Last Updated on 21 January 2026 by Cycloscope
Frame, Geometry, Components, and Round‑the‑World Test Ride (30,000 km) – Italian Classic 700cc expedition touring bike.
- Frame Material: Chromoly Steel
- Wheel Size: 700c
- Number of Spokes: 36
- Number of Gears: 3×9
- Max Tire Clearance: 42mm / 1.65″
- Drive Train: Deore/Sora | 48-36-26T x 11-34T
- Weight (M size): ~14.2 kg (31 lbs)
The Cinelli Hobootleg is a travel bike with the traditional characteristics of a 700 c expedition‑ready touring machine.
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As Cinelli’s flagship steel adventure touring bike, it’s designed for long‑distance bicycle touring — and it has proven itself on some of the toughest routes in the world.
Since its original development, the Hobootleg was fine‑tuned through multiple editions of long expedition ridesand was famously ridden by Italian ultra‑cyclist Paola Giannotti to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest crossing of the globe by bicycle in the women category.
Special thanks go to Daniele and Simona from BeCycling, who rode through the highest passes of Asia and the deserts of Australia on two Hobootlegs — and kindly provided photos for this article.
Cinelli Hobootleg – The Frame Set
The Hobootleg uses double‑butted Columbus tubes in high‑quality Chromoly steel, powder‑coated and paint‑sealed with electrophoretic techniques for improved rust resistance.
This steel frame delivers a relatively cushioned ride thanks to the natural flex of steel. While not as plush as some touring‑specific steel bikes (like the Stanforth Kibo), it strikes a good balance between compliance and responsiveness — especially given its shorter wheelbase (more on that in the Geometry section).
Cable routing is external, which simplifies maintenance but can make accessory installation (like child seats or additional frame bags) a bit more awkward and may cause cable rub over time.
Standard touring features include three water bottle mounts, but the Hobootleg lacks the many additional braze‑ons and cage mounts found on more bikepacking‑oriented frames like the Cinelli Geo, Salsa Fargo, or Ribble 725.
Another “old‑school” trait is its use of V‑brakes rather than disc brakes. While disc brakes are now common and offer more consistent performance in mud and rain, V‑brakes are simpler, lighter, and easy to maintain or replace in remote regions — still a valid choice for traditional tourers.
The fork is steel with numerous rack and fender mounting points and provisions for low‑rider front racks. However, like the frame, it has limited provisions for modern bikepacking cages.
One quirky detail is the provision for small holders on the rear dropouts — potentially useful for extra spokes or small accessories — a nice‑to‑have on long expeditions.
Geometry of the Cinelli Hobootleg
Though it may look like a “typical touring bike” at first glance, the Hobootleg’s geometry is notable for its relative compactness.
With a 440 mm chainstay, it is stiffer and more responsive than many classic touring bikes (e.g., Stanforth Kibo at ~467 mm or Surly Disc Trucker at ~460 mm). Its figures are closer to bikes like the Dawes Galaxy or Kona Sutra.
The front center is also slightly shorter than many touring frames, which contributes to a more immediate steering feel. While this geometry may not be as relaxed as some ultra‑long‑haul rigs, it rewards riders with lively handling and better agility, even when loaded.
This design helps explain why the Hobootleg performed well in ultra‑cycling challenges — it’s built for speed and responsiveness while still carrying gear.
However, the shorter frame and compact geometry also have some trade‑offs: toe overlap can happen with larger feet when making very sharp turns, and very heavy loads might feel a bit twitchier compared to longer‑wheelbase tourers.
Even so, the Hobootleg handles fully loaded touring well — and it also makes a surprisingly capable commuter or everyday adventure bike.
Weight
At ~14.2 kg (31 lbs) for a size M (fully built), the Hobootleg is on the heavier side relative to modern steel tourers — roughly ~1 kg heavier than bikes like the Fuji Touring.
That extra weight comes from the thicker Chromoly tubes and robust component choices. In the context of fully loaded touring, an extra kilogram rarely makes a dramatic difference, and the bike’s durability more than compensates.
Weight
At ~14.2 kg (31 lbs) for a size M (fully built), the Hobootleg is on the heavier side relative to modern steel tourers — roughly ~1 kg heavier than bikes like the Fuji Touring.
That extra weight comes from the thicker Chromoly tubes and robust component choices. In the context of fully loaded touring, an extra kilogram rarely makes a dramatic difference, and the bike’s durability more than compensates.
