Thanks to local brand Traction Bikes, Filipinos don’t have to search far or spend much to build a bike-packing rig. The Path X is one of the brand’s models, and understanding it is not difficult thanks to the bike’s name. In algebra, “x” refers to a variable, so it can be deduced that this is a bicycle for riding on all sorts of terrain.

The Traction Path X is available as a frameset only, so the bike will have to be built from the ground up. Seasoned cyclists will most likely know how to spec it after glancing at its product details. But for beginners or first-timers, there’s no need to be afraid as long as you know the bike’s purpose and specs.

The Path X isn’t meant for going fast. It’s best for off-road touring and gravel adventures. Similar to Traction’s other models, it features a slack front end, a long wheelbase, and an upright fit for a stable and comfortable ride. It can take tires as thick as 27.5 inches by 2.6 inches, or 29 inches by 2.4 inches. But if you want maximum comfort, you can put a 100mm suspension fork.

There’s nothing particularly light about the aluminum frame, other than the fact that it isn’t steel and the stock fork is rigid. You’ll find mounting points all over the frame for all the accessories you could possibly need such as racks, bags, cages, or fenders. Also, cabling is externally routed for ease of maintenance, and there are provisions for a dropper post and a dynamo hub.

The demo bike was equipped with a 10-speed Microshift Advent X, Tektro Mira mechanical disc brakes, and 29-inch by 2.1-inch wheels. Although Traction says that the medium-sized frame is recommended for riders 5’7” and taller, that will depend on the setup of the cockpit.

Just as important as the specs is the fit. The review unit came with an 80mm stem and 44cm flared drop bars. While I could ride the bike, it wasn’t comfortable as the reach was too far. So I had the stem shortened to 50mm. This also unintentionally made the steering more responsive.

At first I thought the build was kind of bland. The bike isn’t as speedy as my Seaboard GR02, and the ride wasn’t cloud-like similar to a friend’s Velo Orange Piolet with plush 29-inch by 2.3-inch tires.

However, any complaints I had regarding the bike were quelled when I actually took it for a ride. Ideally, I would have gone to a trail, but since there weren’t any nearby, I went to my alma mater UP Diliman.

The road to UP is rough—quite literally—as I passed through EDSA northbound, which gets particularly bumpy by Cubao. The 29-inch by 2.1-inch tires had the right balance between ride comfort and rolling resistance. The hills on Maginhawa weren’t a problem, too, thanks to the wide-range 11-46T cassette and the 34T chainring.

While UP Diliman is mostly known for the Academic Oval, my destination was the lagoon since that was the one place where I could get down and dirty. I entered through the amphitheater behind the Quezon Hall.

Going through the lagoon felt more like hiking on a trail rather than a leisurely stroll. Going from the rough pavement to the moist ground, the wheels began slinging mud instead of kicking up dust. It was fun.

The knobby tires provided enough grip; the light gearing allowed me to build momentum and maintain it; and the flared drop bars gave leverage and control when things got rough. There was a sense of freedom and exploration knowing that I wasn’t limited to smooth surfaces.

At the end of the ride, I was able to appreciate the Traction Path X for what it is: a do-it-all, go-anywhere gravel bike that you can dress up however you like. You’ll be glad to know that the frameset is affordable at P15,600. To find the nearest dealer, you can message Traction Bikes on Facebook.