Surly Ogre Frameset
The Surly Ogre frameset tops this bikepacking hardtail list for riders who prioritize durability, load-carrying versatility and long-term serviceability; its chromoly construction and extensive mounting points make it ideal for heavy, multi-day expeditions. Compared with the lighter, more trail-biased aluminum and carbon options here, the Ogre trades a bit of weight for an affordable, repairable platform and unrivaled cargo flexibility that keeps build and maintenance costs down over time.
Massive tire clearance
Rack-ready steel grin
Massive tire clearance
Rack-ready steel grin
Review Summary
"Users praise the Surly Ogre frameset for its bombproof steel construction, versatile geometry and plentiful braze-ons that make it ideal for heavy bikepacking and mixed-terrain use; common notes are that it’s heavy but reliable and comfortable on long trips. Long-term owners report few issues and strong longevity. "
Go-anywhere versatility
Steel frameset with plentiful rack and bottle mount options.
Go-anywhere versatility
Steel frameset with plentiful rack and bottle mount options.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Surly Ogre frameset tops this bikepacking hardtail list for riders who prioritize durability, load-carrying versatility and long-term serviceability; its chromoly construction and extensive mounting points make it ideal for heavy, multi-day expeditions. Compared with the lighter, more trail-biased aluminum and carbon options here, the Ogre trades a bit of weight for an affordable, repairable platform and unrivaled cargo flexibility that keeps build and maintenance costs down over time.
Massive tire clearance
Rack-ready steel grin
Go-anywhere versatility
Steel frameset with plentiful rack and bottle mount options.
Long wheelbase and stable geometry optimized for heavy loads.
Massive tire clearance
Rack-ready steel grin
Go-anywhere versatility
Steel frameset with plentiful rack and bottle mount options.
Long wheelbase and stable geometry optimized for heavy loads.
$1,600-2,200 CAD
Salsa Timberjack Frameset
The Salsa Timberjack frameset is a market leader for fast, mixed-surface bikepacking thanks to progressive 29er geometry, generous tire clearance and thoughtfully placed mounts that suit lighter, speed-focused tours. Against burly frames like the Ogre and the more utilitarian Romax, the Timberjack offers superior agility and a competitive price-performance balance for riders who want fast unloaded handling without sacrificing practical bikepacking features.
Trail-hungry geometry
Light-and-flick feel
Trail-hungry geometry
Light-and-flick feel
Review Summary
"Owners like the Salsa Timberjack frameset for its value, playful handling and suitability for gravel and light bikepacking; reviewers note the aluminum build can feel a bit harsh compared with steel but appreciate the thoughtful rack/fender mounts. After extended use it’s seen as a strong budget-friendly option. "
Luggage-friendly mounts
Aluminum frame focused on low weight and snappy handling.
Luggage-friendly mounts
Aluminum frame focused on low weight and snappy handling.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Salsa Timberjack frameset is a market leader for fast, mixed-surface bikepacking thanks to progressive 29er geometry, generous tire clearance and thoughtfully placed mounts that suit lighter, speed-focused tours. Against burly frames like the Ogre and the more utilitarian Romax, the Timberjack offers superior agility and a competitive price-performance balance for riders who want fast unloaded handling without sacrificing practical bikepacking features.
Trail-hungry geometry
Light-and-flick feel
Luggage-friendly mounts
Aluminum frame focused on low weight and snappy handling.
Multiple cargo mounts including three-pack bottle bosses for frame bags.
Trail-hungry geometry
Light-and-flick feel
Luggage-friendly mounts
Aluminum frame focused on low weight and snappy handling.
Multiple cargo mounts including three-pack bottle bosses for frame bags.
$1,200-1,600 CAD
Kona Unit X Frameset
The Kona Unit X frameset stands out as a pragmatic, trail-tuned platform that balances stability under load with straightforward adaptability, making it a go-to for riders who want a no-nonsense, cost-effective hardtail for extended trips. Compared to the Timberjack's race-leaning behavior and the Growler's performance bias, the Unit X emphasizes durable simplicity and aftermarket compatibility to keep overall build costs and complexity lower.
Burly steel backbone
Confident handling boost
Burly steel backbone
Confident handling boost
Review Summary
"Riders find the Kona Unit X frameset to be a durable, well-geometrized steel platform that balances off-road capability with bikepacking practicality, with many praising its ride comfort and frame mounts. Long-term feedback highlights its robustness and timeless design, with few durability complaints. "
Simple, rugged charm
Durable steel construction that balances compliance and strength.
