He took this bike to New Zealand for a reason!

In this video, we take a detailed look at John Benett’s custom Stinner Tunnel Hardtail, built specifically for a nearly two-week bikepacking trip through New Zealand’s South Island. John just returned from riding the southern leg of the Tour Aotearoa, covering roughly 650 miles from Picton to Queenstown — a demanding route with steep climbs, long road stretches, remote dirt, and technical descents.

At the heart of this build is the Stinner Tunnel, a Titanium or Steel hardtail designed for long-distance, off-road touring. John explains why the Tunnel was the perfect choice for this trip: it stays confident and comfortable when fully loaded, climbs efficiently, and still feels capable and aggressive on descents — even deep into long days of riding.

This bike is packed with thoughtful customizations that make it ideal for bikepacking:
• A bolt-on custom frame bag by Ivanhoe Bags, permanently mounted to eliminate strap wear and improve reliability
• A complete Tailfin luggage system, including rear cargo pack, mini panniers, handlebar bag, and suspension fork mounts for fast removal and waterproof storage
• A 120mm RockShox SID Ultimate fork with remote lockout — a sweet spot for bikepacking comfort and efficiency
• Schmidt dynamo hub paired with a Sinewave Beacon light to power electronics on long days
• Maxxis Recon Race tires for fast rolling efficiency across mixed terrain
• SRAM AXS electronic shifting for reliability and simplicity on extended trips
• A long-travel OneUp 240mm dropper post for stability, comfort, and control when loaded
• Dialed cockpit details like swept aluminum bars, Ergon cork grips, mini aero bar extensions, and integrated shifting controls

John also breaks down how this setup worked in real-world conditions — from remote backcountry sections to town stops, wet weather, and long road transitions — and why the Tunnel remains his go-to bike for demanding bikepacking adventures.

If you’re interested in bikepacking bikes, custom steel hardtails, adventure cycling setups, or how to build a bike that genuinely works for long-distance travel, this video is packed with real-world insight.

To build your dream tunnel, visit: https://www.stinnerframeworks.com/col...