Mikko Hyppönen on the Stavanger, bikepacking and Finnish rye bread
The co-founder of Pelago Bicycles talks about his gravel bike, an all-rounder with a Nordic character, built for city, gravel and bikepacking.
The Pelago Stavanger is considered one of the most exciting all-rounders on the gravel and bikepacking market. Since its introduction, it has made a name for itself as a bike for anyone who wants to combine versatility, everyday practicality, and a thirst for adventure. We spoke with Mikko Hyppönen , co-founder of Pelago Bicycles, about the idea behind the Stavanger, the latest adjustments, and the future outlook.
"Mikko, what were the considerations and priorities in the development of the Stavanger?"
Mikko: We wanted to develop a bicycle that complements our city models and is as versatile as possible. It shouldn't be perfect in one area, but should convince as an all-rounder. The frame set should adapt flexibly to changing needs and be able to change its shape or purpose depending on its use.
"The Stavanger underwent a small relaunch in 2023. What did you adjust and optimize?"
Mikko: The adjustments were a response to the growing interest of bikepacking and the general development in the bike travelling sector. The goal was to make the Stavanger even more versatile: more tire clearance, more compatibility with different wheel sizes. The front frame triangle was optimized for shorter stems – this ensures more agile handling, even with wider tires and front luggage. A subtle bend in the seat tube keeps the rear end compact, even with full fenders. And those are precisely what's central to us at Pelago when it comes to year-round suitability and weather protection.
"Is a further expansion or development of the model planned?"
Mikko: Currently, no major updates are planned for Stavanger.
"Why did you choose a steel frame – and not other materials?"
Mikko: Steel is to us like Finnish rye bread – a cornerstone of our culture: dense, robust and full of character. Of course, we could also consider titanium or carbon. A Stavanger made of carbon? Maybe at most the fork – and that's already available as an upg
About the Stavanger from Pelago
The Pelago Stavanger is a gravel bike that redefines versatility. It combines everyday practicality, bikepacking capabilities, and touring comfort in one frame. Whether daily commuting, weekend tours, or longer adventures – the Stavanger shows its strengths on any terrain.
With an extended size range (42–63, suitable for riders from 145 to 210 cm), fresh design and timeless aesthetics, it convinces with flexibility and style.
The Stavanger combines classic steel construction with modern geometry. The oversized CrMo frame ensures stiffness, while the versatile geometry provides an agile yet stable riding experience – even with luggage on the bike.
Thanks to thru-axles and a tapered head tube, the Stavanger is future-proof and allows the use of carbon forks. The generous tire clearance (up to 50 mm with 700C, up to 57 mm with 650B) enables different setups – from sporty to comfortable.
The preparation for a Vario seatpost, numerous mounting points and weather protection options make it an all-rounder for commuting, touring and bikepacking.
The Stavanger impresses with its functional features, designed for durability and versatility:
- Shimano GRX 1x11 drivetrain (40T / 11-42T)
- Hydraulic disc brakes (Shimano GRX RX400)
- WTB Riddler 700x45C, tubeless ready
- Front/rear thru-axles (12 mm)
- Numerous mounting points for luggage racks, bags & mudguards
- Colors: Lilametal (no longer available), Grey Terra, Charcoal Walnut
- Weight: approx. 12.1 kg (size 54)
With this, the Stavanger has everything a modern gravel bike needs for everyday use, touring and adventure – robust, versatile and individually customizable.
"How do you think the gravel bike will develop in the next five years - and how will Pelago react to that?"
Mikko: That's hard to predict. At Pelago, we follow trends less than our gut feeling and look for solutions that make sense and feel right. Some indications suggest that mechanical drives and classic inner tubes are becoming more common again. And generally: The more people discover bikepacking, the more the gravel bike will gain importance as a travel bike.
"Is there a brief outlook on upcoming developments at Pelago?"
Mikko: This summer we launched our first e-bikes – we are very proud of that. For 2026, the "Thorsmörk" project is planned: a bikepacking mountain bike. We are also working on bringing back a revised classic all-road road bike. We showed more of that at Eurobike.
"What is your favorite route – and what kind of bike do you ride it on?"
Mikko: I usually do shorter tours of two to three nights with friends here in Finland. My setup: a Stavanger in frame size 63, with 650B wheels, 57 mm wide tires, 1x12 GRX drivetrain and dropper post. Perfect for exploring when you don't know whether asphalt or trail awaits. This summer I'm planning a tour to the climbing rocks in southern Finland.
About Mikko Hyppönen
In 2009, Mikko Hyppönen founded Pelago Bicycles in Helsinki together with his brother Timo. Originally graphic designers, the two began by modifying old bicycles – this led to the desire to create "simple, sturdy, practical bikes": minimalist, durable and suitable for everyday use.
The name "Pelago," derived from "archipelago," stands for a connection to nature and Nordic design – cornerstones of the brothers' philos
«Was ist deine Lieblingstour – und mit welchem Velo fährst du sie?»
Mikko: Ich mache meist kürzere Touren von zwei bis drei Nächten mit Freunden hier in Finnland. Mein Setup: ein Stavanger in Rahmengrösse 63, mit 650B-Laufrädern, 57 mm breiten Pneus, 1x12 GRX-Antrieb und Dropper Post. Perfekt für Entdeckungen, wenn man nicht weiss, ob Asphalt oder Trail wartet. Diesen Sommer plane ich eine Tour zu den Kletterfelsen im Süden Finnlands.
Mikko on the go
