All of us here at the Radavist have been on a bike tour at some point. With the proliferation of bicycle touring and bikepacking in the modern bike zeitgeist, many options exist for a “touring bike.” This also means it can be hard to sift through all those options. With bikes that span from the “skinny tire” gravel bikes to the monster truck fat bikes, touring bikes can be whatever you need of them.
We compiled a list of touring bikes and rigid MTBs under or around $2000 to help you find your first or next tourin’ rig…
In terms of longevity, an aluminum or steel chassis ensures your bags won’t rub through structural material like they can (and do) on a carbon chassis. Metal frames remain safer to ride for longer. And you can look for these bikes used on Craigslist, eBay, or our Rad Bazaar for a second-hand purchase. Steel has always been revered in the bike touring world for its malleability and ease of repair. We also included aluminum for its corrosion resistance, weight, and affordability.
I can already hear the “any bike is a touring bike” crowd prepping their comments. Yes, that is very true and we would greatly encourage anyone to strap your gear to their current bike however you possibly can! For this article, we are looking at bikes that companies have designed with bike touring in mind.
That means the bikes have fender/rack/cargo mounts, a geometry tuned for loaded touring, and are engineered to take a substantial load. Not all gravel bikes, with rack bosses or not, are designed for fully loaded touring.
Here are the criteria we’ll be looking for in these bikes:
- Tire Clearance
- Touring Accutremonts like extra bottle bosses, cargo mounts, fenders, and rack mounts
- Bikes that come stock with racks
- MSRP of around $2000
Bombtrack Beyond 1 $1380
If you shy away from the new-fangled trend of 1x drivetrains and hydraulic brakes the Beyond 1 might just be for you. With a double-butted 4130 chromoly frame and fork the Beyond is adventure-ready with mounts galore. A 2×10 Microshift Sword Drivetrain and TRP Spyre brakes round out this classic mechanical build.
Shorthand Specs:
- Steel frame and fork
- XS-S (27.5″)
- M-XL (29″)
- Internal dynamo light wiring
- Microshift Sword 2×10 drivetrain
- Cable-actuated disc brakes
Pros
- Steel Frame
- Mounts galore
- Internal light wiring
- Flared drop bars
- Size-specific wheel pairing
- Good tire clearance up to 2.0″
- Good Value
- Mechanical Brakes
Cons
- N/A
Bombtrack Beyond+ $1500
Bombtrack’s Beyond+ is keeping the plus-tire bike alive with 35mm rims and 27.5 x 2.8″ tires. John has been a big proponent of keeping 3″ tires alive for bike touring. The steel frame and fork is littered with the normal mounts and even some 3-pack mounts on the seat stay.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Steel Frame and Fork
- 27.5 x 2.8″
- Dropper Compatible (30.9 Seatpost)
Pros
- Steel frame and suspension-corrected fork
- Mounts galore, including seat stay mounts.
- Huge tire clearance for 3″ tires
- Massive range with Eagle Drivetrain
Cons
- Sram SX drivetrain
Bombtrack Arise Tour $1500
Reviving a classic touring bike aesthetic, the Bombtrak Arise tour is the epitome of touring ready. Coming stock with bar end shifters, 2×10 drivetrain, fenders, front and rear racks, and a dynamo light setup.
Shorthand Specs:
- 650/700 x 42c tire clearance
- XS – 650b
- S-XL – 700c
- Fenders and Rack
- 2×10 Drivetrain
- Bar end shifters
- Dynamo light
- Mechanical Brakes
Pros
- Fenders and racks included stock
- Dynamo light stock
- Bar end shifters for reliability
- Fenders
- Classic styling
Cons
- Mediocre tire clearance
Breezer Thunder $1499
The Breezer Thunder is a modern rigid mountain bike with 29×2.5″ tires stock and a 100mm suspension corrected fork. With tons of mounts for three water bottles on the main triangle, two sets of 3-pack mounts on the seat stay, and 3-pack mounts on the fork the Thunder has room for all your bags.
Shorthand Specs:
- 15in-21.5in sizing
- 29×2.8″ clearance
- Steel Frame and Fork
- Dropper post
- Shimano Deore 1×12 drivetrain
- Boost spaced wheelset
Pros
- Massive tire clearance
- Shimano Hydraulic Brakes
- Mounts Galore
- Great spec for price
- Dropper post
Cons
- Light casing tires
Cycle Bassi Hog’s Back C$2,200
The Hog’s Back has been a crowd favorite since Cycle CL first started carrying it as a frameset. It recently became available as a complete bike, coming in at around $1,635 as of posting this article. The steel chassis is fit with a number of cargo/rack/fender mounts, and it sports a portage strap!
