planning a 1000 mile + tour, need help.
#1
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planning a 1000 mile + tour, need help.
I am planning to do the "TransAmerica" tour in mid April. Now i was going to load up one of the bikes that I already own and I was wondering if I should do that or buy a completely new rig?
I own:
2005 Trek Madone 5.2 full Ultegra &
1993 Trek 2300 composite
I really want to avoid buying a touring bike, so I was wondering if anyone out there would be crazy enough to take either of these two bikes across country. Or would you just spring for a new or used touring bike?
any help would be greatly appreciated.
I own:
2005 Trek Madone 5.2 full Ultegra &
1993 Trek 2300 composite
I really want to avoid buying a touring bike, so I was wondering if anyone out there would be crazy enough to take either of these two bikes across country. Or would you just spring for a new or used touring bike?
any help would be greatly appreciated.
#2
Professional Fuss-Budget
I wouldn't.
1-2 week tour, not a big deal. 10 weeks, you need a bike that has low gearing, wide tires, fenders, heavy loads, rough pavement etc. (A typical TransAm is more like 3,000 - 4,000 miles btw)
You can get many brand-new touring bikes for $1000 or less; you can always sell it after the tour is over. Surly LHT, Jamis Aurora, Trek 520, REI Novara Randonee, etc are well-regarded and affordable bikes.
I'd go used if a) you're a decent mechanic and b) know what to look for in a touring frame.
1-2 week tour, not a big deal. 10 weeks, you need a bike that has low gearing, wide tires, fenders, heavy loads, rough pavement etc. (A typical TransAm is more like 3,000 - 4,000 miles btw)
You can get many brand-new touring bikes for $1000 or less; you can always sell it after the tour is over. Surly LHT, Jamis Aurora, Trek 520, REI Novara Randonee, etc are well-regarded and affordable bikes.
I'd go used if a) you're a decent mechanic and b) know what to look for in a touring frame.
#3
Senior Member
I am planning to do the "TransAmerica" tour in mid April. Now i was going to load up one of the bikes that I already own and I was wondering if I should do that or buy a completely new rig?
I own:
2005 Trek Madone 5.2 full Ultegra &
1993 Trek 2300 composite
I really want to avoid buying a touring bike, so I was wondering if anyone out there would be crazy enough to take either of these two bikes across country. Or would you just spring for a new or used touring bike?
any help would be greatly appreciated.
I own:
2005 Trek Madone 5.2 full Ultegra &
1993 Trek 2300 composite
I really want to avoid buying a touring bike, so I was wondering if anyone out there would be crazy enough to take either of these two bikes across country. Or would you just spring for a new or used touring bike?
any help would be greatly appreciated.
#4
Senior Member
Maybe with a trailer and different gearing or with a sag vehicle. Low spoke count road wheels would be unreliable with panniers full of gear.
If loaded I wouldn't go with out a 32 or larger sprocket on the back and a 26 or smaller chainring on the front. If unloaded a bit higher gearing would maybe be OK but not normal road gearing. The climbs are too long to deal with high gearing. A fit young guy we met on the TA this year tried it and went home needing knee surgery 1200 miles into the trip.
BTW: The TransAmerica is over 4200 miles. Figure about 10 weeks at 60 miles per day as a "normal" TA.
If loaded I wouldn't go with out a 32 or larger sprocket on the back and a 26 or smaller chainring on the front. If unloaded a bit higher gearing would maybe be OK but not normal road gearing. The climbs are too long to deal with high gearing. A fit young guy we met on the TA this year tried it and went home needing knee surgery 1200 miles into the trip.
BTW: The TransAmerica is over 4200 miles. Figure about 10 weeks at 60 miles per day as a "normal" TA.
#5
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I think it probably isn't worth all of the trouble to tour on either of my current rigs. I will probably go with a used Jamis Aurora the reviews seem to be pretty good. I am actually going to cheat a little on the TransAm I will be starting in Kentucky. But thanks for all of the input I really appreciate it you probably saved me from a grave mistake.
#6
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I think it probably isn't worth all of the trouble to tour on either of my current rigs. I will probably go with a used Jamis Aurora the reviews seem to be pretty good. I am actually going to cheat a little on the TransAm I will be starting in Kentucky. But thanks for all of the input I really appreciate it you probably saved me from a grave mistake.
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Do you think this would be a good touring bike/price?
It's a Redline Conquest.
https://louisville.craigslist.org/bik/448881203.html
Just curious should I go aluminum or steel?
https://louisville.craigslist.org/bik/448881203.html
Just curious should I go aluminum or steel?