After many attempts over the years to gel with it I've decieded it's time to ditch the Gravel Bike and just get "a bike" for bimbling, taking the youngest out in their seat (then shotgun) and riding with the eldest on her first pedal bike. It will also occasionally be used for the occasional XCish ride round local fireroads and singletrack.
Currently the best looking option is the Sonder Frontier, built as a rigid 29er. Any other options around a similar budget worth considering? I did try flat barring the gravel bike but would apperciate the bigger volume of the 29" tyres so the Camino is out.
The stooge frame is the classifieds?
They always just look fun
Can't suggest an alternative but I've been really enjoying the Frontier frame I put together in the summer (previous bike was a Scandal). Surprisingly capable frame. Can't comment on the complete builds. I was a bit concerned the slightly old skool geometry might be an issue but it hasn't been (In XL). In its various guises this autumn:
Something by Surly maybe?
I have a Frontier and am happy with it. I did fancy a Surly Bridge Club or Brother Big Bro but availability was low at the time and the price was was much more than the Sonder. Surly Preamble or Spa Cycle Rove are in a similar vein.
Done 2 bike packing trips on the Sonder, one using rack and panniers the other with a front basket and saddlepack. Worked well and very easy stable ride on these trips. Used plenty for exploring bridleways, moors and tracks. Simple bike that works.
That spa cycles rove looks surprisingly nice, is it possible to put a short travel fork on? Say 100mm?
That would make a lovely all rounder/bike packer rig I think, without breaking the bank
big bro, krampus, karate monkey, rove. lots of choice,
I ride with someone who rides a Frontier. It is a great bike. It’s less old Skool than a Bridge Club/Big Bro/Spa Rove. It’s also definitely lighter than a steel equivalent. I think it is good value for money.
I don’t need one… but I am often tempted by one, although the new green isn’t a cool as the old green colour.
There is a review of the older version on Bear Bones https://bearbonesbikepacking.blogspot.com/2017/07/sonder-frontier-tried-and-tested.html
I have a frontier for bridleway bashing and love it. I bought frame only and built it up with a carbon fork and spares from the shed.
For the purposes it serves, it's bang on.
Frontier is a great bike. Good for all sorts of rides and as Montgomery says, surprisingly capable.
I use mine as a 'hack' bike for shop runs, commuting to the office, canal rides and bridleway rides. I have also used it for a couple of overnight bikepacking trips.
On One Whippet? £1300 with a rigid Selcof carbon fork.
Probably not as versatile as the Frontier though.
I had a Frontier and loved it. Perfect as a more off-road version of a gravel bike.
I had/have a Stooge and l love that more. I would highly recommend one and they look so cool too.
It’s hard to put my finger on why they are such a good bike but it rides so nice. I have an older Mk2 which is more like the Frontier in geometry and had a Speedbomb which is a little more modern in geometry - mine was the one in the classifieds. Only sold it as they were really too similar to keep both and would have been happy with either. They come through fairly regularly on the Facebook owners forum.
Merlin Malt if you fancy something steel but inexpensive
Love my frontier. Been commuting on it for 4 years now.
That said,I have replaced most of the components. The sx group set was trash and the basic nova wheels weren't particularly robust. One winter killed the SRAM level brakes. 🫤
Sooo yeah... Frame and fork are solid 😂
Sorry for the stealth ad but my pretty special carbon Shand might fit the bill - currently on eBay and I’m keen to sell (more bikes incoming 😁)
TIL Merlin are still making the Malt (thought that used to be the alu frames though?)
And it looks good for OP's brief.
But unless you specifically want a nice new bike (which is fine), then I'd consider a lightly used bargain OP.
I've been riding a Boardman Pro 29er that I picked up very cheaply a lot this year - and the 10-year-old trail geometry is very similar to these kind of XC/bikepacky bikes, and brilliant fun.
TBH If you are only wanting "a bike" Just get the frontier.
Most of the recommended alternatives are either Heavier Steel or more expensive heavier steel, there's something to be said for a slightly lighter Rigid MTB (IMO)
£1K for a Deore equipped Rigid Alu 29er is pretty good these days, I don't think you'll do much better by shopping about.
You might score a used bargain, or build yourself up something comparable ( I have a similar hack built on an old Comemncal frame for peanuts).
But honestly I think the Frontier is good VFM and won't require you to go hunting for parts or spend half the winter assembling something in your shed. You could order it now, be riding it next week and forget about all the decision anxiety.
Also check out the Alpkit eBay store - I got my Frontier frame from there for £159. No idea why, nothing wrong with it I could see (cosmetic damage wouldn't have bothered me). I'd originally intended it as a 'spare' frame but, given my existing Scandal needed a thorough service and a new drivetrain (already bought waiting to go) I decided to swap everything over. Purchase and build were both spur of the moment decisions that I don't regret.