Bombtrack Bikes has carved a niche for itself in the cycling world, renowned for crafting robust and versatile machines designed for adventure. Among their impressive lineup, the Hook EXT stands out as a steel and carbon adventure bike, perfectly blending durability with performance. After extensive riding across diverse terrains from Germany to Wales, this review delves into the nuances of the Bombtrack Hook EXT, exploring why it could be your ideal partner for bikepacking journeys and beyond.
The Heart of the Hook EXT: Frame and Fork of Bombtrack Bikes
At the core of the Bombtrack Hook EXT lies its meticulously crafted frameset, featuring a double-butted Colombus Chromor steel frame paired with a full-carbon fork. This combination delivers a ride quality that is both resilient and responsive, ideal for the demands of bikepacking and gravel riding. The frame geometry of Bombtrack bikes, particularly the Hook EXT, is thoughtfully designed to strike a balance between stability for loaded touring and agility for spirited off-road excursions.
Embracing modern standards, the Hook EXT incorporates a T47 threaded bottom bracket, offering enhanced stiffness and ease of maintenance. Thru-axles and flat-mount brakes further contribute to the bike’s contemporary design, ensuring compatibility with the latest components. A key feature for adventure cyclists is the generous tire clearance, accommodating up to 650B x 2.1″ or 700 x 40mm tires. This versatility allows riders to tailor their setup for varied terrains, from rugged trails to smooth roads, a hallmark of Bombtrack bikes’ adaptability.
Ride Quality and Handling of Bombtrack Bikes Hook EXT
The Bombtrack Hook EXT truly shines in its ride quality and handling. It’s a bike that feels alive beneath you, quick to accelerate and delightfully playful when navigating trails. Whether you’re tackling fast gravel sections or winding singletrack, the Hook EXT responds with enthusiasm. This responsiveness doesn’t diminish when loaded with bikepacking gear; the bike remains engaging and manageable, a testament to the well-engineered frame and balanced design of Bombtrack bikes.
The Chromor frame and ample tire clearance work in harmony to provide a remarkably smooth ride, effectively absorbing vibrations and impacts from rough surfaces. This ensures comfort over long distances, crucial for multi-day bikepacking trips. When it comes to braking, the SRAM Rival hydraulic disc brakes inspire confidence, offering ample power and control even from the hoods, eliminating the necessity to constantly switch to the drops on technical descents.
Bombtrack Hook EXT Bikepacking Review
Rider enjoying a scenic view while bikepacking with Bombtrack Hook EXT, showcasing its versatility for adventure cycling.
Components and Specifications: What Makes Bombtrack Bikes Stand Out
Bombtrack bikes are known for their thoughtful component selection, and the Hook EXT is no exception. It comes equipped with a SRAM Rival 1 groupset, known for its reliability and performance. The 1x drivetrain simplifies gear changes off-road, and while the stock 40T chainring might be suitable for flatter terrains, a 38T or even smaller chainring is recommended for those tackling hilly bikepacking routes. This adaptability in gearing is crucial for optimizing the Bombtrack Hook EXT for diverse adventures.
The bike rolls on WTB ST Light i23 rims, which are tubeless-ready and offer a good balance of weight and durability. WTB Ranger tires in 27.5 x 2.0″ size provide excellent grip and comfort on varied surfaces. Other notable components include Bombtrack’s own branded stem, handlebar, and seatpost, all chosen to enhance the bike’s overall performance and durability.
Bombtrack Hook EXT Details and Components
Close-up of Bombtrack Hook EXT components, highlighting the quality and attention to detail in its design.
Bombtrack Hook EXT vs. EXT-C: Steel vs. Carbon Frame
For riders considering different options within the Bombtrack bikes range, the Hook EXT offers an interesting comparison to its carbon sibling, the Hook EXT-C. While the EXT-C boasts a lighter carbon frame and higher-end components, the steel-framed Hook EXT provides a distinct ride feel that many appreciate. The steel frame of the Hook EXT delivers a more connected sensation to the terrain, often described as offering more “positive feedback.” This isn’t to say it’s uncomfortable; rather, it provides a lively and engaging ride that resonates well with bikepacking enthusiasts who value frame resilience and durability.
Steel frames are often favored for bikepacking due to their robustness and ability to withstand the abrasions and stresses of carrying gear over long distances. While carbon frames can be strategically protected, the inherent resilience of steel makes the Bombtrack Hook EXT a practical choice for rugged adventures.
Bombtrack Hook EXT Frame Details
Detailed view of the Bombtrack Hook EXT frame, showcasing the Columbus Cromor tubing and braze-ons for bikepacking.
Bikepacking Features and Practicality of Bombtrack Bikes Hook EXT
Bombtrack bikes are designed with practicality in mind, and the Hook EXT is exceptionally well-equipped for bikepacking. The frame and fork feature a multitude of braze-ons, including triple mounts on each fork blade and numerous points within the frame triangle, allowing for versatile water bottle and cargo cage configurations. There are also mounts for fenders and racks, enhancing its utility for all-weather riding and light touring. Eyelets for direct mount top tube bags further demonstrate the Hook EXT’s bikepacking readiness straight out of the box.
