Otso Cycles says they started seeing requests for a standard steel version of their Fenrir bikepacking bike back when they released the Fenrir Stainless back in 2021. So, here we are a few years later, and it’s come to fruition: meet the Fenrir Steel. Otso is known for its versatile bicycles, and the Fenrir may be the most versatile one of the bunch.
The Fenrir is a versatile bikepacking-specific bike designed to adapt to different riding styles and cargo needs. The bike can be configured with either flat or drop handlebars. It can also accommodate both rigid setups and 100-120mm travel suspension forks. It can run a dropper or rigid seatpost as well.
But what really sets this bad boy apart is its extensive mounting system. It’s got dual three-pack mounts on the fork, three bottle mounts on the main triangle, plus rear rack compatibility. So it’s ready for riders who want to carry a boat-load o’ gear for multi-day adventures.
Versatility for the Win
The Fenrir Steel’s adaptability also extends to its ability to run different handlebar configurations, which can change the bike’s character significantly. With drop bars and a shorter stem, it behaves like a capable gravel bike with added stability when loaded.
Or, run mountain bike bars with a longer stem, and it becomes more nimble and responsive. No matter what bar you choose, the Fenrir Steel is designed to handle all terrain while loaded.
The Fenrir Steel’s frame uses 4130 chromoly steel with custom tube sets. Each tube set is optimized for each of the four available sizes (S to XL). It features a 68º head tube angle, 75º seat tube angle, and wheelbases ranging from 1,110 to 1,170mm.
Fenrir Steel Geo
| XS | S | M | L | XL | |
| Recommended rider height | 4’10”-5’4″ | 5’3″-5’7″ | 5’7″-5’11” | 5’11”-6’3″ | 6’3″-6’6″ |
| Inseam | 29″-30″ | 30″-31″ | 31″-32″ | 32″-33″ | 33″-34″ |
| Effective top tube | 547mm | 565mm | 583mm | 600mm | 618mm |
| Nominal head tube angle | 68° | 68° | 68° | 68° | 68° |
| Tuning Chip-induced head/seat tube angle change from middle position | ±0.25° | ±0.25° | ±0.25° | ±0.25° | ±0.25° |
| Head tube length | 90mm | 100mm | 120mm | 140mm | 160mm |
| Nominal seat tube angle | 75° | 75° | 75° | 75° | 75° |
| Seat tube length | 360mm | 400mm | 450mm | 490mm | 530mm |
| Bottom bracket drop | 68-72mm | 68-72mm | 68-72mm | 68-72mm | 68-72mm |
| Chainstay length | 430-450mm | 430-450mm | 430-450mm | 430-450mm | 430-450mm |
| Wheelbase | 1090-1110mm | 1110-1120mm | 1130-1150mm | 1150-1170mm | 1170-1190mm |
| Trail | 88mm | 88mm | 88mm | 88mm | 88mm |
| Fork offset | 51mm | 51mm | 51mm | 51mm | 51mm |
| Rigid fork axle to crown length | 495mm | 495mm | 495mm | 495mm | 495mm |
| Stack | 595mm | 605mm | 623mm | 642mm | 660mm |
| Reach | 387mm | 403mm | 416mm | 428mm | 441mm |
| Standover | 754mm | 777mm | 810mm | 838mm | 866mm |
This steel version joins the existing titanium Fenrir Ti model that launched in 2022, offering the same geometry and features at a lower price point. The Fenrir Steel retail starts at $1,950 for a frame and $3,200 for a base build. To put that in perspective, the stainless steel Fenrir frame was priced at $2,550, and the ti frame is priced at $3,450. It’s worth pointing out that the stainless Fenrir is currently on sale (20% off frames and 12% off complete builds), and Otso has said they’re undecided if they’re phasing out the stainless version, but there will definitely not be any restocks this year. So it could be a great time to snag one of those before they’re gone.
The new steel version includes a carbon Lithic Mountain Fork that includes the three-pack mounts and an adjustable dropout chip for flip-flopping the bike’s handling characteristics.
Customers can fully customize their build, choosing from two colorways (Pumpkin orange with beige accents or Indigo blue with white details), wheel sizes, components, and anodized color accents, with each bike configured to order at Otso’s Minnesota facility.
