Here at Colombian Bicycle Adventures, we know the magic of exploring Colombia’s magnificent mountains and rolling hills on two wheels. But with endless dirt roads of varying quality winding through lush valleys and climbing and descending through stunning scenery, choosing the right bicycle becomes crucial. After all, you want a trusty steed that will conquer challenging climbs, fly through exhilarating descents, and navigate the diverse terrain of Antioquia. So, let’s break down the three main contenders for your Colombia Bicycle Adventures Tour:
The Gravel Grinder: Your All-Terrain Ally (but maybe not here…)
The growth in the popularity of the gravel bike over the last decade is not surprising. It can be a champion for unpaved adventures. Its endurance road bike frame offers a comfortable, upright riding position for long days tackling challenging climbs and there is nothing better for weaving through Antioquia’s coffee farms when the road turns to pavement. Wide, knobby tires (think 650b or 700c with good tread) provide excellent grip on loose surfaces and can generally handle the occasional technical section with ease. All that said, unless you are a pretty hard-core gravel biker, a lot of the dirt roads that we ride at Colombia Bikepacking Adventures are a little rough (think jeep road) and sometimes too muddy to be easily navigated on a gravel bike. If you do choose to go with your gravel setup, we strongly encourage you to use pretty beefy tires (at least 40mm and with good tread).
Pros:
- Great when we are on smoother dirt or paved roads.
- Generally the lightest option.
- Bikepacking friendly – Frames are usually set up for carrying gear.
Cons:
- Not ideal for many of the rougher dirt roads we will be riding (unless you are really used to it).
- The lack of front suspension can make for pretty tiring descents
The Hardtail Mountain Bike: The Locals Choice
For dirt roads that morph into quasi single-track trails, a hardtail mountain bike shines. And this is probably why it is by far the most popular option for the Colombian dirt road riding community. Relatively lightweight frames allow you to make the challenging climbs you’ll encounter on our trips. Suspension forks absorb bumps and shocks, keeping you comfortable and in control on rough descents. Wider tires (typically 2.1-2.3 inches) with even more aggressive tread dig into loose surfaces for maximum traction. For your bikepacking needs on Colombia Bicycle Adventures trips, a hardtail offers plenty of frame space to carry your essentials. If you decide not to bring your own bike, our fleet of rentals are all hardtail mountain bikes.
Pros:
- Lighter weight than most full suspension bikes.
- Suspension fork – Absorbs bumps for a smoother ride.
- Wide, grippy tires – Ride loose and technical sections with confidence.
- Bikepacking friendly – Frame space for carrying gear.
Cons:
- Less comfortable for long stretches of pavement (but we avoid these as best as we can).
- Not quite as comfortable on some of the rougher roads as a full suspension mountain bike.
The Full Suspension Mountain Bike: The Ultimate All-Terrain Conqueror (But there are some compromises)
The first year I lived in Colombia I brought over an Intense Spider full-suspension mountain bike and I did my first 10-day dirt road tour on it. I loved it on the dirt road downhills, and it really shined when the mud got deeper and the roads got rougher. That said, the extra weight made the tough climbs tougher, and I always knew that if I had issues with the rear suspension none of the mechanics I could find would be able to help me as the parts and knowledge are not readily available. It also made carrying a light bikepacking setup and multiple water bottles tough (meaning I was always the guy carrying the loaded hydration pack). More recently I have gone native and have been riding a hardtail, but I can’t promise I will never go back. I will say that the biggest thing I miss (more than rear suspension) is a dropper post. If I stay with my hardtail, this will be my next upgrade (though they are not common here, so a malfunction could also become problematic).
Pros:
- Unmatched comfort and control – The suspension really smooths out rough terrain.
- Handles the most technical terrain with confidence.
- Wide, aggressive tires – Maximum traction on loose surfaces.
Cons:
- Heaviest of the three options – Less efficient on long climbs.
- Bikepacking limitations – Full suspension can make carrying gear more challenging.
- Could make maintenance issues more challenging – Finding parts for rear suspension systems is virtually impossible in remote areas.
The Colombian Choice: Matching Your Ride to Your Skills and the Terrain
The diverse terrain we will be riding offers a cycling adventure regardless of what bike you are on. Whether you want to have a go at it with a gravel bike, take the middle road and choose a hardtail, or enjoy the comfort (and tolerate the weight) of a full-suspension ride, remember, the most important factor is your spirit of adventure. Here at Colombia Bikepacking Adventures, we specialize in crafting unforgettable cycling experiences through Antioquia’s breathtaking landscapes. So, choose your bike based on the insights we’ve provided, along with your experience and preferences, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the magic of Colombian dirt roads – the adventure awaits! No matter your choice, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience exploring the beauty of Antioquia on two wheels.