Carbon bike for bike packing?

[stillerjudith]

Just a question, is a carbon bike strong enough for bike packing?

Edited November 18, 2024 by stillerjudith

[Scalpel]

Yes. I have been using a carbon Cannondale Topstone for a while without any issues.

[Anthem24]

https://www.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/18g4kyt/bikepacking_on_carbon_bikes/

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/products/carbon-vs-steel-for-bikepacking-which-frame-material-is-best-for-cycling-on-and-off-road-on-multi-day-adventures

[Graham W]

Carbon bikes are manufactured and shipped all around the world in a cardboard box  just pack it with lots of protection 

[guidodg]

  On 11/18/2024 at 10:04 AM, Graham W said:

Carbon bikes are manufactured and shipped all around the world in a cardboard box  just pack it with lots of protection 

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haha, I think he means touring with packs on his bike😅

[Dusty]

Yes, carbon can definitely be used for bikepacking. I put insulation tape on high wear areas viz where the bags are strapped on to protect the surface.

Carbon has the advantage of being able to be repaired/made a plan with,  almost anywhere in the world.

 

[splat]

  On 11/18/2024 at 10:23 AM, Dusty said:

Yes, carbon can definitely be used for bikepacking. I put insulation tape on high wear areas viz where the bags are strapped on to protect the surface.

Carbon has the advantage of being able to be repaired/made a plan with,  almost anywhere in the world.

 

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Yes to carbon frames

(and everything that you say is also applicable to steel frames)

[splat]

  On 11/18/2024 at 7:29 AM, stillerjudith said:

Just a question, is a carbon bike strong enough for bike packing?

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This sounds like fun
Where are you planning on going ?
and on what bike ?

(I am due for another trip. Its been a while)

[betaboy]

If your frame has holes for all the gear carrying equipment then it’s a sure yes! Otherwise Velcro will become your best and get frame protected tape to not rub 

[stillerjudith]

  On 11/18/2024 at 4:29 PM, splat said:

This sounds like fun
Where are you planning on going ?
and on what bike ?

(I am due for another trip. Its been a while)

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We are planning  a trip next year, maybe Langeberg area, or Prince Albert. Still deciding. My Giant Anthem that I did our trip on this year, got stolen, so that is why I am asking about the carbon. Steel is so heavy.

[stillerjudith]

  On 11/18/2024 at 5:26 PM, betaboy said:

If your frame has holes for all the gear carrying equipment then it’s a sure yes! Otherwise Velcro will become your best and get frame protected tape to not rub 

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Thanks for the advise.

 

  On 11/18/2024 at 5:39 PM, stillerjudith said:

We are planning  a trip next year, maybe Langeberg area, or Prince Albert. Still deciding. My Giant Anthem that I did our trip on this year, got stolen, so that is why I am asking about the carbon. Steel is so heavy.

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[splat]

  On 11/18/2024 at 5:39 PM, stillerjudith said:

We are planning  a trip next year, maybe Langeberg area, or Prince Albert. Still deciding. My Giant Anthem that I did our trip on this year, got stolen, so that is why I am asking about the carbon. Steel is so heavy.

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Sounds awesome !

My (steel) Mercer isn't 'that' heavy.

Have you looked at any bikes yet?
Has anything caught your eye ?

What sort of riding do you in between touring ?
Would this be your every day bike ?

[ChrisF]

  On 11/18/2024 at 5:39 PM, stillerjudith said:

We are planning  a trip next year, maybe Langeberg area, or Prince Albert. Still deciding. My Giant Anthem that I did our trip on this year, got stolen, so that is why I am asking about the carbon. Steel is so heavy.

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@Prince Albert Cycles your recommendations for "best" frame material for those long bike packing rides around Prince Albert ?

[betaboy]

  On 11/18/2024 at 5:40 PM, stillerjudith said:

Thanks for the advise.

 

 

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But steel is forever!💪🏻

[michaelbiker]

Weight with all those bags and equiiment should be the least of your concern. Steel or titanium FTW. Plus you don’t need to worry about wrapping everything in tape. Particularly on a raw ti frame. You can just polish the scuffs out. 

[ChrisF]

  On 11/18/2024 at 11:52 PM, michaelbiker said:

Weight with all those bags and equiiment should be the least of your concern. Steel or titanium FTW. Plus you don’t need to worry about wrapping everything in tape. Particularly on a raw ti frame. You can just polish the scuffs out. 

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Any recommendations on wheels ?

 

Must be a bit of a juggling act to keep the wheel weight in check, while getting something strong enough for a loaded bike packing trip over corrugations ....