Sacramento-based Meriwether Cycles gets its name from owner and builder Whit Johnson’s nickname, after Meriwether Lewis of Lewis and Clark. This became the inspiration for these excursion-seeking rigs. A hardtail can be an ideal trail companion for touring, with the right bags. That’s why for NAHBS, Meriwether teamed up with Bedrock Bags out of Denver and Durango. They make a number of capable bags for whatever kind of trip you desire, including their dropper-compatible Black Dragon saddle pack.

These two brands created one solid option for those looking for a trail-ready, and still shreddy bikepacking rig.