First tour with a Giant FCR2 in Kansas
06-15-07, 03:31 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
First tour with a Giant FCR2 in Kansas
Hello all! I've spent the last year ditching my car in favor of a bike for many reasons (money, fitness - lost over 100 pounds so far, etc.). Most of last year was spent on a heavier Schwinn and I've recently been given a Giant FCR2 that I love for commuting in town. Most of my days are under 30 miles, but I've done up to 50 so far.
Anyhow, I have two purposes here. First, I want to start touring in Kansas, camping along the way. Because of work schedules, I can probably do a couple one week trips this year. Also, I'm thinking that if I fit my bike out with panniers, I can be even less dependent on my car for those rare cases where I need to carry more than a backpack worth of groceries. If I can do that, I can also ditch a $160/month insurance payment for a car that I drive once every two months!
So, I'm wondering if anyone can give any advice on what essentials I need. I know I've seen mention that the FCR2 probably isn't the best for touring, but it's the bike I have and I'd like to make it work if possible. I'm not even sure yet how well I'll be able to afford panniers, gears and such so price is important! If that means changing gears (lots of hills here in Kansas) or tires, I would truly appreciate advice as my bike mechanic skills are limited. Speaking of that, that's also one of my concerns. What should I do to prepare for mechanical issues? What tools do I need along the way? Should I disassemble my bike and put it back together to make sure I know all the ins and outs?
Also something that I should mention is that though I've lost a ton of weight over the past year, I'm currently at 260 pounds. Since we're talking about an additional load on my bike with panniers, I think you should know that as you consider my questions. I am losing an average of 10 pounds a month right now, though, so it keeps getting better!
Anyhow, thanks in advance for any advice!
Branton
Anyhow, I have two purposes here. First, I want to start touring in Kansas, camping along the way. Because of work schedules, I can probably do a couple one week trips this year. Also, I'm thinking that if I fit my bike out with panniers, I can be even less dependent on my car for those rare cases where I need to carry more than a backpack worth of groceries. If I can do that, I can also ditch a $160/month insurance payment for a car that I drive once every two months!
So, I'm wondering if anyone can give any advice on what essentials I need. I know I've seen mention that the FCR2 probably isn't the best for touring, but it's the bike I have and I'd like to make it work if possible. I'm not even sure yet how well I'll be able to afford panniers, gears and such so price is important! If that means changing gears (lots of hills here in Kansas) or tires, I would truly appreciate advice as my bike mechanic skills are limited. Speaking of that, that's also one of my concerns. What should I do to prepare for mechanical issues? What tools do I need along the way? Should I disassemble my bike and put it back together to make sure I know all the ins and outs?
Also something that I should mention is that though I've lost a ton of weight over the past year, I'm currently at 260 pounds. Since we're talking about an additional load on my bike with panniers, I think you should know that as you consider my questions. I am losing an average of 10 pounds a month right now, though, so it keeps getting better!
Anyhow, thanks in advance for any advice!
Branton
