After years of prototyping, Rufus Wenlock’s Wildergoose is finally on the loose. A steel, bikepacking-oriented hardtail with plenty of clearance and cargo capacity, the Sufur Wildergoose is an eye-catching frame that aims to be ideal for anything from the Tour Divide to backyard overnighters. Explore all the details below…

Following the official launch of the brand early last year, the Sufur Wildergoose is Rufus Wenlock’s bikepacking-oriented steel hardtail that he says is the result of years of harsh testing and prototyping. With a wealth of experience at the pointy end of the competitive racing scene, Rufus is applying that experience to his first official model.

Aside from its tire clearance and 100mm suspension-corrected design, the bike’s large inner triangle is a big part of what makes this bikepacking-ready. Using a curved seat tube, the Wildergoose provides more room for frame bags than a conventional straight post. As a result, every size of the Wildergoose can fit three 750ml bottles, while still running a large half-frame bag. It also has mounts for top tube bags and dedicated M5 mounts above both dropouts.

Beyond creating room for larger bags, Rufus says the offset seat tube also allows for a steeper seat tube angle. He notes that this is meant to keep the rider position consistent across the size range and is supposed to make the bike have similar ride characteristics regardless of saddle height. The Wildergoose also has ample tire clearance. Though it’s unclear what the official industry standard is across the globe, the general rule of thumb is 4-6 mm of mud clearance at the maximum stated tire size. Rufus says the Wildergoose almost doubles that at its stated 29 x 2.4″ max.

Other design notes focus on the custom 3D-printed seat stay yoke, which is intentionally placed at the tightest point in the frame. Rufus claims that any build-up of mud or debris is then encouraged to occur higher in the frame, away from the drivetrain, where it’s easier to clear. The curved seat tube also follows the radius of the rear tire, leaving no shelf for mud to collect on. Any debris that passes through the seat stay yoke naturally continues around the tire and is pushed out through the bottom of the frame. The frame incorporates multiple joints and other elements outside the yoke that are also 3D-printed, which Rufus says helps with comfort, practicality, and capability, and isn’t simply a marketing gimmick.

Made of VeloSpec tubing by Rufus in New Zealand, the Wildergoose uses a BSA 73mm threaded bottom bracket, 27.2mm seatpost, flat mount brakes, BOOST spacing, a 52mm chainline, and is UDH compatible. The bike also maxes out at a 40T chainring and features internal cable routing with a double port on either side of the downtube.

Sufur Wildergoose Geo

The Wildergoose is available in two colors: Crimson Tide and Emerald Current. Frames are built to order and have an estimated lead time of 8-10 weeks from the date of purchase. Pricing starts at $3,100 ($5,300 NZD) for a frame. Riders requiring a more tailored fit can choose their own custom stack and reach dimensions for $3,330 ($5,700 NZD). Complete bike builds are also available, along with a frame-and-finishing-kit option that includes components such as a headset, bottom bracket, and seat tube collar from Wolf Tooth.

For more on the Wildergoose, visit Sufur.co.

Further Reading

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info...

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.