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: 47 cm – 58 cm
- Steel frame and fork
- Microshift XCD 11-Speed
- 26″ x 2.2″ tires on 47cm and 51cm cycles, 27.5″ x 2.2″ tires on 54cm and 58cm frame sizes
Pros
- Steel frameset
- Front/rear rack mounts, cargo cages, fender mounts
- Nice tire clearance
Cons
- N/A
Decathlon Riverside Touring 900 £1,299.99
With custom, proprietary racks, mounts a plenty, a triple Shimano XT drivetrain, a Brooks saddle, AND a dynamo setup, the Decathlon Riverside Touring 900 might be the best-equipped bike on this list, ready for all your off-road adventures
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: S-XL
- Aluminum frame
- Proprietary racks
- Rated for loads of 170 kg. Rear pannier rack holds 40 kg, front holds 20 kg
- Shimano XT triple drivetrain
- Dynamo
- Brooks B17 saddle
- Clearance for 50 mm tires
- USB charging port for your devices on top of steerer tube
Pros
- Mind-blowing spec list
- Front and rear racks
- Dynamo setup
- Brooks B17 saddle
- Basically all of the shorthand specs
Cons
- Limited sizing for shorter riders
- UK/EU only :-(
Jones Plus LWB/SWB V2 $1995
While this model has been replaced by the Plus V3, the V2 Plus LWB, and SWB still have plenty to offer and are discounted to squeeze under our $2k price limit. Jones bikes are famous for their large tire clearance and comfortable ride feel. The SWB refers to its short wheelbase for a nimble ride feel, while the LWB refers to an extended wheelbase for a planted and stable ride.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: S-L
- LWB fits up to 29 x 3.25″
- SWB fits 29 x 2.6 or 27.5 x 3.25
- 50mm rims
- Jones H-bar handlebars
- Sram Eagle SX 1×12 drivetrain
- Kickstand mount
Pros
- Massive tire clearance on both bikes
- SWB or LWB to fit riding preference
- Properly wide 50mm rims
- Famously loved Jones H-Bar handlebar
- Lots of mounting points
Cons
- Limited sizing for shorter riders
- Sram SX drivetrain
Kona Sutra $2099
When you want modern amenities but a classic touring style, reach for the Kona Sutra. A steel frame outfitted with all the mainstays of a classic touring bike: fenders, Brooks saddle/bar tape, Schwalbe Marathon tires, and a Tubus rack. Coming in just over our $2000 dollar line, we still thought this rig should make the list.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: 48cm-58cm
- Steel Frame and fork
- Tubus Low Rider rack
- Fenders
- GRX 2×10 drivetrain
- Brooks saddle and microfiber tape
- Schwalbe Marathon Tires
- TRP mechanical/hydro brakes
Pros
- Fenders and front rack stock
- Brooks B17 saddle and microfiber bar tape
- 2×10 drivetrain
- Mechanical/Hydro disc brakes
- Famously long-lasting Schwalbe Marathon Tires
- Classic styling
- Mounts galore for bolt-on frame bags or accessories in the main triangle
Cons
- Small Tire Clearance
- Just over our $2k budget with its more premium spec
Kona Unit X $1599
A practical and modern bikepacking machine. Long, low, and slack geometry with a rigid fork for simplicity and durability. A cult classic in the making if you value a steel frame, rigid mountain biking, or single speeding.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: S-XL
- Reynolds 520 Butted steel frame
- Shimano 1×12 Drivetrain
- Shimano Hydraulic Brakes
- 29 x 2.6″ Tires
- Modular sliding dropout
- Internal dropper post routing
- Steel fork with 3-pack mounts
- Boost spacing
Pros
- Sliding dropout for single speeders
- Large tire clearance
- Reynolds 520 tube set
Cons
- N/A
Marin DSX $1899
Billed as a modern flat bar gravel bike, the Marin DSX would work as a great light touring rig nonetheless. The aluminum frame and carbon fork keep things light while providing plenty of tire clearance. You can add a dropper if you want to get extra rowdy as well.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: S-XL
- Aluminum Frame
- 700c wheels
- Carbon Fork with 3-pack mounts
- Apex 1×12 drivetrain
- Sram DB-300 hydraulic brakes
- Dropper post routing
Pros
- Clearance for 700x50c tires
- Carbon Fork
- Apex Drivetrain
Cons
- Aluminum frame for those who may prefer steel
Marin Four Corners 1 $999
Another modern revival of a classic touring bike. A steel frame and fork keep riding smooth as well as large 700c tires. A 3×9 drivetrain and quick-release skewers will feel familiar to most older touring cyclists. All the mounts and dropper post routing bring this rig into the modern world of cyclotouring.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Wheels: XS-S: 650B M-XL: 700c
- Steel frame
- Shimano 3×9 drivetrain
- Dropper post routing
- Cable-actuated disc brakes
Pros
- 700x 45c tire clearance
- more mounts than you can shake a stick at
- 3×9 for the retro grouches
- tall headtube for a relaxed fit
- Very affordable and good value
Cons
- Quick-release skewers with disc brakes often cause a “kissing sound” when loaded down.
