Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.SurlyLaika
02-09-11, 10:05 AM
I recently learned about bike packing from http://www.bikepacking.net/ and http://www.carouseldesignworks.com/
I'm interested in this sort of riding, but I'm not sure if I can use my only bike to do it. I have a 2011 Surly Cross Check, set up with 48/36/26 and 11-25 rear cassette. I'd be willing to switch my hard skinnies for the 700x32 Ritchey Speedmax knobbies that came stock and switch out the rear cassette for something like a 12-34. Is there any way I can modify what I have for cheap to do some mountain riding? Or do I need to buy some sort of mountain bike?
I've looked into Salsa bikes, the Fargo and the Spearfish but they are damned expensive. I can't do that just yet. I also looked at the Surly Karate Monkey, but the stock is a single speed and I'd want it built up geared. Is there any other brands/models you would suggest?
I'm interested in this sort of riding, but I'm not sure if I can use my only bike to do it. I have a 2011 Surly Cross Check, set up with 48/36/26 and 11-25 rear cassette. I'd be willing to switch my hard skinnies for the 700x32 Ritchey Speedmax knobbies that came stock and switch out the rear cassette for something like a 12-34. Is there any way I can modify what I have for cheap to do some mountain riding? Or do I need to buy some sort of mountain bike?
I've looked into Salsa bikes, the Fargo and the Spearfish but they are damned expensive. I can't do that just yet. I also looked at the Surly Karate Monkey, but the stock is a single speed and I'd want it built up geared. Is there any other brands/models you would suggest?