Simple, rugged charm
Durable steel construction that balances compliance and strength.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Kona Unit X frameset stands out as a pragmatic, trail-tuned platform that balances stability under load with straightforward adaptability, making it a go-to for riders who want a no-nonsense, cost-effective hardtail for extended trips. Compared to the Timberjack's race-leaning behavior and the Growler's performance bias, the Unit X emphasizes durable simplicity and aftermarket compatibility to keep overall build costs and complexity lower.
Burly steel backbone
Confident handling boost
Simple, rugged charm
Durable steel construction that balances compliance and strength.
Geometry suitable for both technical trail riding and loaded touring.
Burly steel backbone
Confident handling boost
Simple, rugged charm
Durable steel construction that balances compliance and strength.
Geometry suitable for both technical trail riding and loaded touring.
$1,200-1,800 CAD
Rocky Mountain Growler Frameset
The Rocky Mountain Growler frameset occupies the performance end of the bikepacking hardtail spectrum, delivering more aggressive geometry and refined tubing for riders who prioritize on-trail speed and technical handling while still accommodating a sensible load. When matched to heavier, expedition-focused frames like the Ogre, the Growler favors climbing efficiency and fast descents, making it a strong choice for tech-heavy routes where ride quality under load matters most.
Corner-carving geometry
Plush-steel compliance
Corner-carving geometry
Plush-steel compliance
Review Summary
"The Rocky Mountain Growler frameset is commonly praised for efficient climbing and lively handling on singletrack, but some bikepackers wish for more dedicated mounting options and a slightly more relaxed geometry for loaded rides. Over time users report solid performance but note it’s more trail/XC oriented than heavy-duty bikepacking. "
Trail-minded utility
Robust steel hardtail offering durability at an accessible price point.
Trail-minded utility
Robust steel hardtail offering durability at an accessible price point.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Rocky Mountain Growler frameset occupies the performance end of the bikepacking hardtail spectrum, delivering more aggressive geometry and refined tubing for riders who prioritize on-trail speed and technical handling while still accommodating a sensible load. When matched to heavier, expedition-focused frames like the Ogre, the Growler favors climbing efficiency and fast descents, making it a strong choice for tech-heavy routes where ride quality under load matters most.
Corner-carving geometry
Plush-steel compliance
Trail-minded utility
Robust steel hardtail offering durability at an accessible price point.
Stable geometry and wide tire clearance for mixed-terrain bikepacking.
Corner-carving geometry
Plush-steel compliance
Trail-minded utility
Robust steel hardtail offering durability at an accessible price point.
Stable geometry and wide tire clearance for mixed-terrain bikepacking.
$900-1,400 CAD
Brodie Romax Frameset
The Brodie Romax frameset is a straightforward, value-oriented hardtail that gives bikepackers a durable, locally supported platform with practical mounting options and a price point that undercuts many imported alternatives. Compared with premium or performance-focused frames on this list, the Romax delivers reliable everyday performance and easy serviceability—appealing to riders who want solid capability for long trips without premium race-level amenities.
Urban-to-trail flex
Classic steel character
Urban-to-trail flex
Classic steel character
Review Summary
"Brodie Romax owners generally appreciate the Romax frameset for its sturdy construction and value, especially for regional bikepacking and commuting, though reviews are fewer and note limited dealer support and options. Long-term users report it performs well but some cite fit and finish variability. "
Value-packed adventure
Traditional steel frame with modern comfort-oriented updates.
Value-packed adventure
Traditional steel frame with modern comfort-oriented updates.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Brodie Romax frameset is a straightforward, value-oriented hardtail that gives bikepackers a durable, locally supported platform with practical mounting options and a price point that undercuts many imported alternatives. Compared with premium or performance-focused frames on this list, the Romax delivers reliable everyday performance and easy serviceability—appealing to riders who want solid capability for long trips without premium race-level amenities.
Urban-to-trail flex
Classic steel character
Value-packed adventure
Traditional steel frame with modern comfort-oriented updates.
Tire clearance and mounting options well suited to overnight and multi-day trips.
Urban-to-trail flex
Classic steel character
Value-packed adventure
Traditional steel frame with modern comfort-oriented updates.
Tire clearance and mounting options well suited to overnight and multi-day trips.
$900-1,300 CAD