Poseidon Redwood Flatbar $779 (Sale Pricing)
The cheapest bike on this list at the moment, but with lots of value. Stand-out 27.5×2.6″ tire clearance can keep up with the rowdiest paths you can take it down. If you want a simple and very affordable way to get into off road touring, you won’t find a more affordable option than the Poseidon Redwood.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: XXS-XL
- Aluminum frame and fork
- 27.5″ wheels
- Microshift Advent X drivetrain 10 speed drivetrain
- Cable-actuated disc brakes
- Available in drop bar version as well
Pros
- Very affordable
- Huge clearance for 2.6″ tires
- 3 pack mounts on fork
Cons
- Very budget spec
REI Coop Cycles ADV 3.1 $1358 (Sale Pricing)
With large volume 650b knobby tires, the REI ADV 3.1 encourages you to head off road as soon as possible. A plethora of mounting points accommodates modern bikepacking bags and traditional racks and panniers alike. The bar end shifters are a nice touch to keep this rig rolling consistently for a long time.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: XS- XL
- Steel frame and fork
- 650x50c tires
- TRP hydraulic brakes
- Shimano 2×11 drivetrain
- Bar end shifters
Pros
- Mounts galore!
- Knobby 650b tires
- 2×11 drivetrain with bar end shifters!
- Great value
Cons
- N/A
Rocky Mountain Blizzard A20 $1259 (Sale Pricing)
While fat bikes might not be for everyone they can definitely hold their own for off road touring duty when the trip necessitates such floatation. Using more modern 27.5 x 4.5″ tires you won’t find many places this bike can’t go.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Aluminum frame and fork
- 27.5 x 4.5″
- dropper post compatible
- Shimano Deore 12 speed drivetrain
- Dropper post compatible
Pros
- One of the largest rim/tire combinations for any terrain
Cons
- Massive tires may be overkill for some applications
- Will require fat bike-specific rack
- High q factor can cause knee pain for some
Salsa Journeyer Flat Bar Deore $1199
Available in both flat and drop bar versions ranging from $899-2699 depending on spec. The flat bar Deore spec fits well into our price range and spec preferences. A great all around bike for many applications the Journeyer probably has a build to suit you.
Shorthand Specs:
- Size XS, S, M, L, XL
- Aluminum frame and fork
- 650b x47c (available in 700c)
- Shimano Deore 1×10 drivetrain
Pros
- Plenty of mounts
- A price and spec to fit many budgets
- Wide range 1×10 drivetrain
- Great value
Cons
- N/A
Salsa Marrakesh Alivio $2049
Salsa’s mainstay touring bike rigged from the get-go for classic touring. Equipped stock with a front and rear rack all you need to add is a set of panniers and your camping gear and you are ready to go. The famously reliable Shimano Alivio drivetrain paired with bar end shifters will make sure you are pedaling into the sunset for a long time.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: 50, 52, 54, 55, 57, 59
- Triple Butted 4130 frame and steel fork
- 700 x 42c tires
- Kickstand mount and spare spoke holder
- Alternator Dropouts
- Shimano Alivio 2×10 drivetrain
- Cable actuated disc brakes
Pros
- Great tire clearance up to 29×2.0″ without fenders
- comes with front and rear rack
- Bar end shifters
Cons
- Quick release wheels and disc brakes
- Expensive
Surly Wednesday $1599
Sitting in the middle of Surly’s trail bike offering, the Wednesday could just as well make a capable touring rig. With mounts aplenty on the frame and fork for most manner of bag and rack you can pack this beast however you need. The Wednesday keeps 26″ alive in its own way.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Steel frame and fork
- 26 x 3.8″ wheels
- Cable actuated disc brakes
- Sram 1×12 NX Eagle drivetrain
- Track style dropout for SS
Pros
- Up to 26 x 4.6″ with the wheel in the back of the dropout
- Large tires for almost any terrain
Cons
- Wide Q factor
- Will require fat bike specific rack
- Heavy with steel frame and huge tires
Surly Bridge Club $1449
Surly’s successor to the much beloved Cross Check with a focus on simplicity and accessibility. A versatile rig that can work with 26″, 27.5″ and 700c wheel builds. With mounts a plenty and that classic surly steel feel this bike can be just about anything you can dream it to be.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: XS-XL
