Touring - New new touring on hybrid bike

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Frida1
02-20-08, 11:29 AM
We are doing a self-guided tour in Romania next summer. I have done lots of touring with my road bike. The company will be providing us with hybrid bikes because of road conditions. They are a choice of Merida Freeway 9500 or Gepida 300 or Gepida 500. Anyone know anything about these bikes? I'm a little scared because I think these bikes will weight around 30+ lbs. It seems impossible! We will have no sag wagon but can probably keep gear under 25 lb. Our days are not long, but I'm afraid they will be on these heavy bikes. Longest day is 55 miles with 2,000' elevation gain. Does anyone have any advice?

MrPolak
02-20-08, 11:54 AM
Check out this post about touring on hybrids.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=385189

By the way, most true touring bikes weigh about 30lbs anyway. I would be more concerned about fit, saddle comfort, proper gearing and tires.
bwgride
02-20-08, 08:45 PM
Why so much concern about the weight of the bike? Is this a race or a tour you plan? If a tour, relax, go slow, stop often, and enjoy yourself. My last tour my bike weighed 85 pounds with all my gear and it was easy enough to ride.

MichaelW
02-22-08, 11:01 AM
These are all pretty typical, midrange-quality al-framed hybrids. They are not overly heavy, about the same as a standard steel tourer. Small gears are more important then lightweight if you want to spin up a long, steep slope.
I prefer to take my own saddle and pedals when renting bikes.