The Norco Search XR steel frameset brings Norco’s mountain-bike heritage into the bikepacking arena with a responsive, performance-oriented steel platform that balances nimble handling and practicality for long rides. Compared with the heavier touring-first Surly and the more boutique Crust, the Search XR offers a middle ground of technical trail capability and dealer support—appealing to riders who want a livelier steel frame backed by a strong Canadian distribution network.
Race-ready steel
Gravel-bashing grin
Race-ready steel
Gravel-bashing grin
Review Summary
"Owners report a lively, comfortable steel ride with modern gravel geometry, excellent tire and gear clearance, and strong trail capability; a few reviews note it is heavier than carbon alternatives and that dealer support can vary by region."
Fast-and-forgiving
Chromoly steel frameset engineered for versatile all‑terrain adventure and bikepacking use.
Fast-and-forgiving
Chromoly steel frameset engineered for versatile all‑terrain adventure and bikepacking use.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Norco Search XR steel frameset brings Norco’s mountain-bike heritage into the bikepacking arena with a responsive, performance-oriented steel platform that balances nimble handling and practicality for long rides. Compared with the heavier touring-first Surly and the more boutique Crust, the Search XR offers a middle ground of technical trail capability and dealer support—appealing to riders who want a livelier steel frame backed by a strong Canadian distribution network.
Race-ready steel
Gravel-bashing grin
Fast-and-forgiving
Chromoly steel frameset engineered for versatile all‑terrain adventure and bikepacking use.
Modern mounting points for racks and accessories plus clearance for plus‑size gravel tires.
Race-ready steel
Gravel-bashing grin
Fast-and-forgiving
Chromoly steel frameset engineered for versatile all‑terrain adventure and bikepacking use.
Modern mounting points for racks and accessories plus clearance for plus‑size gravel tires.
$1,300-1,800 CAD
The Surly Ghost Grappler earns market-leader status by combining bombproof 4130 chromoly construction, huge tyre clearance and load-friendly geometry into a very affordable package, making it a go-to steel option for gravel-adjacent mountain use. Compared with the boutique entries on this list it deliberately sacrifices the last ounce of race performance for durability, parts availability and lower total build cost, offering the best value for riders who prioritize reliability over light weight.
Tire-eating clearance — mud-hugger
Single-speed ready — soul-simple
Tire-eating clearance — mud-hugger
Single-speed ready — soul-simple
Review Summary
"Riders praise the Ghost Grappler for its burly steel construction, comfortable and stable ride, and versatility for mixed-surface riding and loaded touring. Criticisms focus on its weight and that it’s not aimed at race-focused responsiveness."
Tank-like chromoly — indestructible
Chromoly steel frame engineered for mixed-gravel and light-trail use with a forgiving ride quality.
Tank-like chromoly — indestructible
Chromoly steel frame engineered for mixed-gravel and light-trail use with a forgiving ride quality.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Surly Ghost Grappler earns market-leader status by combining bombproof 4130 chromoly construction, huge tyre clearance and load-friendly geometry into a very affordable package, making it a go-to steel option for gravel-adjacent mountain use. Compared with the boutique entries on this list it deliberately sacrifices the last ounce of race performance for durability, parts availability and lower total build cost, offering the best value for riders who prioritize reliability over light weight.
Tire-eating clearance — mud-hugger
Single-speed ready — soul-simple
Tank-like chromoly — indestructible
Chromoly steel frame engineered for mixed-gravel and light-trail use with a forgiving ride quality.
Generous tire clearance and modern thru-axle/disc brake compatibility for wide gravel tires.
Tire-eating clearance — mud-hugger
Single-speed ready — soul-simple
Tank-like chromoly — indestructible
Chromoly steel frame engineered for mixed-gravel and light-trail use with a forgiving ride quality.
Generous tire clearance and modern thru-axle/disc brake compatibility for wide gravel tires.
$1,000-1,400 CAD
Chromag Rootdown Custom Steel Frame
The Rootdown Custom Steel Frame is best-in-class for riders seeking a burly, tuned-steel trail platform with aggressive geometry and durable construction; Chromag leverages years of mountain-specific experience to offer a ride that balances playful compliance with descending confidence. Compared with the other entries, Rootdown stands out for its trail-proven, purpose-built geometry and relatively competitive pricing for a premium small-batch builder, while offering shorter lead times than ultra-boutique makers.
Burly cornering joy
Handbuilt rugged charm
Burly cornering joy
Handbuilt rugged charm
Review Summary
"Customers consistently praise the Chromag Rootdown custom steel frame for its lively, compliant ride, excellent welds and durable construction; common downsides cited are its heavier weight compared with alloy frames and a premium price/long lead time for custom builds."
Playful pop feel
4130 chromoly construction tuned for compliant, durable trail performance
Playful pop feel
4130 chromoly construction tuned for compliant, durable trail performance
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Rootdown Custom Steel Frame is best-in-class for riders seeking a burly, tuned-steel trail platform with aggressive geometry and durable construction; Chromag leverages years of mountain-specific experience to offer a ride that balances playful compliance with descending confidence. Compared with the other entries, Rootdown stands out for its trail-proven, purpose-built geometry and relatively competitive pricing for a premium small-batch builder, while offering shorter lead times than ultra-boutique makers.
