Bikes, a thread reborn

[Scythe13]

Bikes as a bug out vehicle has been discussed a fair bit. However...things have changed and I'm pleased to say, they have changed for the better.

Having read back over the various bike threads, it seemed appropriate to revisit this topic. Many of the core discussion elements are the same as before e.g. if you've not ridden 10+ miles recently but could when you were a kid, stop dreaming and accept you are unlikely to be able to punch out a 10+ mile ride. You have to train and increase your fitness if you plan to bug out with bikes.

But...there is good news. Most people were speaking about steel frake bikes. However, current aluminium frame bikes are very sturdy (yes as sturdy as steel) but weigh so much less. Heck, even carbon bikes are pretty awesome and hardy now. But you can get titanium frames now too. The biggest issue with steel frame is that they are unforgiving in regards to their road feel. Your teeth will be rattling. However, switch out your forks for carbon and they'll last as long, but will be much more forgiving regarding surface vibrations.

There is a beautiful new style of bike that feels like the ideal BO Bike. Gravel bikes.

They are not quite a hybrid bike in the classic term. They are more like a road bike with a thicker frame and wider wheels. Think of original mountain bikes from the 90s, but with modern quality components and materials. But the thing that makes them best is that they are frequently used for bikepacking. Think backpacking, but where you can travel over 50 miles in a day...if you've training for it. Granted it's ultralite backpacking, at best.

Have a look at gravel bikes + bikepacking and...you're welcome.