. If you want a hardtail with a short wheel base for chopping down the local trail then we can do that with the OMG. So it’s your mountain bike, what are you gonna do? It comes in mullet or 26’er or dropbar with fenders or trail rider, or long distance monster, steel fork feels or carbon for the win, whippy and bouncy, sturdy and looooong with racks, bags and buckets and places to keep your boat or board and so on, and so on.”

  Highlights

  • Made to order with lots of custom options
  • Handmade in the UK

  Drawbacks

  • Availability is uncertain

  • Price: £1995 (Frame Only)
  • Place of Manufacture: UK
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• £780
  

  Stooge Scrambler

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 3.0" / 29 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: Eccentric
  • Dropouts (F/R): 110X15MM / 148X12MM
  • BB Drop: 65mm

  First and foremost, the Scrambler is a rigid trail bike, but it also comes with all manner of gear mounts: rack and cage mounts on the biplane fork, three-pack mounts on the fork blades and both sides of the downtube, a pair on the seat tube, rear rack mounts, and half rack mounts for saddlebag supports. Stooge’s pet name for for the bike is the RADventure bike, “an adventure bike you can still get rad on, still take around the old BMX track, but still ride into the sunset on in all-day-comfort with Knocking On Heaven’s Door playing in the background.” Like Stooge’s other bikes, it still has twin top tubes but there’s room for a bigger frame bag.

  The Stooge Scrambler will be offered in 18 and a 20″ sizes with effective top tube lengths of 610 and 635mm, respectively. Compared to the MK4, the Scrambler has a slacker 67° head tube angle and is a little shorter overall, which puts the rider in a more upright riding position. As Andy puts it, “Coupled with the short chainstays this will feel really poppy and light on its feet.” Read the full press release here.

  Highlights

  • Classic, timeless Stooge aesthetic
  • Loads of mounting points
  • Beautiful bi-plane fork

  Drawbacks

  • Only two sizes
  • Limited availability

  • Price: £780 (Frame / Fork)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• £840
  

  Stooge Speedbomb

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: Eccentric
  • Dropouts (F/R): 110x15mm / 148x12mm
  • BB Drop: 75mm

  The Stooge Dirtbomb is part klunker, part modern rigid trail bike. It’s offered in one size, since klunkers are only offered in one size, has clearance for 29+ tires, and uses a eccentric bottom bracket so you can run 27.5+ as well. As Stooge puts, “This slice of steel will take you on a joyride so fantabulously exciting you’ll take every other bike you own and throw them heartily in the skip of eternity…”

  Highlights

  • Fantastic timeless aesthetic with klunker-style and matching bi-plane fork
  • Massive tire clearance
  • Threaded BB with eccentric insert

  Drawbacks

  • One size
  • No rack mounts
  • Limited availability

  • Price: £840 (Frame / Fork)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $699
  

  Veloci Wild Move

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 2.6" / 29 x 2.4"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 9 x 100mm / 10 x 135mm
  • BB Drop: 60-70mm

  The Veloci Wild Move is a versatile fully rigid bike that can be loaded up with gear for big trips or stripped down for zipping around local trails. It’s based around double and triple-butted 4130 Chromoly Steel tubing that’s ED coated for corrosion resistance. The fork is finished with triple-pack and rack/fender mounts and has upper eyelets. The frame itself has top tube mounts, multiple mounts inside the main triangle and under the downtube, and can accept a rear rack as well. The rigid fork is 465mm, allowing the use of certain 80mm-130mm travel forks, which are specified on Veloci’s website.

  A quick look at the Wild Move’s geometry chart will show a long-ish wheelbase, low bottom bracket, and a generous stack height that should all add up to a comfortable and stable ride quality. The frame has clearance for 27.5 x 2.6″ or 29 x 2.4″ tires, while the fork can clear 27.5 x 3.0″ or 29 x 3.0″.

