Touring - Newbie Question (what bike to buy?)

Greetings,

My wife and I are planning a world trip starting in May and part of it we'll be biking. We'll be biking Ireland, England and France. My wife already owns a hybrid bike (she used to bike to work), but I wasn't sure if that was best.

What type of bike (and brand too) should I buy? I'm hoping to spend less than $500 on the bike. I probably should be giving more information in order to get a good answer, but I can't think of anything else.

I appreciate any and all advice! :)

Forever learning,
Jeff

OK, well reading from your text you mention that you and your wife will be biking "part of the" way in Europe. I think a folding bicycle should do the trick so you can save on shipping and reduce the headache you will get having to pack and unpack a regular bicycle. You also mention that you do not want to spend more than $500 on a bike. Try the Dahon Matrix. It sells for $499 <http://www.roadbikereview.com/2003,Folding,Bike/Dahon,Matrix/PRD_139323_4344crx.aspx> You may want to replace the fork with something more lighter. I don't think you really need the suspension(you will be a lot faster without one and you will lighten up the bike a bit)

MiyataPhile

Are you carrying a camping load?
Are you planning to use the bikes outside Europe?
A hybrid bike will do the job OK. Lots of people tour on them. Purpose -built touring bikes, like the Trek 520 or Bruce Gorden BLT are lighter and stronger, but cost more. REI. In the UK, 26" MTB -wheel touring bikes are becoming more popular, because the wheels and tyres are standard throughout the world.

Thanks for the info!

To answer some of the questions...

No, we won't be carrying a camping load. While in Ireland, we'll be stopping to stay at bed and breakfasts along the way. And while in England, we'll be renting an apartment and just use the bike for local transportation and/or day trips that may end with staying in a hostel for a night or two before making our way back to our flat.

Also, we won't really be using the bikes outside of Europe. We'll be leaving them with a friend in London while we travel the rest of Western and Eastern Europe (although we are considering biking France for a bit). We'll then fly back to London, take the bikes on the plane with us back to the U.S. We'll visit family and friends for a couple weeks and then head to New Zealand, Australia, some south pacific islands, southeast Asia, China, Japan and then back home. We hadn't planned on bringing the bikes with us on the second leg of the trip.

I'll look into the folding bikes as well as the Treks. Thanks again for the replies, I really appreciate you both taking the time to help us out!

Peace,
Jeff

The answer is simple... "buy a Bianchi" :D
Have a great trip, sounds fun... be safe

If you're visiting Ireland visit this link for lots of info.

www.belfastandbeyond.com