Mountain Biking - Recommendations needed for expedition mountain bike touring

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lifebybike
03-13-10, 11:09 PM
I've been doing lots of research about expedition mountain bikes because I want one real bad. I alreading have a good cycle-cross bike for road/fire road tours.
This bike needs to be able to handle the abuse of long-distance touring in remote locals. Durability and realibility are paramount!! I don't plan on jumping off a cliff with this bike, but it will have to be able to carry lots of camping gear for days on the trail. I'm budgeting no more than $1,500 for this build.

This is some of my criteria for bike selection:

Steel is a must
26 inch wheels a must
Hardtail most likely, FS is not an option
Linear pull brakes, would really like the option of disc
I wear size 15 shoes so long chainstays are necessary because I'm using panniers
Price moderate
Frame only or complete bike is an option


Here is a list of the possibilities. I'd love to hear your take on these bike or suggestions on other options.

Soma Fabrications Groove
Thorn Ripio
Salsa Ala Carte (pre-2010)
Kona Explosif
Voodoo Wanga or Bizango
Jamis Dragon Comp
Gunnar Rock Tour (nice, but expensive)

ed
03-14-10, 07:59 AM
And here I thought this thread was some nooblet suck fest.

Those are excellent frame choices, yo! I know that they were blowing the Dragon frame out super-cheap online which would let you put more $$$ into the rest of the build. Jensonusa.com is blowing out LX Hollowtech II cranksets out for $85 right now. That would be ample crankset for it.



I always hate it when people recommend stuff that isn't on the shopping list, but the On One Inbred (http://www.on-one-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Inbred_31.html) is a good'n.
stapfam
03-14-10, 10:58 AM
Several of the long distance tourers I hear of use Bob Trailers rather than panniers. Keeps the C of G low and the only problems are overnight parking in Towns.

Steel is a good choice but remember that you are going to be carrying a lot of weight. Low gearing will be essential so make certain you have it.

4evrplan
03-14-10, 10:56 PM
...but remember that you are going to be carrying a lot of weight.

That depends on the OP's gear. Some ultralight backpackers get away with sub 10lb packs for a few days out in good weather, including food and shelter.