  • Price: $699 (Frame + Fork)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• €2499
  

  Veloheld Iron

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel (or 130mm suspension)
  • Max Tire Size: 27.5 x 3 and 29 x 2.35
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 110 x 15mm / 148 x 12mm
  • BB Drop: 63mm

  We don’t know too much about the Veloheld Iron, but from what we can discern from the German website, it looks like a very capable bikepacking rig. The Iron is available as both a rigid build or with a 130mm fork, with all the provisions we know and love – eyelets for Anything Cages on the chromo fork and provision under the downtube for a water bottle too. The stock build looks good, with a SRAM NX Eagle Boost drivetrain and a choice between a 29er wheelset or 27.5+, both tubeless ready. There are four sizes available.

  • Price: €2499 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $1200
  

  Wilde Supertramp

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.6"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 148mm
  • BB Drop: 66mm

  The Wilde Supertramp is handmade in Taiwan through their partnership with the Maxway factory. It’s based around their own Wilde TLC (Tough Light Compliant) Chromoly steel tubing and a matching steel segmented fork. The frame has three pack mounts on the top and bottom of down tube, a bottle boss on seat tube, top tube mounts, fender mounts, internal dropper post routing, full loop cable guides, and clearance for 29 x 2.6″ tires (though it’s optimized for 29 x 2.25″).

  As for geometry, Wilde describes the Supertramp as having “comfortable off-road touring geometry,” and they say it’s perfect for an all-rounder. It has a tall stack height, long-ish reach, and works nicely with short stems and heavy front loads. The main triangle is optimized for a big frame bag, and it looks like it offers a capable platform for everyday riding and loaded bikepacking alike. Read the full press release here.

  • Price: $1200 (Frameset)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $1799
  

  Windover Beacon

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Carbon
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 2.5"
  • Bottom Bracket: T47 Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 148mm

  The Windover Beacon is a true ATB. It’s inspired by the mountain bikes Windover grew up riding. It’s perfect for big rides on varied terrain where you might not need suspension or dropper posts (although it can handle both). The Beacon is built up around Reynolds 853 DZB steel tubing, has clearance for 29 x 2.5″ tires, boost hub spacing, rack and fender mounts, and three bottle mounts on each frame. It’s designed to run Windover’s Type 3 carbon fork, which has Anything Cage mounts on each leg and a 415mm axle-to-crown length, making it easy to swap out for gravel suspension forks from RockShox, Fox, or Lauf.

  The Windover Beacon is available as a frame-only for £1,499, a frame + fork for £1,799, or as a frameset (frame, fork, BB, headset, seat clamp) for £1,999. Full builds are also available upon request, and anyone interested should contact Windover directly. Learn more about Windover Bikes here.

  • Price: $1799 (Frame + Fork)
  • Place of Manufacture: England
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $3495
  

  XX – Chumba URSA 29plus Backcountry (RIP)

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel (or carbon)
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 15 x 110mm / 12 x 148mm (sliding)
  • BB drop: 56mm

  The Chumba URSA 29plus Backcountry was one of the first production, bikepacking-specific 29+ rigs on the market. Featuring a made-in-the-USA steel frame, sliding dropouts, and plenty of mounts, its a great option to consider when eying bikes such as the Krampus, ECR, and the Tumbleweed Prospector. Check out this report on it.

  • Price: $3495 (BC)
  • Place of Manufacture: Texas, USA
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• £599
  

  XX – Stooge Speedball (RIP)

  • Frame/fork: Steel/steel
  • Tire Clearance: 29 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: Eccentric
  • Dropouts (F/R): 142 × 12 / 100 × 15mm

  The Speedball is a 29+ bike featuring a Klunkpacker bi-plane fork with triple cage mounts. The speedball is offered in one size only: 23.5″ ETT and 18″ seat tube for anyone between 5’8′ and 6’1″. It has clearance for 3″ rubber on a 45mm rim in the rear and 3.25″ on the front, a 27.2 post, 142 × 12 and 100 × 15 dropouts, and an included eccentric bottom bracket.

