The Tout Terrain Outback Xplore GT II is a Pinion Drop-Bar MTB

German manufacturer Tout Terrain has unveiled its latest offering, the Outback Xplore GT II, a steel-framed, drop-bar mountain bike designed for bikepacking. This new model notably features an electronic Pinion Smart.Shift drivetrain, integrating gearbox technology with electronic shifting. The bike also boasts substantial tire clearance, accommodating up to 29 x 2.6-inch rubber, underscoring its off-road and expeditionary ambitions.

This release is significant given the growing trend towards integrated, low-maintenance drivetrains in the adventure cycling segment. Pinion's Smart.Shift system, combining a gear hub with electronic controls, represents a premium solution to the perennial issues of derailleur vulnerability and chain wear on long tours. Tout Terrain, known for its robust, expedition-ready machines, is positioning this bike squarely at the high-end bikepacking market, where reliability and durability often trump weight savings.

In an era of disposable components, Tout Terrain continues to champion engineered longevity. One might even suggest they're building bikes that outlast their owners' enthusiasm for a particular route.