Touring - Searching for a bike!4weeks tour California/Arizona

Hey Guys

I�m Alex from Germany and i�m going to fly to LA in end of next week.
Because of high transportation costs from Germany to US. i want to buy a bike in LA.

I want to make a biketrip down to San Diego, Pheonix/Airzona than north and after 4 weeks back to LA.

So now i�m searching for a bike. I�m not sure about new or used. (selling later or taken it back to Germany)

I�m also not sure what kind of bike. Mountainbike with carrier (lor rider/ got tent,sleepingbag and everything with me) because i want to mountainbike in Arizona and need a mountainbike in germany anyway or a travelling bike.


Do you have any idea?A bike shop in LA with good service you can recommend?
You have a suitable bike for seeling?some tipps, opinions, route tipps. I�m thankful for everything.

thanks in advance,

Alex

You could go with this if you can fit a medium size or small and you should be able to find an REI in LA. Might be able to preorder it before you leave so it's at the store when you arrive. If it doesn't fit... Get a refund. Under $800 with rear rack and decent gearing for touring.

You can also get the current non discounted version in all sizes if small or medium don't fit. It's just going to be more.

http://www.rei.com/product/776887

I'd second using REI as the store of choice. This one seems nearest the airport.

http://www.rei.com/stores/14

Call well ahead and give them the details. I'm sure they can have it ready for you to roll. Be aware that not too far north of Phoenix you'll run into snow and cold.

The Novara Safari might work well for you also... linkhttp://www.rei.com/product/775749

Would be more dirt worthy and it does give you another option if the more road designed Randonee doen't appeal to you as much. It's close to the same price as well.

Hey

Thanks for the answers.

I didnt know REI. It looks perfectly for me to find some other stuff also. (therm a rest and stuff like that)

This are nice bikes but i have a better touring bike here at home..So if i would take the bike home it isnt that interesting.
So because of that and the mountainbike routes in Arizona i thought a "travelling mountainbike" or just a mountainbike with a carrier would be interesting.what do you thing.
Do you think i will get a mountainbike with a good carrier to transport the bags easily?

I found a really nice bike called salsa fargo : http://www.salsacycles.com/fargoComp09.html
Didnt see something like that before..
Interesting but theres only orange20bikes which is selling salsa bikes.. i dont know i think its to late for that.

thanks,

alex

Yeah, the Fargo is an awesome off road touring machine. But, as noted, it's probably too late to find one your size in stock and ready to ride. You'll do fine with a stock, quality mountain bike. It'll be a little slower than a standard tourer, but will take you off road nicely. And there are some great places to use a mtb in Arizona. Check out this as a possible round trip ride from Phoenix. A great mix of twisting pavement and gravel roads with spectacular scenery. Just make sure the weather is co operating before heading out.

http://phoenix.about.com/od/daytrips/ss/apachetrail.htm

This link will take you to an article about the canal paths in Phoenix that make for interesting off road riding through the city. I'm pretty sure mtb trails in the mountains around town are shown.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=Rpn0n&doc_id=2249&v=2k

Enjoy your trip, and consider journaling the ride at the link above.

You really need to call REI asap about your plans. Mention the need for racks, panniers, etc.

Hey

Thank you very much. The trip near Pheonix looks awesome. Hope its on my way. Then i will do it for sure.

About the bike.
I called REI and the guy recommented a bike called Novara Ponderosa.
http://www.rei.com/product/776964

What do you think about the Novara bikes? I´m a little bit worried because its their own brand and for sure they want to sell them first, you know..

What do you think about just fly to LA and visit a REI store. Must be possible to find a suitable bike? Ok i need a large frame. more then 6 feet tall...

thank you very much,
alex

Novara are perfectly good. What I don't understand is the desire for a mtn. bike if the majority of your riding is on roads. How much riding is actually going to be on trails? Selling it won't be easy if you're not around to show it although you could try lining up potential buyers while on the road through Craigslist upon your destination. I'd be inclined to get the cheapest bike possible and bring your panniers and basic equipment with you from home. If you're set on a mtn bike it would be worth looking for a model with a lockout on the front forks.