  Here’s some geo specs: ETT – 597mm, Seat tube – 457mm, head angle – 69, seat angle- 72, BB drop – 75mm, chainstays – 450mm, fork axle to crown – 455mm, head tube – 140mm, fork offset – 55mm truss, 57mm biplane.

  • Price: £599 (Frame/Bi-plane fork)
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $1900
  

  XX – Surly ECR (RIP)

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 29 x 3.0
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts: 100mm QR / 12 x 142/148mm
  • BB drop: 80mm

  See Our Full Review

  The magic of 29+ is that it provides a large rolling diameter as well as significant floatation and suspension qualities due to a wider footprint. And, all of this is at its disposal without the same penalties that 4″ fatbike tires possess. In essence, 29+ provides added cushion and confidence while not being as sluggish at a fatbike. The Surly ECR was one of the first few 29+ bikes, and the first to repurpose 29+ specifically for bikepacking. Many have followed in its wide footsteps, but it remains the archetype of its own niche.

  • Price: $1900 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close
• $1700
  

  XX – Surly Troll

  • Frame/Fork: Steel/Steel
  • Max Tire Size: 26 x 3.0"
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
  • Dropouts (F/R): 100QR/145mm "Gnot-Boost"
  • BB drop: 40mm

  The little brother to Surly’s Ogre, the Troll has long been an excellent choice for those headed to lands where 26” tires still reign supreme, or for those of a smaller stature, for whom front and rear bag clearance can be an issue. Smaller tires means more space. The Troll doesn’t come set up as a plus bike. Rather, it comes stock with Surly’s touring-friendly 2.5” ETs tires, but in typical Fatties Fit Fine fashion, there’s plenty of room for 26 x 3” tires. Just remember that you’ll want to build up a set of wheels with wider rims, as the standard ones are rather narrow. The Troll is rigid specific, the rear dropout is compatible with a Rohloff hub, and aside from a full complement of rack mounts, there’s no less than four sets of triple-pack mounts on the fork, facing both forward and aft. The Troll is available as both a complete build and a frameset, and has a BB drop of 40mm, so take that into account when swapping out wheels.

  • Price: $1700 (Complete)
  • Place of Manufacture: Taiwan
  • Manufacturer's Details: Link
  contract Close

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26+ vs. 27.5+ vs. 29+ vs. Wide Trail, in brief

There are pros and cons to each wheel size. Generally speaking, the larger the wheel, the smoother the ride. The smaller the wheel, the more nimble the handling. Which plus tire size is best for you will likely boil down to two main factors. The first is the availability of replacement tires in the areas you live or intend to travel. The second is your own stature. The larger diameter the tire, the less clearance you’ll have for a seat pack or front roll, especially if you intend to use suspension at some point (remember to allow for the fork’s compression). At the time of writing, the largest availability of tires is in the 27.5″ size, which will likely suit most riders.

Worth noting too is that bikes with plus-size clearances often overlap with ‘wide trail’ clearances in the next wheel size up. For example, 26+ generally fits 27.5 x 2.4” and 27.5+ often has clearances for 29 x 2.4” tires. This allows you to reinvent your bike and helps futureproof your frame. If you’re planning to experiment with wheel and tire sizes, be aware of the potential impact on bottom bracket height, which will affect pedal clearance. More recently, many of us have been gravitating toward 29 x 2.6″ tires, for which there are numerous now. One last factor to consider: the smaller the wheel, the easier it will be bag and box your bike for overseas travel.

As with our other Gear Indexes, we took quite a bit of time to collate a comprehensive selection of rigid steel mountain bikes for off-road touring in this list. However, there are probably a few that we missed. After publishing our Indexes of Drop-bar 29ers and 650B Gravel Plus bikes, we’ve added dozens of options; we expect this one will grow as well. If you know of a bike you think will make a solid addition to this list—preferably one you have first-hand experience with and can recommend—please let us know in the comments below.