Hobootleg by Cinelli – Drive Train & Standard Components
The Hobootleg runs a traditional 3×9 drivetrain:
- Crankset: FSA AlphaDrive Trekking 26/36/48T
- Bottom bracket: FSA BB‑7420 ST
- Front derailleur: Shimano Sora
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore RD‑M591
- Cassette: Shimano CS‑HG400 11‑34T
- Chain: KMC Z99
- Shifters: Microshift BS‑T09 Bar End (index or friction mode)
This gear range is versatile enough for most terrain, though some riders prefer a smaller or simpler range (e.g., a 22T front ring) for steep mountain passes under heavy load.
Microshift bar‑end shifters can be run in friction mode if indexed shifting fails — a useful touring fail‑safe.
Brakes
- Tektro 992AG Cantilever brakes, paired with Tektro RL340 levers, deliver excellent stopping power for rim braking and are simple to maintain worldwide.
Rim brakes are not as powerful as modern hydraulic discs, but they are light, reliable, and easy to service in remote areas.
Wheels & Tires
- Wheels: Alex Rims DH19 36H with Shimano Sora hubs
- Tires: Vittoria Randonneur Trail 700×38 mm (upgradeable to ~42 mm)
- Pedals: Wellgo WPD‑95B
The stock tire size is practical for touring roads and light gravel, though many riders opt for wider, grippier tires for serious mixed‑terrain touring.
Accessories
The bike comes with:
- Tubus front and rear carriers — strong and classic touring baggage solution
- Front and rear fenders — practical for wet-weather riding
Tubus racks are a welcome inclusion and rated for heavy loads, which is important for expedition setups.
What Are The Best Riding Setups for a Hobootleg Geo?
The Cinelli Hobootleg is built for classic touring with four panniers and a handlebar bag, but it can adapt to bikepacking setups as well — though it lacks bikepacking braze‑ons.
It also excels as an everyday commuter and occasional gravel adventurer — a rare versatility for a dedicated touring bike.
Conclusions
Overall, the Cinelli Hobootleg is a solid, traditional touring bike that comes ready for long rides out of the box. Its steel frameset, classic gear range, and practical components make it durable and trustworthy for extended journeys.
It doesn’t chase every modern trend, but its responsive geometry, solid construction, and simplicity are assets for riders who want a no‑nonsense touring machine.
Components & Specs – Cinelli Hobootleg
Frame and Fork
- Tubeset: Columbus Cromor Double‑Butted Steel
- Fork: Cinelli Cr‑Mo Steel 1‑1/8″
Brakes and Drivetrain
- Crankset: FSA AlphaDrive Trekking 26/36/48T (170/175 mm)
- Bottom bracket: FSA BB‑7420 ST
- Front derailleur: Shimano Sora
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore RD‑M591
- Chain: KMC Z99
- Cassette: Shimano CS‑HG400 11‑34T
- Shifters: Microshift BS‑T09 Bar End (Index/Friction)
- Brakes: Tektro 992AG Cantilever (with Tektro RL340 levers)
Components
- Headset: EC 34/28.6 | EC 34/30
- Stem: Cinelli Bootleg 6061 31.8 mm (90–110 mm)
- Handlebar: Cinelli Bootleg 6061 31.8 mm Long Dist. Traveler Sweep
- Tape: Cinelli Hobo Alphabet Ribbon + AVS Gel Pads
- Seatpost: Cinelli Bootleg 6061 27.2 mm
- Saddle: Selle San Marco Ischia Bootleg Custom
- Wheels: Alex Rims DH19 36H, Shimano Sora hubs
- Tires: Vittoria Randonneur Trail 700×38 mm
- Pedals: Wellgo WPD‑95B
- Accessories: Front and rear carriers, full fenders
Bike Weight (M): ~14.2 kg (31 lbs)
Max Tire Clearance: ~42 mm (1.65″)
About Cinelli Bicycles
Cino Cinelli founded Cinelli in 1948 in Milan, Italy. Originally a pro cyclist (Milan–San Remo 1943 winner), Cinelli turned his passion for performance into bicycle frames and components.
While a significant portion of Cinelli’s business today is components (especially handlebars and stems), the brand has produced noteworthy bikes through decades of innovation.
From stems and bars to world‑record bikes and classic steel tourers like the Hobootleg, Cinelli remains a respected name in cycling history.
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