Bikepacking
with Barret

A guided build for riders who want a dialed, reliable bikepacking setup without getting lost in endless options.

book a consult

jump to pricing

(To book a consult, email Barret: barret.choka@gmail.com)

In-shop at Standard Bike Repair.
Phone/video available if you’re traveling.

HOW IT WORKS

It starts with a frame

Which starts with a conversation.

We’ll talk about the rides you want to do, your budget, and your priorities. After that, we choose a frame and build around it.
We commonly work with Surly, Soma, and Crust, but we’re not limited to those.

The process

1. Initial consult (1 hour)

We talk goals, terrain, fit, and budget. You’ll leave with a clear direction and next steps.

2. Planning + build sheet

We map everything out in one place: frame options, parts list, compatibility notes, and cost ranges so nothing gets missed.

3. Parts sourcing + frame selection

We shortlist options that match your build goals, check compatibility, and place orders after you approve the plan.

4. Build sessions (Watch. Help. Learn.)

We assemble and dial the bike together. You can watch the whole process, help hands-on, and learn what matters for maintenance.

5. Final checks + handoff

We test ride, tune shifting and braking, and make small comfort tweaks so it’s ready for long days and loaded miles.

What you get

A complete build plan + budget ranges

Personalized fit + intended terrain/riding style

Build support and checkpoints

Shopping list / compatibility checks

Installation + tuning + safety checks

Confidence riding/maintaining your rig

cost

Clear pricing

Consultation and labor are a flat fee. Frame, parts, and gear depend on your build and budget.

Consultation + Labor

$700

This covers the guided build process from first consult through final adjustments.

Includes:

Initial consultation
(1 hour)
Planning + build spreadsheet
Parts compatibility checks
Check-in(s) during the build
1–2 build sessions (Watch / Help / Learn)
Final tuning and adjustments

Frame

$500–$1,500

A typical range for a bikepacking-ready frame.

Includes:

Frame recommendations based on your goals
Compatibility review (fit, mounts, tire clearance, etc.)
You approve before anything is ordered

Parts & components

$1,000–$2,500

The mechanical parts that make the bike ride the way it should

Often includes:

Wheels and tires
Drivetrain
Brakes
Cockpit contact points
Cables/housing and small parts

Gear & accessories

$300–$1,500

The bikepacking kit that makes the setup functional on the road.

Often includes:

Bags and mounting hardware
Racks/cages as needed
Tools and spares
Lights and safety essentials

Parts and gear are purchased separately. We’ll confirm compatibility, priorities, and costs before ordering.

Book a consult

(To book a consult, email Barret: barret.choka@gmail.com )

Checkpoints & build sessions

Bikepacking builds have a lot of moving parts. We use a few checkpoints so compatibility, budget, and priorities stay on track before anything gets locked in.

Expect:

1–2 checkpoints during planning and parts selection

1–2 build sessions in the shop (Watch. Help. Learn.)

At checkpoints we’ll:

Confirm part compatibility before ordering

Review budget tradeoffs and make final decisions

Adjust the plan if something is backordered or unavailable

Builder

About Barret

Barret has years of experience with both bikepacking and custom builds. He’s helped create everything from lightweight gravel grinders to fully loaded mountain touring setups. We’ll be showcasing some of his past builds at Standard Bike Repair, so you can get inspired and see craftsmanship firsthand.

what he focuses on:

Durable, serviceable parts choices

Compatibility checks before ordering

Comfort and fit for long days

Clear tradeoffs and budget guidance

good to know

Before you book

How long is the initial consultation?

The initial consultation is one hour. We’ll talk goals, terrain, budget, and fit, then map out next steps.

What’s included in the $700 flat fee?

The $700 covers the guided build process: planning, the build spreadsheet, compatibility checks, checkpoints during the process, build session support (Watch/Help/Learn), and final tuning/adjustments.

What costs extra beyond the $700?

The frame, parts/components, and gear/accessories are purchased separately. Those costs vary depending on your build goals and budget, and we’ll confirm choices and costs before ordering anything.

Can you work within a budget cap?

Yes. Tell us your top-end number and your priorities (comfort, durability, weight, simplicity, etc.). We’ll recommend options and tradeoffs that keep the build aligned with that cap.

Can I use parts I already own?

Often, yes. Bring what you have (or a list with model info) and we’ll check compatibility and condition. If something won’t work well for bikepacking, we’ll explain why and offer alternatives.

What if a part is backordered or hard to find?

That’s exactly why we use checkpoints. If availability changes, we’ll adjust the plan, propose substitutions, and confirm cost/compatibility before moving forward.

Do I have to attend the build sessions?

No. The build sessions are flexible. You can watch, help hands-on, or just learn the key things you’ll want to know for riding and basic maintenance. If you’d rather not participate, that’s fine too.

How many sessions should I expect?

Most builds involve 1–2 checkpoints (to confirm plan/parts) and 1–2 build sessions (assembly + dialing things in). The exact number depends on complexity and parts availability.

How long does the full process take?

It depends on parts availability and scheduling. After the consult, we’ll give you a realistic timeline based on what you want to build and what’s actually in stock.

What should I bring to the consultation?

If you have them, bring:
– Your current bike (or fit notes if you don’t have one yet)
– Any parts/gear you want to use
– A rough budget range
– Your route/terrain goals (even a link or short description helps)

Bikepackingwith Barret