whats a touring bike?
 

OK bike ignoramus here: I'm trying to buy one and avoid getting ripped off in the process. I found this for $50 on craigslist:

Leisure bike. Has always been well maintained and has almost never been used.
Brand: Schwinn, Type: Suburban. Frame height: 20". Seat height from ground: 34" lowest, 45" highest. Tires: 27 x 1 1/4 90PSI
Attachment 68106

is this a good deal?
 

is this a good deal? ..

It's a mixte! Lovely. Not exactly a touring bike, though. But it's not bad for $50. I can't tell if it has alloy wheels, or steel rims. Steel rims will be heavy, and not especially good in rain (it's very difficult to brake with wet steel rims).

East Hill

so what is a t ouring bike exactly?

Well, a touring bike has relaxed geometry. What does that mean? It means that you are NOT sitting completely upright (as you would on a 'comfort bike'), but you also aren't bent completely over (as in a racing bike).

Touring bikes are meant to be stable under heavy loads, too. Generally touring bikes come with eyelets on the forks, front and back, so that fenders/mudguards and panniers can be attached.

A lot of good touring bikes will be made of steel, because steel is pretty tough.

Also, tyres on touring bikes run a bit wider than those on a racing bike (it's more comfortable).

The mixte on the CL is probably a very comfortable ride. I have two myself, and love them. However, that one is unlikely to have all the eyelets which would be on a touring bike.

East Hill

wow thanks a lot! :)

You're welcome. All in all, though, I think you would probably be happy with that bike for just general riding, if the description in the ad is at all close to the truth.

Here is a great thread on mixtes:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ighlight=mixte

Some real beauties in there!

East Hill