Today, on Behind the Bars, I want to introduce you to Daniel Leblanc and his Panorama Taiga EXP 2. Coming from Central Ontario, cycling has always been about the sense of freedom and discovery that it brings—whether pedalling through quiet forests or across open gravel roads, he's driven by a love for adventure and the chance to connect with the outdoors in a meaningful way. Beyond cycling, Daniel is an outdoor enthusiast who camps year-round, often recognized at race venues for his hot tent setup and wood-burning stove. He gravitated toward bikepacking after growing disenchanted with the competitive race scene, drawn instead to grassroots events and the welcoming, inclusive community that bikepacking offers. Throughout the past five years, he's embraced the freedom and adventure of bikepacking, favouring scenic rail trails and gravel roads, and always seeking memorable routes that balance challenge with enjoyment.
Now, let's meet Daniel and get Behind the Bars.
What first drew you into bikepacking, and how did your journey begin?
Before I discovered the world of bikepacking, I was deeply immersed in the competitive side of cycling—road, cyclocross, mountain biking, and gravel racing. The thrill of racing was undeniable, but as entry fees, licenses, and travel costs kept climbing, it became harder to justify filling my calendar with expensive events. The financial strain started to outweigh the excitement, and I found myself searching for something more meaningful on two wheels.
That’s when my focus shifted from speed to adventure. I wanted to see how far I could ride, not just how fast. The idea of exploring new horizons, pushing my limits, and reconnecting with the pure joy of cycling began to take hold.
My journey into bikepacking truly began when I stumbled upon a Facebook post about the BT700 grand depart. The concept of riding long distances through beautiful landscapes, carrying everything I needed, and joining a welcoming community was irresistible. After a few days of contemplation, I decided to take the plunge and sign up. The camaraderie and friendliness of the bikepacking community hooked me instantly.
Since then, I’ve returned to the BT700 several times, each ride adding new memories and achievements. Every year, I seek out new trips and routes, continually expanding my bikepacking horizons. What started as a search for adventure has become a lifelong passion, fueled by the people I meet and the places I explore.
How does your bikepacking style reflect your personality or approach to adventures?
My approach to bikepacking is shaped by years spent camping in the backcountry and racing bikes; so I’m no stranger to discomfort or long stretches of challenge. But when it comes to adventure on two wheels, my philosophy is simple: I’m out there to reconnect with nature and savor every kilometer. For me, bikepacking isn’t about shaving grams or chasing fastest known times; it’s about making the ride as enjoyable and meaningful as possible.
I don’t concern myself with traveling ultralight. Instead, I prioritize comfort and the little things that make each trip special. My camp chair always comes along, giving me a place to relax and soak in the scenery after a long day. I make my own meals, taking the time to enjoy good food and the ritual of cooking outdoors. And I’m never in a rush; I stop often to truly experience the landscapes I move through, letting curiosity guide my route as much as any map.
Ultimately, I chase horizons, not records. My bikepacking style is about embracing the adventure, finding joy in the journey, and making sure every ride is an opportunity to connect with the world around me.
Your bike has a very unique look. What prompted you to choose this particular bike?
For my bikepacking adventures, I ride a Panorama Taiga Exp 2 drop bar mountain bike. Comfort on the trail was my top priority when choosing a rig, and the Taiga delivers in spades. I wanted bigger tires to smooth out the chatter of rough roads, the ability to carry more weight for longer journeys, and the versatility to tackle rugged, secluded routes with confidence.
Before switching to the Taiga, I rode a gravel bike with smaller tires. While it could handle technical singletrack, the ride was far from comfortable, and I was always worried about damaging spokes, a risk that’s especially daunting when you’re far from civilization. After a lot of research and deliberation, I noticed that many experienced bikepackers were using Panorama bikes for the same kinds of routes I wanted to explore. That sealed the deal for me.
The Taiga EXP 2 has proven to be the perfect companion for my style of adventure; reliable, comfortable, and ready for whatever the trail throws my way.
Can you walk us through your rig? What bags, racks, or custom features make it unique?
