Salsa Horsethief Carbon Frame
The Horsethief Carbon is a purpose-built trail frameset that balances efficient pedaling with bikepacking practicality thanks to a mid-travel chassis, progressive geometry, and generous framebag and accessory mounts. It earns its spot by offering a purposeful mix of trail agility and cargo accommodation at a more approachable price than ultra-premium rivals, making it a top choice for riders who want bikepacking versatility without paying Santa Cruz–level premiums.
Lightweight endurance
Efficient-climb pep
Lightweight endurance
Efficient-climb pep
Review Summary
"Riders praise the Horsethief for its versatile, efficient trail geometry and bikepacking-friendly frame details, noting solid build quality and predictable handling; some users wish for a bit more travel for very rough terrain."
Cargo-ready grin
Stability-first geometry that maintains control when loaded for long rides.
Cargo-ready grin
Stability-first geometry that maintains control when loaded for long rides.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Horsethief Carbon is a purpose-built trail frameset that balances efficient pedaling with bikepacking practicality thanks to a mid-travel chassis, progressive geometry, and generous framebag and accessory mounts. It earns its spot by offering a purposeful mix of trail agility and cargo accommodation at a more approachable price than ultra-premium rivals, making it a top choice for riders who want bikepacking versatility without paying Santa Cruz–level premiums.
Lightweight endurance
Efficient-climb pep
Cargo-ready grin
Stability-first geometry that maintains control when loaded for long rides.
Generous tire and bag clearance plus practical frame-mount options for expedition gear.
Lightweight endurance
Efficient-climb pep
Cargo-ready grin
Stability-first geometry that maintains control when loaded for long rides.
Generous tire and bag clearance plus practical frame-mount options for expedition gear.
$3,500-4,500 CAD
Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon Frame
The Altitude Carbon frameset is a stout, confidence-inspiring trail platform engineered for stability under load and rowdy descents, with a suspension layout that soaks up rough terrain when carrying gear. It stands out against nimbler options like the Horsethief by prioritizing downhill composure and chassis robustness, a tradeoff some bikepackers prefer when planning long, technical routes—albeit typically at a higher price point reflecting its heavier-duty construction.
Slack-descent power
Speed-stable ride
Slack-descent power
Speed-stable ride
Review Summary
"The Altitude is lauded for confident descending, adjustable geometry and pedaling efficiency, with reviewers valuing its durability; a number of users mention higher weight and price compared with some competitors."
Aggressive fun
Progressive, adjustable geometry that balances confident descending with efficient climbing while loaded.
Aggressive fun
Progressive, adjustable geometry that balances confident descending with efficient climbing while loaded.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Altitude Carbon frameset is a stout, confidence-inspiring trail platform engineered for stability under load and rowdy descents, with a suspension layout that soaks up rough terrain when carrying gear. It stands out against nimbler options like the Horsethief by prioritizing downhill composure and chassis robustness, a tradeoff some bikepackers prefer when planning long, technical routes—albeit typically at a higher price point reflecting its heavier-duty construction.
Slack-descent power
Speed-stable ride
Aggressive fun
Progressive, adjustable geometry that balances confident descending with efficient climbing while loaded.
Stiff carbon construction for precise handling with loaded racks or frame bags.
Slack-descent power
Speed-stable ride
Aggressive fun
Progressive, adjustable geometry that balances confident descending with efficient climbing while loaded.
Stiff carbon construction for precise handling with loaded racks or frame bags.
Devinci Django Carbon Frame
The Django Carbon delivers a balanced, value-oriented trail frameset with modern geometry and a suspension tune that emphasizes pedaling efficiency and traction—attributes that translate well to loaded bikepacking days. It competes by offering many of the technical advantages of pricier brands (comfortable compliance, frame-friendly mounts) at a more budget-conscious cost, making it a smart pick for riders who want performance without the top-tier sticker shock.
Tour-ready comfort
All-day smoothness
Tour-ready comfort
All-day smoothness
Review Summary
"Owners appreciate the Django's efficient climbing manners and comfortable ride for long distances, making it well-suited to bikepacking, though some report the rear end can feel a bit stiff and value varies by spec."
Gear-hauler wink
Balanced trail geometry that performs well on singletrack and multi-day bikepacking routes.
