>>1933308>Get a xc bike if you expect to go on roads at least half the time.Paved roads will probably be 10/15% of my terrain but I will hit a lot of gravel roads, dirt paths, double tracks and all that kind of "soft" terrain. I'll encounter all of these on my way to the mountains and once I'm up there there will be some occasional singletracks.
I suspect my trips will be something like
15% paved roads
65% soft terrain (gravel, double tracks, fire roads, paths etc)
20% singletracks
I'm leaning towards an XC because I'm afraid a trail would slow me down on all the soft terrain, on the other hand I don't really want a rigid bike because I still want to enjoy the extra comfort and benefits of a front sus. I should mention the XC bike I have in mind can fit 27.5", 27.5+ and 29".
>>1933308>handlebars and frame geometryThat's the thing: I'm afraid the XC hardtail might get uncomfortable on long bikepacking trips because from what I understand they're built for racing and nothing else (the one I'm looking at especially is advertised as a racy one), while trail hardtails are more designed to be comfy and fun... Am I wrong there?