- 700c x 42c or 27.5 x 2.4″
- Steel frame and fork
- All the mounts “that matter most to the discerning bike tourist”
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Shimano CUES 1×11 drivetrain
Pros
- Versatile tire clearance across three wheel sizes:
- Up to 700 x 47c tires
- Up to 27.5 x 2.8″
- Up to 26 x 3″
- Long wearing Shimano CUES drivetrain
- Simple dropout compared to other Surlys
Cons
- Quick release wheels with disc brakes
- Jack of all trades master of none with so many wheel options
Surly Grappler $1899
Surly’s take on the drop bar trail bike. With a dropper post and tire clearance aplenty this is a great option for those that prefer drops for offroad riding. The mounts here lean toward modern bikepacking bags instead of a tradition rack and pannier setup.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Steel frame and fork
- 27.5 x 2.5″
- Cable-actuated disc brakes
- Track style dropout for SS
- Microshift Advent X 1 x 10 drivetrain
Pros
- Dropper post
- clearance for 27.5 x 2.8″ or 29 x 2.1″ tires
- Upright geometry allows for comfortable use of drops on trails
- Water bottle mounts on seat stay
Cons
- N/A
Surly Ice Cream Truck $1999
A trail-oriented fat bike with the largest possible tires that will allow you to float over anything. While touring isn’t its first designed use, in true Surly fashion it has all the mounts you could need to turn this into a touring rig that doesn’t flinch when the path ends.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Steel frame and fork
- Shimano SLX 1×12 drivetrain
- 26 x 4.5″ tires
- track style dropout
- Internal dropper post routing
Pros
- Clearance for the biggest of the big 26 x 5″ tires
Cons
- High Q factor
- Will require fat bike specific rack
Surly Karate Monkey $1849
The bike that started the large wheel revolution many years ago. The current iteration is designed for 27.5+ wheels but will still fit large 29er tires as well. A mainstay of what a rigid touring bike can be for when you want to tour offroad or on singletrack. The Karate Monkey is the gold standard (wink wink) for a rigid touring mtb.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes XS-XL
- Steel frame and fork
- Suspension corrected
- 27.5 x 2.8″
- Dropper post compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Shimano Deore XT 1×12 Drivetrain
- Plenty of mounts for racks and bags
- Track Style dropout for SS
Pros
- Well-rounded rigid touring geometry
- Clearance for up to 27.5 x 3″ or 29 x 2.5″ tires
- Deore XT drivetrain
Cons
- N/A
Surly Krampus $1849
Picking up where the Karate monkey left off with huge 29er tire clearance. You may think you are seeing double, but the Krampus is almost identical to the Karate Monkey but it is designed to clear full 29 x 3″ tires for those who want them.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes XS-XL
- Steel frame and fork
- Suspension corrected
- 29 x 2.6″
- Dropper post compatible
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Shimano Deore XT 1×12 Drivetrain
- Plenty of mounts for racks and bags
- Track Style dropout for SS
Pros
- Well rounded rigid touring geometry
- Clearance for up to 29 x 3″ tires
- Deore XT drivetrain
Cons
- N/A
Surly Ogre $1699
The most adaptable off road touring rig in Surly’s library, is the Ogre. Run it 1x, 2x, or even 3x with 27.5″ or 29″ wheels. The unique dropout allows almost any configuration including a Rohloff hub or the use of their Bill or Ted trailers. This bike just says yes with all the mounting points you could ever need.
Shorthand Specs:
- Sizes: S-XL
- 29 x 2.5″
- Drop out with Rohloff torque arm slot and Bill/Ted trailer mount
- Cable actuated disc brakes
- Microshift 1×10 drivetrain
Pros
- Capable of many useful configurations
- Large tire clearance 29 x 2.5″ or 27.5 x 2.8″
- Rohloff compatible
- Fork has more mounts than you can shake a stick at
Cons
- Quick release with disc brakes
We’d also like to encourage you to check out our Metal Gravel bikes and Hardtails lists below in the archives as some bikes were omitted here as they were posted in those already!
Well, that’s quite the list, and yet, I’m sure we missed something here, so let us know your pick in the comments, and if you have experience with one of these bikes, drop a quick review too! Want to see us review one of these bikes? Let us know!