Hi guys. Looking seriously for an offroad touring bike. By offroad I mean logging roads, rail to trails, simple single track and double track and of course pavement. Not hardcore offroad over cliffs with panniers acting as sails or anything

The list so far:

Salsa Fargo

This is on the top of my list. I have no way to test ride it though, but it has what I want.. 29er, wide tires, MTB frame with a touring package. I read there are some issues with a squirrely front end when loaded but that's not an issue as I tour light and just putting a sleeping bag or light load up front is fine for me.


Rans Alterra or Dynamik

I am a Rans fan, and I enjoy my crank forward, but for offroad touring I would want a more upright bike then the crank forward I have now. The Alterra fits the bill. Also they are bloody comfortable.

Kona Sutra

Hoping to test this next week... seems like it would handle offroad fine with the right tires, more cyclo crossy though.


Norco Cabot

Another choice that would be more cyclocrossy offroad, good or bad?


Any other suggestions?