Burly cornering joy
Handbuilt rugged charm
Playful pop feel
4130 chromoly construction tuned for compliant, durable trail performance
Custom geometry options with slack headtube and longer reach for modern trail handling
Burly cornering joy
Handbuilt rugged charm
Playful pop feel
4130 chromoly construction tuned for compliant, durable trail performance
Custom geometry options with slack headtube and longer reach for modern trail handling
$1,300-1,800 CAD
The Surly Ogre frameset earns a best-in-class spot for chromoly touring steel mountain framesets thanks to its exceptionally durable tubing, room for very large tires and versatile dropout options that handle both loaded touring and technical singletrack. Compared with the Kona, Soma, Salsa and All-City offerings, the Ogre emphasizes rugged simplicity and long-term serviceability, delivering a wallet-friendly total-cost-of-ownership advantage for riders who prioritize reliability over lightweight or boutique features.
Rack-ready workhorse
Tire-swallowing joy
Rack-ready workhorse
Tire-swallowing joy
Review Summary
"Riders praise the Surly Ogre for its bombproof chromoly construction, versatile mounting options, and stable, confidence-inspiring handling under heavy loads; common downsides are its weight and conservative styling. Long-term users report few durability issues and appreciate its adaptability for touring, bikepacking, and mixed-terrain use."
Hauls-everything grin
Chromoly steel frame with relaxed, versatile geometry suited for loaded touring and off-road riding.
Hauls-everything grin
Chromoly steel frame with relaxed, versatile geometry suited for loaded touring and off-road riding.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Surly Ogre frameset earns a best-in-class spot for chromoly touring steel mountain framesets thanks to its exceptionally durable tubing, room for very large tires and versatile dropout options that handle both loaded touring and technical singletrack. Compared with the Kona, Soma, Salsa and All-City offerings, the Ogre emphasizes rugged simplicity and long-term serviceability, delivering a wallet-friendly total-cost-of-ownership advantage for riders who prioritize reliability over lightweight or boutique features.
Rack-ready workhorse
Tire-swallowing joy
Hauls-everything grin
Chromoly steel frame with relaxed, versatile geometry suited for loaded touring and off-road riding.
Extensive braze-ons for racks, fenders and multiple bottle mounts to support long trips.
Rack-ready workhorse
Tire-swallowing joy
Hauls-everything grin
Chromoly steel frame with relaxed, versatile geometry suited for loaded touring and off-road riding.
Extensive braze-ons for racks, fenders and multiple bottle mounts to support long trips.
$800-1300 CAD
Chromag Rootdown is the best-in-class modern-geometry steel frameset on this list for trail-focused riders, combining slack, confidence-inspiring geometry with robust butted Cromoly that resists fatigue on big hits. It commands a premium price compared with the others but delivers refined features and fit-for-purpose trail details that edge out mainstream offerings like the Kona and Norco while offering a more production-honed alternative to boutique builders such as Pipedream and Chumba.
Plush steel cushion
Playful geometry grin
Plush steel cushion
Playful geometry grin
Review Summary
"Chromag's Rootdown is widely praised for its lively, durable steel ride and modern trail geometry that encourages playful handling; reviewers note it's heavy compared with alloy frames but rewards with compliance and long-term durability."
Bombproof trail buddy
4130 chromoly frame built for durability with refined tube shaping for modern handling.
Bombproof trail buddy
4130 chromoly frame built for durability with refined tube shaping for modern handling.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Chromag Rootdown is the best-in-class modern-geometry steel frameset on this list for trail-focused riders, combining slack, confidence-inspiring geometry with robust butted Cromoly that resists fatigue on big hits. It commands a premium price compared with the others but delivers refined features and fit-for-purpose trail details that edge out mainstream offerings like the Kona and Norco while offering a more production-honed alternative to boutique builders such as Pipedream and Chumba.
Plush steel cushion
Playful geometry grin
Bombproof trail buddy
4130 chromoly frame built for durability with refined tube shaping for modern handling.
Slack head angle and long reach tuned for steep, aggressive trail riding.
Plush steel cushion
Playful geometry grin
Bombproof trail buddy
4130 chromoly frame built for durability with refined tube shaping for modern handling.
Slack head angle and long reach tuned for steep, aggressive trail riding.
$900-1,300 CAD
Chromag Rootdown BA Frameset
The Chromag Rootdown BA frameset is a boutique, race-minded steel platform prized for immediate trail feedback, premium fit-and-finish, and optimized clearance for plus tires while retaining an agile, aggressive attitude. As a premium option it commands a higher price but delivers a technical riding edge and pared-down geometry that experienced riders will prefer over more utility-focused frames like the Timberjack or Karate Monkey.
Bombproof steel feel
Root-loving traction
Bombproof steel feel
Root-loving traction
Review Summary
"Owners consistently praise the Chromag Rootdown BA for its excellent steel ride quality, robust construction, and purposeful geometry for plus‑tire trail use, with the main drawbacks being its premium price and slightly heavier feel."
Enduro-ready smirk
High-quality chromoly tubing with refined, ride-tuned construction.
Enduro-ready smirk
High-quality chromoly tubing with refined, ride-tuned construction.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Chromag Rootdown BA frameset is a boutique, race-minded steel platform prized for immediate trail feedback, premium fit-and-finish, and optimized clearance for plus tires while retaining an agile, aggressive attitude. As a premium option it commands a higher price but delivers a technical riding edge and pared-down geometry that experienced riders will prefer over more utility-focused frames like the Timberjack or Karate Monkey.
Bombproof steel feel
Root-loving traction
Enduro-ready smirk
High-quality chromoly tubing with refined, ride-tuned construction.
Designed to clear large-volume plus tires for excellent traction.
Bombproof steel feel
Root-loving traction
Enduro-ready smirk
High-quality chromoly tubing with refined, ride-tuned construction.
Designed to clear large-volume plus tires for excellent traction.
$1200-1700 CAD