Touring - '94 Trek 850 as a touring bike???

My dilema: inlaws are doing the Lands End -> John O'Groats in the UK in May. It REALLY REALLY pisses me off that I can't take my Roubaix Pro as I've read here that it's probably not such a good idea to pull a trailer [Burley Nomad] with a CF bike even with the special skewer hitch. Too much stress on the rear triangle I'd imagine. SO....my only option without buying another bike is...to use what I got - my '94 Trek 850. I'm guessing I can put some road worthy wheels and park the knobbies and it should be good - no?? What says the touring gods?


Let me also say...if anyone has any ideas how to get my tandem over there and back...problem solved. The CoMo would be the perfect touring rig. Schweeet ride. I think I'll cross post this question over in the tandem forum.

It will be fine, espec if it is a rigid fork, although the 850 is a bit heavy. I have started weekend touring on a Trek 970 that I modified to be more roadworthy, but the intent is to still be able to do a fair amount of dirt roads and mild singletrack eventually. It is a bit lighter than your 850, but basically the same bike. I use Continental Town and Country tires (26 x 1.9) at 65 psi, raised the stem/bars, and added racks. With a Jandd Extreme in the rear I have excellent heel clearance and no interference with the panniers. It rolls along fine, but i do notice a difference compared to my 520, which is similar weight but more in the road format and with 700 x 32mm tires. It would be much more roadworthy with 1.5 tires, and in fact I once rode my Stumpjumper from SF to LA (500 miles) with Avocet Cross K in a 1.5 and it rolled along just fine, even with front suspension. Almost anything will work, just make sure it is in good condition.

Then again, having said all that, you could also pick up a used Trek 520 or other touring bike, use it for the trip, then sell it for the same price, or close. Almost no cost. If you're going for one week use your 850, if it is a 2 week trip or longer I might consider the latter suggestion, just for the increased comfort, speed and enjoyment.

I have put thousands of miles on my 96 Trek 830. About a fourth of them on pavement and the other three quarters off road. Over the years I have replaced the saddle with a Brooks Flyer, put on a suspension stem (kept the ridged fork), and am now running Conti Town and Countries. I’m about 215 pounds and have never experienced any problems other than a couple of broken spokes. I’ll never break any speed records but will never have to worry if the bike will make it to my destination. It’s comfortable and reliable, I’m sure your 850 will be the same or better.

Ditto both Mtnroads and Hawkgrove. That's pretty good testimony on your basic bike - and ours. By the way, I went to the Specialized site and they don't list a 26 X 1.5 Nimbus Armadillo. Strange. I called my LBS and they said they have them on the shelf. You asked me about h'bars in your PM to me. I can't remember if I told you: The 830 has North Roads and I haven't settled on the 520 yet.

John