2024 Touring Bikes and Rigid MTBs Under and Around $2000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!