Gear-hauler wink
Balanced trail geometry that performs well on singletrack and multi-day bikepacking routes.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Django Carbon delivers a balanced, value-oriented trail frameset with modern geometry and a suspension tune that emphasizes pedaling efficiency and traction—attributes that translate well to loaded bikepacking days. It competes by offering many of the technical advantages of pricier brands (comfortable compliance, frame-friendly mounts) at a more budget-conscious cost, making it a smart pick for riders who want performance without the top-tier sticker shock.
Tour-ready comfort
All-day smoothness
Gear-hauler wink
Balanced trail geometry that performs well on singletrack and multi-day bikepacking routes.
Carbon layup that soaks up trail roughness to reduce rider fatigue on long tours.
Tour-ready comfort
All-day smoothness
Gear-hauler wink
Balanced trail geometry that performs well on singletrack and multi-day bikepacking routes.
Carbon layup that soaks up trail roughness to reduce rider fatigue on long tours.
$2,500-3,500 CAD
Norco Optic C Frame
The Optic C frameset brings aggressive trail geometry and climb-friendly efficiency in a carbon package that handles luggage better than many lightweight race frames, paired with broad dealer support and a strong spec-to-price ratio. For bikepacking it’s notable for blending quick handling and sustained stability under load, positioning it as a practical middle ground between the ultra-light Tallboy and the burly Altitude.
Balanced agility
Quick-line confidence
Balanced agility
Quick-line confidence
Review Summary
"The Norco Optic C is praised for a lively, composed ride and effective suspension performance on trail tours, offering strong value in the carbon C frame; a few users note limited internal storage and fussy cable routing."
Responsive pop
Competitive carbon frameset pricing that lowers the entry cost for a lightweight bikepacking build.
Responsive pop
Competitive carbon frameset pricing that lowers the entry cost for a lightweight bikepacking build.
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Optic C frameset brings aggressive trail geometry and climb-friendly efficiency in a carbon package that handles luggage better than many lightweight race frames, paired with broad dealer support and a strong spec-to-price ratio. For bikepacking it’s notable for blending quick handling and sustained stability under load, positioning it as a practical middle ground between the ultra-light Tallboy and the burly Altitude.
Balanced agility
Quick-line confidence
Responsive pop
Competitive carbon frameset pricing that lowers the entry cost for a lightweight bikepacking build.
Trail-oriented geometry that favors nimble handling on technical loaded rides.
Balanced agility
Quick-line confidence
Responsive pop
Competitive carbon frameset pricing that lowers the entry cost for a lightweight bikepacking build.
Trail-oriented geometry that favors nimble handling on technical loaded rides.
$2,000-3,000 CAD
Santa Cruz Tallboy CC Frame
The Tallboy CC is the premium, lightweight option in this group, offering an exceptionally efficient, fast-climbing carbon frameset with Santa Cruz's VPP-derived suspension characteristics tuned for speed and responsiveness. It leads on weight savings and high-end finish—ideal for bikepackers prioritizing distance and speed—but carries a premium price compared with the more value-focused Devinci or Salsa frames.
Climb-happy sprint
Trail-nimble reflex
Climb-happy sprint
Trail-nimble reflex
Review Summary
"The Tallboy CC is highly regarded for quick, lively handling, light weight and pedaling efficiency—many reviewers call it an outstanding all-rounder for fast, loaded rides; criticisms focus on price and limited travel on very rough descents."
Playful pop-factor
High-end CC carbon construction that reduces overall pack weight for extended tours.
Playful pop-factor
High-end CC carbon construction that reduces overall pack weight for extended tours.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Tallboy CC is the premium, lightweight option in this group, offering an exceptionally efficient, fast-climbing carbon frameset with Santa Cruz's VPP-derived suspension characteristics tuned for speed and responsiveness. It leads on weight savings and high-end finish—ideal for bikepackers prioritizing distance and speed—but carries a premium price compared with the more value-focused Devinci or Salsa frames.
Climb-happy sprint
Trail-nimble reflex
Playful pop-factor
High-end CC carbon construction that reduces overall pack weight for extended tours.
Short-travel, lively suspension character that keeps the bike playful while carrying gear.
Climb-happy sprint
Trail-nimble reflex
Playful pop-factor
High-end CC carbon construction that reduces overall pack weight for extended tours.
Short-travel, lively suspension character that keeps the bike playful while carrying gear.
$3,200-4,200 CAD