Our Top 13 Drop-Bar Mountain Bikes (Part 2 of 2)

For our list of the best drop-bar mountain bikes, we look at 13 of our favorites, ranked based on votes from our editor team here at BIKEPACKING.com. Watch part 2 of our series about one of the most common bike types we test on the site here…

Outline:
Intro - 0:00
8. Salsa Fargo - 5:24
7. Esker Lorax - 6:14

Other Links:

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

[stephenconroy]

I have the Moonshiner. I’ve been riding bikes for 40 years, no other bike has consistently put a smile on my face every time I get on the saddle. So comfortable, so capable and so reassuring! 🙏✊

[Yocambio]

Just what I was looking for. Thank you!

[JakeLuke]

Excellent choices on your list here. The Stargazer and Moonshiner are such wonderful looking rigs. Always nice to see them. I test rode the Moonshiner, but opted for the lighter Hardtack. Which is very similar in looks and geo to the Grappler, also on your list. Thank you Neal.

[MrJhamil]

I would suggest the Panorama TAÏGA EXP 2

[livingadrenaline]

Tanglefoot moonshiner is heinous. I love it.

[paddyredbeard]

I put wide drops on my MB-2 and it's the sweetest!

[wftorres]

hehehe, love monster bikes have 10.Kona sutra 8. salsa fargo 4. Surly grappler .they surely gives me comfort during rough gravel

[mistercamaro]

As a Surly Ghost Grappler owner myself I know for a fact that 29x2.3 tires will fit. I added a little more breathing room with the addition of Surly Monkey Nuts V.3.
Also to be noted the front end flop is way more with 29’s but I feel it’s worth it.
8:32

[BenPoulet]

When will you be reviewing the Panorama Taiga EXP? It would definitely make this list! Cheers for the great content!

[ABFPV]

Don’t forget older bikes! I have a 2012 Sir 9 set up singlespeed with Ritchey Beacon handlebars. It’s absolutely shreds everything

[guacamolesurf]

I really enjoyed both parts!!! Here in Mexico we don’t really have so many options to get these kind o bikes!!! 
gravel is recently growing up and becoming a phenomenon!!! I used to think it was amazing, and it is!!! its fun and fast!!!
Now its a fancy sport that it makes you feel you have to have the latest gravel bike, carbon bike, fancy cloths, etc.... but I don’t see why to buy an expensive gravel bike, that limits your ride, because of tire size and width!!! also not having so many places to anchor your stuff... But when I found my Surly Ghostgrappler I tasted a new world for me!!! I used to be a mountain biker and this bike is awesome!!! I can go Mtb routes and then gravel routes, and I can join both kind of people graves and Mtb on the same day!!! Ha!!!! its so fun!!! 
yes its is super heavy!!! It doesn’t have suspension and it’s hard after many miles going down hill for my hands and wrists, but I haven’t found a perfect bike yet!!! 
I call her my Cadillac!!! its a very supple bike and its so reliable, strong and fun!!! So I was really pleased to find it here on your 13 top bikes!!! =D it was the only option for me, and it’s good to know that I did well buying it two years ago!!!
I`ve biked with it here in Mexico in Oaxaca, 3 routes from the web site that I highly suggest doing, Also in turkey, Romania, Bulgaria and Greece!!! not regrets so Far!!!! cheers!!!

[黄辰旭]

Decathlon Riverside Touring frame, It has everything except the internal cable routing hole for the dropper.
Thru axle, post mount disk brake, 100 & 142 O.L.D, 29 by 2.4 tire clearance and only 300 for alloy frame and 200 for carbon fork.

[boringcyclingadventures]

Breezer Radar X? It is My drop bar mountain Bike ❤️Love It 🚴🚴

[Alex_]

The list is missing the Singular Gryphon, which I've seen people call it the British Fargo as it's been around just as long as the Fargo has. Comes in steel & ti.

[One_mole_worth]

Is there any way to organize the bikes you guys have reviewed? I would love a spreadsheet or similar where I could set some sliders and say "I want the most stable bike that first up to a 29x2" tire and is made from steel" or "the most playful bike that can still fit 2.4 and is titanium"

[benjamingarrison]

I have a Tumbleweed Stargazer and it's a fantastic bike. I absolutely love it. Already saving for a Ti version for the far-off future.

[bikegan]

Check out Panorama Cycles Taiga EXP 2! Wonderful build and ride quality!

[ryand]

My Surly Ghost Grappler is my favorite hopefully my forever bike, i like the WT Otso as well.

[jduarte]

which is better Santa cruz stigmata vs Salsa Cutthroat

[davidjfife]

Ever ridden a CO-Motion Cycles Divide? Hand built in Oregon. Be awesome if you guys could get ahold of one to test. I have three CO-Motions and they are great.