Bike Packing

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For all your bikingpacking needs, from mountain, gravel, and e-bikes to accessories, apparel, helmets, tools, and more - come to Action Bicycle Club in Christchurch. We know the ins and outs of Bikepacking, and we can't wait to set you up for your next gravel cycling adventure!

What is Bikepacking?

Bikepacking combines cycling and camping, allowing you to carry everything you need for a journey on your bike. Unlike traditional bike touring, which often sticks to paved roads, bikepacking focuses on off-road, unpaved paths. Gear for bikepacking is specially designed to fit compactly and distribute weight evenly across the bike, making it easier to navigate rough terrain.

Choosing the Right Bikepacking Bike

The foundation of any bikepacking setup is a reliable, adventure-ready bike. Common choices for bikepacking bikes include gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and custom builds. Here are some top options: Kona: Known for its rugged gravel and mountain bikes, Kona offers models like the Kona Sutra and Rove, both popular for bikepacking. Their bikes are built for endurance, with geometry and frame materials that provide comfort over long distances on rough terrain. Custom-built bikepacking bikes by Salsa: Salsa is a top choice for custom bikepacking builds, especially models like the Salsa Fargo, which is designed specifically for off-road touring. Salsa bikes often come with multiple mounting points for bags and racks, perfect for fully loaded adventures. Velo Orange: A classic in the world of bike touring and bikepacking, Velo Orange specializes in retro-inspired touring bikes with modern functionality. Known for frames and components that prioritize durability and comfort, Velo Orange bikes make an excellent base for a custom bikepacking setup. Each of these bikes offers a unique set of features suited to various types of terrain, from gravel roads to challenging mountain trails. With a reliable frame and geometry designed for comfort, these bikepacking bikes provide stability and control, making long rides more enjoyable.

Bikepacking Bags for Every Need

Efficient gear storage is key to a successful bikepacking trip. Unlike traditional panniers used for bike touring, bikepacking bags are streamlined, fitting snugly within the frame, under the saddle, or on the handlebars. Leading brands in bikepacking bags include Ortlieb and Road Runner Bags. Ortlieb Bikepacking Bags: Known for waterproof, durable designs, Ortlieb bags are perfect for any weather condition. Their handlebar and frame bags are particularly popular, featuring fully waterproof materials to protect your gear. Ortlieb's seat packs, like the Ortlieb Seat-Pack, provide generous storage and are easy to secure to most bikes. Road Runner Bags: Handmade in Los Angeles, Road Runner Bags are well-regarded for their durability and urban styling, making them great for mixed bikepacking and city commutes. The Road Runner Handlebar Bag provides ample storage space for essentials, while the Road Runner Burrito Bag is a compact option for smaller items. By combining bags from Ortlieb and Road Runner, you can ensure that each piece of equipment has a dedicated space on your bike, reducing clutter and keeping your setup organized.

Essential Bikepacking Equipment

Choosing high-quality equipment is essential for a successful bikepacking trip. ToPeak, a trusted brand for bikepacking tools and accessories, offers various items ideal for bikepacking, from multi-tools to bike racks and hydration packs. ToPeak Multi-tools and Pumps: Bikepacking often means venturing into areas far from repair shops, so a reliable multi-tool is essential. ToPeak’s Alien II multi-tool is compact yet includes 31 functions, making it ideal for on-the-go repairs. ToPeak also offers mini pumps like the ToPeak Mini Morph, a powerful and portable pump suitable for both mountain and gravel bike tires. ToPeak Bike Racks and Storage: For additional storage, ToPeak bike racks provide versatile mounting options. Their rear racks, like the ToPeak Explorer, can be adapted to fit different frames and make a perfect choice for longer trips that require extra gear. ToPeak Hydration Solutions: Staying hydrated is critical, especially on strenuous trails. ToPeak’s water bottle cages and hydration packs make it easy to carry enough water to last between stops, helping you stay energized and hydrated throughout your ride.

Planning Your Bikepacking Adventure

Bikepacking requires thoughtful planning to ensure you have the right gear, enough food, and a route that matches your experience level. Here are some tips: Test Your Setup: Before setting off on a long trip, test your bikepacking setup on a shorter ride. This will help you identify any adjustments needed and allow you to get comfortable with the extra weight on your bike. Pack Essentials First: Essentials like shelter, sleeping bags, and food should be packed first, with non-essentials filling any remaining space. Use your handlebar and seat bags for lighter, bulky items, and reserve frame bags for heavier gear like tools and water. Balance the Load: Properly balancing the load across your bike is essential for handling and comfort. Avoid overloading any single area; use a combination of bags to distribute weight evenly. Choose the Right Trail: Start with trails that suit your skill level. Many bikepacking routes are available online, providing information about terrain, length, and elevation gain, which will help you select a trail that fits your fitness and experience.

Summary: Getting Started with Bikepacking

Bikepacking offers a unique way to explore new landscapes, combining the thrill of cycling with the freedom of camping. By investing in quality bikepacking bikes from brands like Kona, Salsa, and Velo Orange and choosing reliable bikepacking bags from Ortlieb and Road Runner, you can equip yourself for any adventure. With the right setup and essential gear from ToPeak, you’ll be ready to tackle rugged trails, immerse yourself in nature, and experience the joy of self-supported travel. Whether you're planning your first trip or looking to upgrade your gear, this guide provides everything you need to begin an unforgettable bikepacking journey.

Shop everything Bikepacking at Action Bicycle Club Today!

At Action Bicycle Club, we have a great bike range with products suitable for all kinds of terrain, whether that's mountain riding, gravel riding - or the daily commute through the city. We're the best bike store in New Zealand, offering everything you need for your biking adventures, including electric bikes, kids bikes, gravel bikes, helmets, apparel, tools, accessories, and more. Shop with us today!