The Salsa Fargo steel frameset is the go-to for aggressive off-road bikepacking, blending nimble handling, high tire clearance and a wealth of cage and rack mounts for mixed-terrain routes. Compared to the touring-leaning Kona and the utility-focused Surly, the Fargo trades some load-carrying bias for more trail-capable geometry and tire clearance—making it technically advantageous for riders prioritizing singletrack and rough gravel.
Trail-hungry grin
Endless cargo options
Trail-hungry grin
Endless cargo options
Review Summary
"Users love the Fargo's playful yet stable handling, huge tire clearance, and adaptability across mixed surfaces for bikepacking; a minority mention the weight and price as downsides but overall praise its versatility."
Slack-and-stable
Aggressive adventure geometry tuned for technical off‑road bikepacking and long days in rough terrain.
Slack-and-stable
Aggressive adventure geometry tuned for technical off‑road bikepacking and long days in rough terrain.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Salsa Fargo steel frameset is the go-to for aggressive off-road bikepacking, blending nimble handling, high tire clearance and a wealth of cage and rack mounts for mixed-terrain routes. Compared to the touring-leaning Kona and the utility-focused Surly, the Fargo trades some load-carrying bias for more trail-capable geometry and tire clearance—making it technically advantageous for riders prioritizing singletrack and rough gravel.
Trail-hungry grin
Endless cargo options
Slack-and-stable
Aggressive adventure geometry tuned for technical off‑road bikepacking and long days in rough terrain.
High tire clearance for 29×2.6 or 27.5+ setups and abundant frame and fork mounting points.
Trail-hungry grin
Endless cargo options
Slack-and-stable
Aggressive adventure geometry tuned for technical off‑road bikepacking and long days in rough terrain.
High tire clearance for 29×2.6 or 27.5+ setups and abundant frame and fork mounting points.
$1,500-2,000 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 Kona Sutra frameset is positioned as a comfort-focused, long-haul chromoly touring option with road-friendly geometry and plenty of braze-ons, making it well suited to riders who want efficient loaded miles on mixed pavement and light gravel. Against the more off-road aggressive Surly and Salsa or the budget-minded Soma, the Sutra leans toward on-road efficiency and traditional touring ergonomics while typically being competitively priced for a classic tourer setup.
Long-haul comfort
Classic touring charm
Long-haul comfort
Classic touring charm
Review Summary
"The Kona Sutra is frequently lauded for comfortable steel compliance, thoughtful touring geometry, and plentiful rack/fender mounts that make fully loaded rides easy; some users note it is heavier than modern adventure frames and less playful off-road. Owners consistently praise its reliability and road-to-gravel versatility for long-distance touring."
Saddle-daydream maker
Handbuilt chromoly touring frame focused on long-distance comfort and load stability.
Saddle-daydream maker
Handbuilt chromoly touring frame focused on long-distance comfort and load stability.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Kona Sutra frameset is positioned as a comfort-focused, long-haul chromoly touring option with road-friendly geometry and plenty of braze-ons, making it well suited to riders who want efficient loaded miles on mixed pavement and light gravel. Against the more off-road aggressive Surly and Salsa or the budget-minded Soma, the Sutra leans toward on-road efficiency and traditional touring ergonomics while typically being competitively priced for a classic tourer setup.
Long-haul comfort
Classic touring charm
Saddle-daydream maker
Handbuilt chromoly touring frame focused on long-distance comfort and load stability.
Multiple rack, fender and bottle mounts plus reinforced dropouts for heavy touring gear.
Long-haul comfort
Classic touring charm
Saddle-daydream maker
Handbuilt chromoly touring frame focused on long-distance comfort and load stability.
Multiple rack, fender and bottle mounts plus reinforced dropouts for heavy touring gear.
$900-1400 CAD
The Norco Torrent S Steel frameset offers a strong blend of contemporary geometry and aggressive trail capability at a competitive price, positioning it as the best choice for riders seeking modern angles and durability without boutique costs. Compared with Chromag’s premium trail focus and Pipedream’s custom approach, Norco emphasizes value, parts compatibility and dealer support, making it an economical pathway to a modern steel build.
High-speed stability
Downhill confidence boost
High-speed stability
Downhill confidence boost
Review Summary
"Norco's Torrent S Steel is admired for its comfy, planted ride and modern trail-focused geometry that handles rough descents well; reviewers point out the extra weight versus aluminium but praise its durability and value."
Corner-carving calm
Robust steel frame tuned for modern long-travel hardtail handling and trail durability.
Corner-carving calm
Robust steel frame tuned for modern long-travel hardtail handling and trail durability.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Norco Torrent S Steel frameset offers a strong blend of contemporary geometry and aggressive trail capability at a competitive price, positioning it as the best choice for riders seeking modern angles and durability without boutique costs. Compared with Chromag’s premium trail focus and Pipedream’s custom approach, Norco emphasizes value, parts compatibility and dealer support, making it an economical pathway to a modern steel build.
High-speed stability
Downhill confidence boost
Corner-carving calm
Robust steel frame tuned for modern long-travel hardtail handling and trail durability.
Slack head angle and roomy reach for stable high-speed descending while remaining nimble on climbs.
High-speed stability
Downhill confidence boost
Corner-carving calm
Robust steel frame tuned for modern long-travel hardtail handling and trail durability.
Slack head angle and roomy reach for stable high-speed descending while remaining nimble on climbs.
$1,100-1,600 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