The stock Bombtrack CX-10 drop bar, with a 10° flare, is a solid starting point, offering comfortable hand positions for long days in the saddle. However, riders seeking more width and flare for enhanced off-road control might consider alternatives like the Ritchey Venturemax. Sizing and fit are crucial for comfort on long rides, and while the tested size L suited the reviewer, riders with longer legs might find the headtube slightly shorter than ideal, suggesting a need for stem adjustments or riser bars to achieve a more upright position if preferred.
Bombtrack Hook EXT Ready for Bikepacking
Bombtrack Hook EXT fully equipped with bikepacking bags, demonstrating its capability for self-supported adventures.
Long-Term User Experience with Bombtrack Bikes Hook EXT
The review incorporates valuable long-term feedback from a Bombtrack Hook EXT owner, Chris Goodman, providing real-world insights into the bike’s durability and adaptability. Goodman, a previous owner of another steel gravel bike, highlights the Hook EXT as a revelation, praising its lighter weight, direct feel, and enhanced capability on diverse terrains. He notes that the Hook EXT addressed common issues he faced with his previous bike, such as tire clearance limitations and gearing range, straight out of the box. His experience underscores the practical benefits and well-thought-out design of Bombtrack bikes for serious cyclists.
Wheels and Tires: Optimizing Your Bombtrack Bike for Different Terrains
The Bombtrack Hook EXT comes with WTB Ranger TCS Light folding tires, which are versatile for mixed-terrain riding. The rims are tubeless-ready, allowing riders to enjoy the benefits of tubeless setups, such as reduced risk of punctures and lower rolling resistance. While the stock tires performed adequately, the review mentions experimenting with other tire options to further optimize the bike for specific conditions.
For predominantly road riding, 650B x 47mm Teravail Ramparts are suggested, transforming the bike’s performance on pavement. For more aggressive off-road adventures, 27.5 x 2.1″ Sparwood tires are recommended, offering excellent grip and speed on forest roads. This highlights the flexibility of Bombtrack bikes, allowing riders to easily adapt their setup to match the terrain and riding style.
Bombtrack Hook EXT with Tailfin Aeropack
Bombtrack Hook EXT equipped with Tailfin Aeropack, showcasing its compatibility with various bikepacking gear systems.
Bombtrack Bikes Hook EXT: Is it the Right Choice for Mixed-Terrain Adventures?
The question of whether the Bombtrack Hook EXT is the right choice for mixed-terrain adventures is central to this review. It effectively bridges the gap between a drop-bar gravel bike and a cross-country mountain bike. While a mountain bike might offer more intuitive off-road handling, the Hook EXT’s lighter weight and efficient pedaling make it a pleasure to ride fast, especially on less technical terrain.
The 2.1″ tire clearance is a sweet spot, defining the bike’s capabilities and intended use. For drop-bar enthusiasts seeking a bike that confidently transitions from pavement to dirt and trail, the Bombtrack Hook EXT is exceptionally well-suited. The choice between a gravel bike like the Hook EXT and a mountain bike ultimately depends on the intended terrain and the rider’s preference, but for mixed-terrain bikepacking, the Hook EXT presents a compelling option within the Bombtrack bikes range.
Frameset Option and Customization
For those who prefer a more personalized build, the Bombtrack Hook EXT is available as a frameset. This allows riders to select their preferred components and tailor the bike to their exact specifications. Additionally, an aftermarket fork is available, offering further customization options. This frameset option underscores Bombtrack bikes’ commitment to catering to diverse rider needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Bombtrack Hook EXT Bikes
Pros:
- Engaging handling both unloaded and with bikepacking gear
- Comprehensive features catering to bikepacking needs
- Surprisingly capable off-road
- Comfortable frame and fork with practical tire clearance
- Excellent finish quality and attention to detail
- Reliable components including powerful hydraulic brakes
Cons:
- Price point is on the higher side
- Stock gearing might be too high for steep bikepacking routes
- Lower front end might not suit riders preferring an upright position
Conclusion: Why Choose a Bombtrack Hook EXT for Your Bikepacking Needs?
The Bombtrack Hook EXT emerges as a consummate all-rounder, perfectly tailored for riders who crave fast, mixed-terrain adventures. Its 1x drivetrain, while simplifying off-road riding, does come with a more limited gear range compared to 2x systems, but for most bikepacking scenarios, this is a worthwhile trade-off for its simplicity and reliability. The Hook EXT excels in blending speed and capability, making it ideal for cyclists who want a single bike that can handle everything from fast road sections to challenging trails.
While it might not be the cheapest option, the Bombtrack Hook EXT justifies its cost with its quality Colombus tubing, high-end carbon fork, durable components, and thoughtful design. It’s a bike built to last, ready to tackle countless adventures, and one that would be a prized possession for any serious bikepacker. For those seeking a versatile and robust adventure companion, the Bombtrack Hook EXT is an outstanding choice in the realm of Bombtrack bikes.
Rider’s Profile
The reviewer has extensive experience in two-wheeled explorations over the past two decades, including notable journeys across Georgia, the Colorado Trail, the Bolivian Cordillera Real, and various European routes. With a background deeply rooted in mountain biking and backcountry touring, the ideal ride blends quiet dirt roads with challenging singletrack.
- Height: 6’05” (184.5cm)
- Weight: 165 lbs (75kg)
- Inseam (PBH): 91.4cm
Bombtrack Hook EXT in Action
Action shot of Bombtrack Hook EXT in a bikepacking setting, highlighting its ruggedness and adventure-ready design.
