I just got my first road bike 2 months ago ('04 Allez). I thought I could use this bike to tour with....starting with a three - four day 300ish mile ride.

What are the thoughts on using this bike for touring?

I appreciate any feedback, positive or negative.

Tim

Depends on what type of touring you want to do.

Fully supported tours where someone else carries your tent and supplies or credit card touring where you bring along a change of clothes and sleep at motels? Sure.

Loaded touring where you carry all of your clothes, supplies, tents, etc. Most likely not on this bike, unless you tow a trailer and have low enough gears and strong enough brakes for the hills.

The Allez models seem to be designed for competition or fast recreational riding, not for carrying much of a load.

damn. I wanted to do the first.

....In other news....anyone looking to sell a trailer? ;-)

I have the '03 Allez and I've done a 7 day 500 mile ride across NY (twice) where they provide a gear truck for your tent and bags and I have had no problems with it at all.

I don't have much experience riding while carrying much more than what is needed for that ride so I don't know how the bike would hold up while carrying gear for more than just that days ride.