Frames rugged enough for bikepacking
 

Hey folks,
I'm wanting to buy my first FS, 29er mountain bike that will see double duty for day riding trails and also mounting panniers to for multiday rides on terrain no harder than say, the easier portions of the Colorado Trail.

I rode a buddies 29er with panniers on a ride last year and quickly realized how the panniers affect handling and I know they have to have an effect on the frames structural longevity, as well as bearings, sleeves, rims and spokes.

I'm a 56 yo guy that won't be doing any jumping or aggressive riding.

I'm looking for opinions on bike brands with frames built robust enough to handle such use. I know bearings and such are consumable items.

I'm seeing most wheel spokes are 14/15 guage. Stout enough for bikepacking?

I'd like suspension with around 5" of travel. $2500 price range.

I'm open to suggestions on specific bikes if you have any ideas.

I've been looking at the 2014 Diamondback Sortie 1. It would probably be fine for casual trail riding but don't know how it would last with the pounding of multiday bikepacking.

If there is a thread around here already discussing my questions, please link it.

Thanks all.

How does one even go about putting panniers on a FS?

Like this. Old Man Mountain Sherpa rack.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/9...cb49df38_z.jpg

I have a 2011 DB sortie 1 that I bought used and it is a lot of bike for the money. I ride it pretty hard and it handles everything I can throw at it. The rear frame does have some flex in it though. Mine just has the regular quick release rear wheel and they went to the through axle in 2012 to help strengthen things. Probably fine for light riding with the panniers mounted on it but I doubt you will find too many people that know for sure. How much weight are we talking about? Trailer?

Thanks for the reply.

No trailer. Pannier load of about 20-25 lbs.