Bikes of 2023 – Meriwether Klunkpacker

As I look back on 2023, there is one bike that really stood out. That bike is the custom Meriwether Klunkpacker. I wrote about this bike earlier in the year and while I rode a lot of other bikes, this one really stood out.

Why did this bike stand out? The simple version is that I think it’s beautiful, ride quality & fit is sublime and it’s so versatile. I also think Whit at Meriwether is one of the best builders in the country and a humble and nice guy. Last week I wrote about cycling goals and you know what? This is the bike that I did my 50 mile MTB, my short bike packing tour, and my 100+ mile gravel ride. It’s the bike I took on my annual North Dakota trip and country ramble. I also rode an extremely hot gravel event down in Iowa and appreciated the 6 water bottles and a real gas tank bag filled with food. Did I mention it is versatile?

I will write about gravel bikes later in December, but I am really thinking about re building this bike (again) as my main gravel rambler for 2024. It’s that good. This means new, lighter wheels to swap in & out and new drivetrain including electronic shifting.

At the moment, it is 100% stripped down to be cleaned and I am sewing all new bags in a new colorway for 2024! It is such a fun platform to work with. I am still scheming some of the bags, but look for a custom tank bag, frame bag, tool/seat roll and bar harness for 2024!

So until you see it again in 2024, here are some pics from my rides, adventures and travels with the Klunkpacker in 2023! Click on any to go to slideshow mode.