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Bikepacking on a full suspension bike
Why I'm not touring with a gravel bike for once, but with a mountain bike.
Patagonia is known for its rugged terrain, challenging trails and unpredictable weather conditions, which can make bikepacking through the region a physically demanding and mentally challenging experience. A full suspension bike, in my case I chose to ride a GHOST Lector FS SF Pro, can be a valuable asset in this type of environment for several reasons.
Comfort:
Full suspension bikes offer more comfort and control over rough terrain. The suspension system can absorb impacts and vibrations, reducing fatigue and stress on your body. If you’re travelling long distances and know that you’ll be riding through various types of terrain, a full suspension bike would be the safest option.
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Traction:
with a full suspension bike, the rear wheel is better able to maintain contact with the ground, which can improve traction and stability on loose or technical terrain, which is especially useful when the bike is fully packed.
Ghost developed Tractionlink technology, which brushes away hard impacts and small bumps, smooth’s out the terrain and delivers continuous grip even in the most demanding terrain. This can improve the rider’s confidence and reduce the risk of accidents or injuries.
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Capacity:
full suspension bikes typically have less capacity to carry gear because of the shocker in the main triangle, which reduces the size of the frame bag comparing to the hardtail bikes. This can get a little tricky if you plan to carry a lot of gear for a multi-day trip, that’s why most of the people carrying backpack as well.
Comparing to some other full-suspension bikes on the market, Lector’s frame triangle fits an enviable size frame bag for the heavy essentials.
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Versatility:
full suspension bikes can handle a wider range of terrain than hardtail bikes. They can be used for technical singletrack, as well as for smoother dirt roads and gravel paths.
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Fun:
Riding a full suspension bike can be a lot of fun! The added comfort and control can allow you to take on more challenging terrain and enjoy the ride even more.
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Ultimately the decision to take a full suspension bike on a bikepacking trip will depend on your personal preferences riding style and the specific route you plan to take. However, if you anticipate encountering rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions, a full suspension bike may provide the comfort, control and durability you need to enjoy your trip.
If you’d like to know what we packed for a month-long bikepacking trip to Patagonia, go read this article.
If you’re interested in how is bikepacking in Patagonia, go read this article.