When I set out to build my bike, I knew I wanted something that would be with me for years, a bike that felt like an extension of myself. Nearly every detail is custom, starting with the paint job. I collaborated with a painter and designer to create an anime-themed masterpiece, complete with a comic-style Panorama logo and a vibrant gradient frame that shifts from pink to yellow. Custom decals featuring cycling quotes that resonate with me and add a personal touch, but the most meaningful detail is the anime-style decal of my beloved 19-year-old cat. Having her represented on my bike helps ease the guilt of leaving her behind on long trips and brings comfort when I miss her most.
Functionality meets style throughout my setup. I use Old Man Mountain Divide racks on both the front and back, powder coated blue to match the bike’s design, with Ponderosa Panniers in the rear. My front panniers and stem bags are custom creations from Calad, designed to perfectly complement the bike’s theme. The frame bag, crafted by Thief Bikepacking out of Jasper, is a testament to quality and thoughtful design. After nearly a decade of using their bags, I worked with them to create a frame bag that fits my bike precisely, offers the mounting options I need, and even features a custom-sized pocket for my Apidura 3L water bladder, ensuring nothing else in the bag gets lost beneath it.
Comfort is a top priority, so I chose the Redshift Shockstop Stem and seatpost, which have transformed my ride. I wouldn’t consider anything else now. My Brooks C17 carved saddle adds another layer of comfort for those long days on the trail.
To maximize hand and riding positions for back-to-back long rides, I opted for the Redshift Top Shelf 50mm rise bar with a 53cm width and added Redshift aero bars with 30mm risers as well as the Cruise Control grips. In the drops, I have zero rise, while the hoods offer a more upright position. An extra 30mm of rise on the aero bars lets me settle into a truly relaxed posture when the trail allows.
Every element of my bike is chosen to reflect my personality and enhance my experience, blending creativity, comfort, and practicality for adventures that are uniquely mine.
How do you balance weight, comfort, and functionality when deciding what to carry?
When it comes to packing for a bikepacking adventure, I always prioritize functionality and comfort overweight. My days of sleeping in uncomfortable conditions just to travel light—thanks to my military experience—are behind me. Now, I want to eke out as much comfort as possible on my travels.
That’s why I chose two racks and four panniers for my setup. This allows me to carry a bit more food, especially meals I create and dehydrate at home. Knowing I’m eating good food with quality ingredients—sometimes straight from my garden—makes a huge difference, and it’s far better than relying on expensive pre-packaged options or gas station food.
Four panniers also help keep my gear organized and easy to access. Instead of fighting to cram everything into a single saddle bag, I can keep my belongings sorted and within reach, making the journey smoother and more enjoyable. For me, the right balance is all about making sure every ride is comfortable, functional, and tailored to my own style of adventure.
What inspired you to design such a unique looking bikepacking rig?
The inspiration for my current bike design comes straight from my love of anime and my belief that bikes should be bright, bold, and full of personality. I’ve always lamented how many modern bike designs stick to a single colour, usually an earth tone or black. If I’m going to invest time and money into one bike, I want it to be something I truly love looking at.
I love vibrant colours, so I chose a pink, yellow, and blue color scheme that stands out on any trail. The comic font for the logo and a custom cat decal complete the cartoony vibe I was aiming for, making my bike not just a tool for adventure, but a reflection of my personality and the joy I find in riding.
For me, a bike should be as fun and expressive as the journeys it takes me on. This bike is a celebration of that philosophy—bright, unique, and unapologetically me.
There's nearly always something that isn't quite perfect. If you could change one thing about your rig, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about my bike, it would be the frame size. My height puts me right between a medium and a large mountain bike, and every other bike I’ve owned has been a medium for that agile ride. When I ordered my Taiga, I stuck with medium out of habit and didn’t think much of it.
Looking back, I wish I’d gone with the large frame and a slightly shorter stem. That extra clearance in the frame would have allowed me to fit a larger frame bag. Just a few more inches of space can make a big difference when it comes to grabbing and stowing important items quickly and easily. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s one of those small tweaks that could make my setup even more functional for long adventures.
