Touring - Should this be my first touring bike?

I posted last week inquiring about what kind of touring bike to start with. After looking around and finding no LBS w/ touring bikes on sale, it looks like I'm limited to a used bike at this point. Does this Volpe setup look like a good deal? Also, does it seem an appropriate size? I am 5' 10 with a 30 in inseam and this is said to have a 52 cm frame. Here's the link.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/177365450.html

Any advice you all can give me is much appreciated. Thanks.

I posted last week inquiring about what kind of touring bike to start with. After looking around and finding no LBS w/ touring bikes on sale, it looks like I'm limited to a used bike at this point. Does this Volpe setup look like a good deal? Also, does it seem an appropriate size? I am 5' 10 with a 30 in inseam and this is said to have a 52 cm frame. Here's the link.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/177365450.html

Any advice you all can give me is much appreciated. Thanks.

Sorry, I am on my way to pick it up, now. Thanks for the tip.

Just kidding. :D


The Volpe would be excellent for touring. Just make sure it fits you since touring means a longtime in the saddle. Other than that, the Volpe is a steel frame with adequate chainstays to accomodate panniers. Volpe's have room for fenders and larger tires. Ideal for commuting.

According to the Bianchi site, going back to 2001, the standover height is 30" for a 52cm. I would suggest meeting up with the seller and riding the bicycle. Standover the bicycle flat footed to note the clearance as repects your crotch. On a road/touring bike most suggest to ride as tall a bike that you can standover.

I posted last week inquiring about what kind of touring bike to start with. After looking around and finding no LBS w/ touring bikes on sale, it looks like I'm limited to a used bike at this point. Does this Volpe setup look like a good deal? Also, does it seem an appropriate size? I am 5' 10 with a 30 in inseam and this is said to have a 52 cm frame. Here's the link.


I bought a Volpe -- new -- today. I am also about 5' 10. The Volpe comes in 52cm and then 55cm, nothing between. I thought the 52 was a bit small, while the salesguy thought a 52 would be better. So he did a quick fit and concluded that I would be better off with a 54cm if such were available.

I ended up getting a 55 and he adjusted the stem a little and suggested I replace the suspension seatpost.

So... I would conclude that the bike should be pretty close to your size. You could always extend the stem a little.... And it sounds like a good price.

definitely a good buy.
since there are no dents or dings and the paint is in "mint" condition it's not likely, but just to make sure that the frame is not misaligned for some reason, if you have a chance to ride it before buying, ride it with no hands for a bit. if it swerves off immediately (not due to wind) , the frame could be out of alignment. again, it's not too likely.

when the cassette wears out, you might want to replace it with one with a 32 teeth or more large cog.

i'd go for it.

It wouldn't be my choice for fully loaded touring, but for anything short of that, it's an excellent bike by all accounts. And you could make it work fully loaded as well, though there are better choices, I think.

I would like to know the same thing for this bike:
http://reno.craigslist.org/bik/176917535.html

That might be a nice bike but it isn't a touring bike:shocks, short geometry.

I'm female, 5'6" with a 30" inseam and have a 52cm Volpe. Standover is fine as long as I'm wearing shoes. Only real issue is that there is some significant toe/front wheel overlap at low speeds.

I'd say go for it, looks like a great bike.

It wouldn't be my choice for fully loaded touring, but for anything short of that, it's an excellent bike by all accounts. And you could make it work fully loaded as well, though there are better choices, I think.

Can you elaborate? What would it take to make it tour-worthy? I want a do-anything type of bike but also something i can eventually rely on for a decent loaded tour.

RP,
it's too small. A 55cm might be too small. Find out
what top tube length you need. This bike doesn't come in
many sizes, increasing the chances you fall uncomfortably between
the available sizes.

I am roughly your size -- 5ft 10 1/2" with 30 inch inseam. I tried out 52cm and 55cm Volpes last year and found the 55cm to be a much better fit. 52cm way too small. Ride them both a lot to try to decide, but hunch is you're closer to a 55cm.

Sam