Touring - How to build up my Schwinn Voyageur with bags and such?

Well I mainly road race, but I have my Schwinn Voyageur that is for commuting - but would like to make it into a full touring ride. The thought of taking a long trip is getting more tempting each year. So, Ive heard that the Voyageur is a classic touring bike, it appears to have all the setups for extra units/paniers? to add on. I know nothing about adding bags and the need things, but I would like to start with something that will allow me to carry clothing and extra stuff. What and where should I start. thanks

Hi
Touring is a lot of fun.......to start, get a rear rack for carrying panniers (those bags that attach to the rack). These are available at your LBS or over the internet. You can also attach larger items on top of the rack like tent, sleeping bag using bungy cords. If you need more space to put your stuff then a front rack is the answer. The low-rider style will keep your centre of gravity low which is a good thing for weighed down bikes. The higher style allows you to place stuff on top of the rack similar to the rear rack but carrries the weight higher. I find a handlebar bag to be useful for carrying maps, snacks, camera etc.

Have fun touring!
Cheers
Ben
:beer:

A rack and pannier are a good start. A bar bag is useful. If you start with hostel/motel style touring, you dont need to carry sleeping or cooking equipment.
Once to start fully equipped touring, you will probably need some front fork racks and smaller front panniers.
There are lots of touring packing lists around. Its surprising what you can do without, and the best way to tell is to do a shakedown tour, carrying your stuff, but arriving back home. This will show you if the whole rig is working well.

My best advice? All of the above.

As far as finances, if you are unsure, ask a reliable LBS. They should get you the right stuff. I have made the mistake of trying to save money through internet and catalog order. It's great if you know what you're getting. However, I have ordered wrong/incompatible parts. In some cases, in an effort to save money, I ended up spending more money.:(

But, you live and learn.

Just get a BOB trailer, you can chuck all your gear in the large, water-tight bag, and off you go...

Hello Nikos,

I have two things to add:

1. Start assembling a tool kit: spare spokes & nipples (all the sizes you might need, 2 different sizes in the rear wheel), freewheel tool (or cassette removing tool, but be sure to loosen the lock ring before you ride so you can leave the chain whip at home), ass't hex wrenches, small adjustable wrench, appropriate crescent wrenches (for adj. your brakes), spare cables (brake & derailleur), spare tubes, patch kit & pump (duh), chain tool, zip ties, duct tape, and some Tyvek for repairing side walls (USPS priority mail envelopes are made of Tyvek and are FREE!). Perhaps bring some oil, too.

2. Staying at hotels/hostels will save you about 10lbs in camping equipment, but can be a drag if you are trying to go seriously rural. If you choose to camp, take a look at the hennessey hammock - I am convinced that it is the perfect shelter for solo bike touring (but I can't confirm that as I can't afford one just yet). It weighs ~2lbs and lets you leave your bulky sleeping pad @ home. Combine that with a lightweight bag and a light stove and you can haul camping kit weighing under 7lbs - minus food&water

Are you going to be riding alone or with others?

Peace
BK

Cyclists, like mountaineers have generally been ultra-light campers, going to extreme lengths to cut down on kit. Have a look at some of the ultra-light sites, they are more focused on backpacking, but the concepts are usefull.

http://www.ultralightbackpacker.com/index.html#Questions

One good way of doing ultra-light touring is to restrict your bag size. A large Carradice saddlebag is easy to carry and a good size.
http://www.carradice.co.uk/originals.htm