Best Bikepacking Bikes of 2023

This year brought forth a rich and varied selection of bikes, and we published long-term reviews of some newly released bikes and some that have been on our list for a while. In this video, Neil unveils our favorite bikes we pedaled in 2023, showcases the Bikepacking Collective Choice bike awards, and highlights some bikes that have already captured our attention for the upcoming year.

Intro - 0:00
Stooge MK6 - 0:54
Esker Hayduke LVS - 1:40
Pipedream Sirius S6 - 2:30
Reeb SST - 4:07
Black Mountain Cycles La Cabra - 4:44
Santa Cruz Stigmata - 5:28
Neil's Runner-ups - 6:14
Bikepacking Collective awards - 7:16
Most Interesting Bikes for 2024 - 9:19

Mentioned Links:

#bikepacking #pedalfurther #bestbikes
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::About The Host::
Geometry: 150lbs, 5'9.5", 32" inseam, +2.5" Ape index

[AndrewDemack]

What is most interesting to me in the bikepacking space is what seems like consensus that a rigid 29er running 2.4s is about right for most people doing adventure touring. Don’t overlook the many thousands of hardtail aluminium mtbs made from 2002-2012 that just need a rigid fork to be that bike. Not just a budget-friendly way to get started bikepacking, but also giving a new lease of life to bikes that might be just sitting in a shed or garage.

[chuckfessler]

I pre-ordered the Priority HXT earlier this fall. Can’t wait for it to be delivered! This is the most excited I have been for a new bike in a LONG time

[joelnichols]

You should follow up a video like this with a "how to store more bikes" video. Thanks for the awesome content!

[Stewburner]

I just built a Velo Orange Piolet and I did a lot of research on bikes and frames within my budget. I'm very pleased so far with it now to get some overnighters.

[KNURKonesur]

my fav bikepacking bike is the one i built around the Sonder Camino frame... cause it's my only bike... and the only bike I can afford :D

[davefoxtattoo]

So stoked to see you giving Stooge props. The geometry is magical, they look amazing, and they’re fun in every way. Love my Speedbomb and my Rambler!

[matthewalexander]

I’m loyal to Salsa, but that Esker Hayduke LVS reminds me of a lean Blackborow - very nice!

[ChuntA]

If Salsa redesigns the Fargo for 2024 I'd love to see a review of one of those.

[TZZZ]

So intriguing to see that your best bikepacking bikes of the year are basically all hardtail mountain bikes. It looks like a MTB list from the 80’s. ...All my bikepacking so far is on my amazing 3T Exploro gravel race bikes…they are lighter, faster and with Talifin racks, equally as capable. ...Now, long distance bike touring is another matter altogether and the long wheelbase bikes in your list are the revelation here, though I wouldn’t classify this as ‘bikepacking’ per se. Semantics perhaps, but with none! of the amazing array of Gravel bikes on the market in your list I am responding in kind :) Cheers, all the best for 2024.

[rantingwrench]

My Stooge Mk6 has quickly become my favourite bike I've ever owned, and I have owned a lot of bikes!

[eriktaylor]

This video dropped just in time for my Ti Fenrir to arrive. So much stoke going on right now!

[aznwierdone]

I just built up an SST and have been loving it. Glad to see it on the list, certainly a bike I feel would be the last bike I sell.

[JakeLuke]

That Stooge is eye popping! As for what to test ride in 2024, I love the look and weight of the Solace OM-3. A drop bar mtb monster gravel bike. Very promising.

[Foxtrottangoabc]

Good to see so many 27.5 2.8 wheel bikes still available. Disclainer i gotta whyte 909 27.5 2.8 bike and i keep thinking infact Paranoid 😅 im missing out on 29ers

[kevindean]

I love my Olsen Lamb with a Pinion, a great value titanium bike .

[jeffdible]

High value content! Certainly makes the N+! seem like N+5!

[hykerwilson]

I'd like to see the priority 600HXT reviewed. Thinking I should buy one.

[app]

These bikes are amazing, but most of them are waaay out of my budget. Maybe someday... But I wonder if you tried some more budget friendly options? Did you ever put your hands on Marin Four Corners? And I am not thinking in a base form, with a 3x9 Sora gearing. Maybe someone you know uses it, has it, has some experience with it on a trail, maybe someone upgraded it to better drivetrain. Has it much heavier frame than steel bikes from boutique or mainstream brands mentioned in the content? I just wonder...
Great channel! Bikepacking is sth new for me and you opened my eyes and mind😊.
Carry on! Ride safe!

[cypriano]

my honzo cr aint a bikepacking bike but it sure is lighter than most the bikes on review here. its nice when your everyday mtb just is your bikepacking bike, ya know

[davidjfife]

Love to see you review the CO-Motion Divide.