Hi all,
My goal is to find a new chromoly frameset (on a tight budget) and build a bikepacking rig up from there. As I’m currently based in Asia, research led me to Blacksnow and I’ve yet to find something comparable for a new steel frameset, at least in terms of cost. Also, being in Asia I’m benefitting from no sales tax, which makes buying components here significantly cheaper than back home. Bike needs to serve me 1–2 years of bickepacking in Africa.
I’m currently between two frames and wondering if the collective expertise in the sub will help me weigh the pros and cons of each. One option is the [Blacksnow Karakoram](https://blacksnowvietnam.vn/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/karakoram_bike_4-scaled.jpg), the other is the [Blacksnow Pangaea MkII](https://tambaycyclinghub.com/cdn/shop/products/ScreenShot2022-03-25at3.18.48PM.png?v=1657129322&width=1946). Here is a comparison of their [geometry](https://bikeinsights.com/compare?geometries=629d9b151b232f001cab3d3a,6517cf2a841bd7001f831fbb).
One concern I have is that Blacksnow website lists the Pangaea MkII as having tire clearance for 26×2.4″ or 27.5×2.4″ or 700C-50 (\~2.0″). I’d like to build a 29er but worry that 2.0″ clearance is too little for the conditions I’m likely to encounter. The Karakoram is said to have clearance for 2.4″ tires if it’s set up as a 29er (2.8″ at 27.5). Which of these two frames would be a better starting point for a build? Any reason I should go with 27.5″ instead of 29″?
Thanks in advance.
by doctorbikekayak