Bike selection help

[LuckyPhil]

Hi guys I am planning to attempt the continental divide trail and need some advice on bike selection. Fat bike or full suspension MTB? Also any thoughts on a Bob trailer? Better to go with a pannier set up?

I am a very experienced cyclist but never attempted a multi day adventure like this.
Thanks for any advice.
Phil

[paddleboy17]

If you area talking about the Adventure Cycling Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, then I have some useful comments...

If you are talking some other route then what I have to say may not apply.

I rode a portion in New Mexico and it was at worst two track.  Lots of washboard, which was the compelling reason to ride a mountain bike.  I used a Bob trailer and it worked out.  I think Bob trailers have a tendency to bounce and others disagree.  I do not think I would have liked panniers (I use panniers now on road).  Ride some washboard and decide if you like 26", 27.5", 29", or fat mountain bike.  I rode a 26" steel hard tailed with front suspension.

[indyfabz]

One recommendation is to not use full suspension with nylon pivots:

https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/great-divide-mountain-bike-route/

[LuckyPhil]

Thanks for the input guys. I would still like input from anyone else with ideas.

[drakedean]

Just to share my experience and maybe you can take it as a recommendation too!

I love my new Beiou BOCBM05A Carbon Fiber Complete MTB Bike.

Features are follows:

Carbon Fiber Bicycle
Full Suspension

Works great on pavement and I've taken it on a few easy mountain bike trails. Had this bike put together by a professional. He had never even heard of this brand. He said it was meant for Europe as the brakes were reversed. Was impressed with the quality, so am I, GREAT BIKE!

[RonK]

I don't think suspension is essential and it adds weight.
Consider also a 29er+ bike such as the 2017 Salsa Fargo and using bikepacking bags to travel ultralight. Big tires will give plenty of cush.
A useful forum about bikepacking is bikepacking.net