Riprorin

I'm looking at a 2006 Fuji Team Pro Euro carbon fiber bike at my LBS for $1500. It includes lifetime tune-ups. I think that this is a terrific value.

However, the set up of the bike is too aggressive for me.

Can I mod it to make it more like a touring bike? If so, how would I do it?

Does it make sense to do this or should I just get a touring or cylcocross bike?

Thanks!

squarewheels

A fork with more rake (angle) will increase the wheelbase and make the ride more comfortable (greater flex). Bigger tires will also improve your ride and probably decrease flats.

I think you can find "clip on" type fenders but I dont about racks for panniers. Try posting in the touring forum too.

superslomo

You probably can't mount tires any wider than 25ish. That seriously messes with the tourability of the bike. Limited rack mounting options, as well as limited fender options will make it tough to tour on that frame. Touring is more commonly done on 28s or larger, to limit the number of flats and increase the comfort of the ride.

Hocam

I would not tour on a bike made for racing, let a lone a racing bike made from carbon fiber. I doubt it has eyelets for fenders and there's no way there's an extra set of eyelets for racks.

You could put P-clamps on it to attach racks, but it's carbon fiber and wasn't designed for that so you're playing with fire.

The geometry also isn't meant for touring. A small wheelbase with steep head tube and seat tube angles does not make for a stable bike when it has 50 lbs of gear attached. The best you could do is replace the fork for one with more rake but that's hardly a solution.

If you want to tour get a damn touring bike. The Surly Long Haul Trucker is a much better option and would leave you almost 500 bucks left for racks, panniers, camping gear ect.

Riprorin

Sorry, I wasn't clear enough.

I'm not looking at touring specifically, but I'm looking for more of a touring geometry.

2Tired2Shift

You can't change the basic geometry of a frame.

Riprorin

I don't think i phrased the question.

Basically what I'm looking for is more upright, less stretched out riding position.

You can angle the stem and raise the bars for example can't you?

I rode a LeMond Zurich with a 17 degree stem and it felt okay. I think that the Fuji has a 6 degree stem. I'm not sure what diiferences there are in the frame geometries.

AStomper

I commute on a motobecane. I don't think I could ride anything but a road bike. Raise the bars, put the seat forward. Rack mounting is a major issue, you could try a trailer instead.

MrCjolsen

Get a touring bike.

barba

That seems like a good deal of money to drop on a bike that is not what you actually want. $1500 is a good budget, I am sure there are options more suited to what you want.

Hocam

Then this is what you want:
https://www.kogswell.com/

Campag4life

Umm...your response is a bit misleading. OP, you can replicate a less aggressive position on just about any racing frame. This is in fact what I do because I don't choose to ride a frame with real aggressive geometry, but I don't choose to ride a bike say a Giant OCR or Trek Pilot with relaxed angles and long head tube either.
I like a bike that has the handling and performance of a racing frame. I just like to see a bit of the scenery that's all. You are likely the same.

So what I do is choose a geometry that is a hair big for me, though my latest frame isn't and I run more spacers under the stem (don't exceed 40mm with a CF steerer) and a 17 deg. riser stem. This is the best of both worlds for me...a relatively short wheelbase bike without a mile long head tube that handles pretty quick but has the handlebars within an inch of the saddle height. The riding position of most relaxed frames marketed for well heeled less flexible boomers can be achieved with a std. geometry frame with a few more spacers and riser stem and you still have a bike that is relatively responsive. If you like to ride in a more comfortable position, this also doesn't limit your frame selection to frames purely "marketed" to accomodate more upright geometry.
Have fun.

squarewheels

Consider an adjustable handlebar stem and an assortment of spacers for your steerer tube (assuming you have the extra height to mess with).

MONGO!

For $1500 you could easily find a good bike with a relaxed geometry, like the Lemond, Felt Z series or a Trek Pilot.

SoreFeet

You can't turn that geometry into touring friendly riding. The rear will not hold anything over 25C maybe 28C. The bike is a cookie cutter lance armstrong wanna be racer bike. If you are going to spend 1500$ on a new bike don't worry about tuneups. How often will you have to turn a couple of screws on the derailleur? Not a helluva lot. It seems that your post suggests you want a more upright comfortable bike. Do you need fenders? Will it be rode in the rain? If you ride in the rain you'll want a fender friendly bike. I would look at old Japenese touring bikes of yesterday. They can often be had for a reasonable price. Consider buying a used Miyata for 200-500$ depending on condition and upgrades.

The criteria for your comfortable road bike should be higher stem, with a generous amount of steertube, a longish wheelbase and a wide range of gearing. I think Jamis makes some production bikes with touring oriented geometry. I really think an older 80's touring bike would be a good solid platform to work with and upgrade.

Murrays

I disagree, I think it's a terrible value if the frame doesn't fit you the way you want.

Pass on this deal and keep your eyes open for something that fits your requirements.

-murray

alicestrong

It sounds like you are looking more for a road- oriented hybrid (cyclocross)??

So look at those instead. You can find other good deals...

Riprorin

Yes, that seems to be the way it's shaking out.

I can get a Jamis Nova for $1150 shipped. I feel more comfortable with wider tires and a more relaxed riding position.

I'm going to ride a Bianchi Eros tommorow. That one is $899.

The other onw I'm considering is the Mericer Corvus, but that would be a sight unseen purchase.