Touring - Is the Koga Miyata up to the himalayas?

Just a quick one to hear any opinions on the suitability of the Koga Miyata World traveller for a himalaya trip including the joys of Manali - Leh- Srinigar. Aluminium frame and 60 frame size being a question for someone at 6' 2" and 95 kg.

Very fine bicycle. You'll be fine. I'd probably prefer the Cannondale touring ultra for the suspension.

I was out there last Aug/Sep! I'd definitely consider putting shocks on the front - the Leh-Manali road is constantly subject to rockfall and abuse from thundering heavy Tata trucks, and long sections of it are *very* rough. Apart from that it'll be fine, I reckon. Have a look at the pics below...

Doh! Sorry Gav - I didn't even look to see who was posting! I just saw 'Himalayas' and the green mist came over me, and I started frantically typing.

Best of luck - hope you have a great trip!

Cheers

Al

I was in Manali about 4 weeks ago, and envy you for going! Incredible area, unfortunatly I arrived to early for the Manali - Leh road to be open, but I thankfully missed the tourist season!

Will be going with the bike hopefully in the not too distant future!

Good luck with the trip, you'll have a blast!

It is one of the most expensive, best decked out expedition bikes out there, of course it is suitable - if it wasn't good enough what on earth could you use out there?

It is one of the most expensive, best decked out expedition bikes out there, of course it is suitable - if it wasn't good enough what on earth could you use out there?

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vUEhS0lU3eU/SeevKv3jF2I/AAAAAAAAJFU/4-lgcJnUIIw/s400/IMG_2124.JPG

While I'm partial to Duke's Thorn Nomad....I couldn't resist your question - of course a expedition penny farthing would work! (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=3Tzut&doc_id=1451&v=1On#60560)...:love:

Have a look at the pics below...

Holy crap! Fantastic pictures.

Speedo

Mark Beaumont - holder of the Guinness World Record for fastest circumnavigation by bicycle - rode a Koga Miyata on his RTW tour. I'm betting it's a solid choice.

sorry to hijack, but what about a trek 520, with really thick tires? do you think this could hold up on that route?

sorry to hijack, but what about a trek 520, with really thick tires? do you think this could hold up on that route?

A Trek 520 won't take really thick tyres.

But sure, you could. The Crane Brothers' Journey to the Centre of the Earth was done on road bikes. You can get most places on 700x32.

I'd prefer 26" wheels, thickish tyres and front suspension.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vUEhS0lU3eU/SeevKv3jF2I/AAAAAAAAJFU/4-lgcJnUIIw/s400/IMG_2124.JPG

While I'm partial to Duke's Thorn Nomad....I couldn't resist your question - of course a expedition penny farthing would work! (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=3Tzut&doc_id=1451&v=1On#60560)...:love:

Lol, I read his journal last year, that man is hard..."ahh, a wisdom tooth problem? No worries I'll just use whiskey and my Leatherman..."

No problems Al, was just ruminating on other choices but have decided to go with the thorn - built to withstand a bomb me thinks. Cant wait to get over there and get started, a case of the most insane itchy feet has now come over me.
will let you know how it all goes

by the way Al those photos are just brilliant, cant wait to take my own

I know someone who went to India all the way from Belgium on a Koga. And if you can spend some (well, a lot) more money, check this one out: http://www.idworx-bikes.de/nl/

It's from the same founder of the Koga's.