jamesjems

I'll have about 3 weeks in May/June to attempt to ride from San Juan Island to Denver, one way. I have this nutty dream to try and pull it off self-contained with under 15 lbs of stuff total. (Plus a credit card). Sleeping bag and mat and hammock weigh in at under 6lbs total, alcohol stove etc, all under 4 etc...Here's what I'm wondering:

Which bike to I try and pull this off with? I only own 2. My old 28 lb Raleigh Alyeska touring bike, circa 1985 has about 15K miles on it and half-step gearing, comfy steel frame, down-tube shifters, etc and it's truly an old friend. But it weighs a ton.

I finally broke down and bought an aluminum-framed Litespeed Palio last winter that, to me at least, is a 19 lb. rocket ship. I love both bikes, but they're very different. I plan on putting no more than 10-11 lbs of equip. on the bike total and keep the rest on my back in a svelt camelback. I'm wondering which one I should take if I want to make a sprint to Denver on it. I'm prepared to try and avg 80 miles/day . Which bike would you take? What am I forgetting to consider?

Thankful that I'll have a credit card, but still seeking the opinions of others.

James

cyccommute 

Just one point that you need to consider, May and June can still be pretty cold in the mountains. In some years, Colorado is still getting snow at the tops of passes in May. And since you are going to be riding through mountainous areas no matter which route you take, you will need to be prepared for some cold nights. I have experienced 3 to 4" of fresh fall on Memorial Day in the lower valleys. You may want to plan on carrying some cold weather gear.

AndrewP

Dont bother with a stove. Since you have the credit card, let somebody else do the cooking if you must have a hot meal. Similarly if it gets cold, sleep in a heated room. Take the touring bike since the steering will be more forgiving when you are tired. I think even 10 lb of luggage on the Litespeed would have a noticable effect on the handling.