Great Lakes - Columbus Ohio Touring Questions

Hey everyone!

This year I'm thinking about going on some short bicycle tours. Short meaning 2-3 days, the longest potentially being a week (With the hope of someday quitting my full time job to tour for months at a time). As far as mileage the longest I've gone in a day is 33 miles on my dad's GT Windstream but I want to train myself to go between 30-70 miles/day and I need a bicycle that will handle this and last a long time (10+ years or more at least). 99% of my traveling should be on streets, bike paths, and occasionally sidewalks.

Based on hours of research, I've concluded that the Surly LHT is the best all around touring bike for ultralight and loaded tours and short commutes. I'm hoping to do some stealth camping and I already own a Hennessey Hammock for this purpose. My questions are:

1. If you are thinking of doing/have done the same type of touring I am would you consider the same bicycle I have, price aside? If not the Surly which bicycle would get the job done for a cheaper price?

2. What is the longest distance I could travel on bike from Columbus Ohio in 2-3 days, traveling at speeds between 10-12 mph? (I'm in my early 20's, just under 6 feet and weigh about 150)

3. What help/suggestions/advice would you give for someone who is touring with the conditions I explained?

If you need more information let me know. Thanks!

I've got both a Long Haul Trucker and a Cross Check. For light weekend / overnight type tours, a Cross Check would be just fine with a rear rack. You'd then have the option of having a slightly more sporty bike to ride unloaded, ride cyclocross, set up singlespeed or fixed, or take off road. A very versatile bike.

That being said, I do love my LHT. So it's win-win.

As far as touring goes, in my weekend trips and sub 24 hours, I realized that 75 miles is a good distance that will let you stop and smell the roses, or go swimming or whatever you want to do at your destination.

Get an Ohio Gazeteer. You can get them at most Bookstores. They have all the roads on them. Go to the Ohio DNR website and find all of the campsites in the state. Read journals on http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/?o=3Tzut. Learn what other people do. Whether it's for a few days or doing a cross-country.
...You can't go wrong with either of the bikes you mentioned. Myself, I ride a Gary Fisher. And that thing can handle anything the road throws at it.

I don't know about aluminum frames, although I bet that any quality manufacturer's frame will easily do 10 years; but I am pretty sure that steel will last way more than 10 years. My Nishiki is 27 years old and just fine (and was very nice on tour). I have heard nothing but praise for the Surly LHT (for all Surlys, really).

Here's a good site for beginning tourists:

http://www.biketoledo.net/pages/touring.html

All types of touring information, including good bike choices.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Grandview-to-Cowan-St-Park

I am a vehicular cyclist and riding with traffic does not bother me. This tour takes you out of Columbus via the West side and the truck traffic and fast roads can be a little discouraging until you get to West Jefferson, but take your lane and enjoy. This tour is set up for 50 miles per day, which is what I like to travel when self supported.

I love my Surly Long Haul Trucker. It's perfect for me. I am 58, 185 lbs, 5'11 with a 32" inseam. I ride a 54cm.

Guys, thank you for all your helpful traveling ideas/suggested distances thus far...

So if all I'm going to do is Ultralight touring and stealth camping do I really need to spend over $1,000 on a Surly? I really just need a way to keep clothes, my hammock, a few electronics and other small odds and ends dry from rain. Is there a cheaper bike that has a steel frame, allows for front and rear racks and fenders?
I'd also prefer drop handlebars with grip shifters or bar end shifters...I definitely do not want combination break/shifters.

If there isn't anything better than a Surly, where can I buy one at this time of year online? Should I settle with a bad-service bike store, or look for deals on ebay or other sites? Its getting warm out and I want to get a bike so I can ride soon!

No, of course you don't need to get the more expensive bikes. "Better than a Surly"? Maybe not, but certainly adequate. I am told that the Surlys and other equivalent makes are very comfortable, and that is a big plus, but you can I am sure get a used/vintage touring bike off craigslist or ebay that would be perfect. You just need to know what size you need, and what other specs (although many sellers won't know themselves about gearing etc).

I have had good luck buying on ebay.

Jamis makes steel bikes and I think not as expensive--they get good reviews. Offhand I don't know any other moderate or cheap steel frame brands for new purchase--there may be, I just don't know.

Read a little on the Classics& Vintage forum, ask what are brands and models to look for. Same in the touring forum. As I mentioned, I like my Nishiki custom sport (circa 1982)--did week-long bike camping tours with it.

I don't think you can get grip shifters on drop bars, tho.

Good luck on your search. I'm heading out for a nice ride right now!

Well ya'll did a great job at giving me the necessary information. I went ahead and purchased a Surly LHT from a local bike shop. They didn't have the slime green color I love so I had to have one ordered. Its a 56cm frame. I can't wait until this thing ships!

Funny story...there was another guy in the shop who wanted the *exact* same bike I wanted *same* color and even more amazing the *same* size frame! So now they have to order two identical bikes! Mine will be coming with an extra set of brake levers on the front of the drop bars to give me extra breaking options...it can't hurt.

Thanks for all your help!

Where do you buy a Surly in Columbus ?

I think I saw them at Baer Wheels on High Street (Clintonville).