Frameset for BikePacking

[Claret73]

I'm thinking of asking a local framebuilder to look at a frame for me, a bit specific for Bikepacking. I know he likes building interesting projects. So a few questions if I can? May not go this route so any suggestions to off the peg would be welcome...

I did see on here I think somebody who had a Singular, custom built, specific for the task in hand & luggage carrying. Any suggestions here?

SingleSpeed or Gears
26/29er (I'm only 5'6" & a Whippet)
Specific to geometry considerations

May need to look at luggage options so I could show him some stuff for frame measurements...
Just a bit of a thought, I may more likely go Off the Peg but he gets excited at one offs, doesn't build many as paints frames mostly. It might not be too expensive? Deffo not 'Ricky Feather'
Thanks

[Bearbonesnorm]

Designing a frame from stratch is always tricky. Are there any frames you've ridden/like that you could use as a basis for your new one?

If it were me, I'd want the following included:
EBB
Steel
Under downtube bottle mount
Rack mounts (just in case)
29" wheels - no reason why you can't have a 29er at 5'6"
BIG tyre clearance on the rear - may require 83mm BB
Split rear triangle so I can run a belt
Short(ish) TT
Long(ish) HT

[Kumquat]

I would, if I were you, which I'm not but anyway....
look closely at the salsa fargo frameset. It should have everything you want and more. It wont cost you both arms and a leg.
Just a thought.

[Claret73]

Thanks for the replies! Some useful info on the useful additions there...

I may be a little ashamed to admit I've not yet done a BikePack & I know on paper it may seem a bit of a 'I want all the gear' approach. But that's not the case. I've rode MTBs since the 90's, racing & general riding. I've got a couple of steel Retro Bikes (Rocky Mountain & Rock Lobster) and have done the club scene, road racing to death, so plenty of understanding what I'd like to be doing. I just fancy getting away from the racing & doing getaway trips, which from all the RnD I've done on here & other Google searches, I'm really looking forward to. I've done a fair bit of Hill walking in the past with DofE, just looking forward to some solitude!!!

I might use the Rocky Mountain to start & see what that feels like, along with anything I could really use on the frame that isn't already there...The builder I know doesn't build many at all as it's not full time, just a hobby now, so I don't think I'll be paying Dave Yates prices...

Anyhow, appreciate the info!!! This is a really great forum & I'll hope to contribute more in the near future and hopefully get out...
Andy

[Bearbonesnorm]

I just thought ... I'd also add a double TT like the Trek Sawyer. I know it eats into frame triangle (bag) space and adds complication but it looks really, really nice :D

[Gari]

I have a Surly Ogre hanging on the wall ready to build up over the winter ready for the spring, and it ticks most of the boxes you are looking at, most anything a tourer(on or off road) could want, except the double top tube though :D
I would suggest building one of the bikes you have, my choice would be the Rock Lobster as it's real retro cool , it will help to weed out what you think you want in a bike as an academic excercise, and what is really required/useful to you.
When I built my Hummingbird I had all sorts of ideas that went by the way after a few rides, replaced by several things that hadn't occurred to me through those "if only I had xxxxxx" moments.

Custom is a great option of course, but if you don't know what you want, you want know what to ask for. A few trips on what you have will help that weeding process no end. Just my pennies worth.
Gari

[Blackhound]

Adding to the list I would add NOT having a sloping top tube if possible, keep it parallel to the ground. It reduces the space if you go for frame bag. Even if you for a partial bag like the Vaude / Jandd / Rose it may possibly stop you getting a bottle in the cage. Or having a 500ml instead of 750ml.

[pedalhead]

I did exactly this, but based the frame on a combination of the Singular Pegasus and Swift geometry that I'd ridden a lot, taking the bits from each that worked for me. I would definitely echo Kevin's suggestion about the top tube...I had mine raised by an inch or so (the TT/ST junction) and even a small change like that makes a huge difference to the size of frame bag I can get in there. I also had a third bottle cage mount put underneath the down tube. As you have the luxury of full custom, think about everything.....cable routing so as not to affect frame bag or portability for the inevitable hikeabike sections...do you want it stiff or comfortable or in the middle. Then when you you've got the frame, get in contact with Wildcat Gear for a perfectly fitting custom frame bag :D

[Cheeky Monkey]

Personally I'd buy something off the peg and get a few trips in. There's plenty of potential bikes that'll do great for bike packing, in fact, the idea that there's dedicated "bikepacking" bikes all starts to get a bit STW, for me. No offense like, I love gear and all but it's really easy to disappear up your own bum on this like so many other aspects of riding a push bike. The great thing is bikepacking's not complicated or specialist. A couple of alpkit dry bags and your existing camping gear and away you (can) go 8-)

I realise there's a certain irony in me saying this given I've managed to order specialist titanium widgets from the States and hi-faluting string

However, if you want to go down the bespoke route it's not for me to say you shouldn't (which isn't what I'm trying to do, honest). I just think it might be a way to gather other people's wishlists and spend time and money producing something that isn't really the best thing for you.

HYOH and all that 8-)

[pedalhead]

Oh I missed the bit where you're new to bike packing. I'd definitely want to get out there and do it for a while first so you get a feel for your own priorities.

[Claret73]

Thanks Mark (Pedalhead). I will be doing just that. Plus point it's rigid and although a Retro Resto, I'm not having it hung on the wall! It'll be great to see where this bike can take me...Great Blog! Too...& Yes it was yourself where I had seen the custom thread for the frame...