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Help choosing between bikes for touring

Old 06-23-10, 07:54 PM
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Help choosing between bikes for touring

So I've been on the hunt for a reasonably priced touring bike for my upcoming trip from NYC to Montreal. Went to a few local bike shops and found a couple of what seem to be nice bikes... I know very little about the range of bikes that are out there, and I'm trying not to get ripped off, so I'm posting here!

There's a Miyata 600 GT (1990?) equipped with front and rear racks, 21 spd, going for $599.00 as a consignment sale. I'm really liking the look of the bike, but it's so far out of my original budget... I'm thinking of trying to talk them down, but how far down would make the buy worthwhile? $500.00?

There's a Georgena Terry Gambit on Craigslist that I'll be able to go see on Saturday if neither of these other bikes work out. That one's going for $350.00.
Georgena Terry Gambit (ACE)

There was also a bright pink Mangusta roadbike (also looks fairly recent) which was just as light if not little lighter than the Miyata. I'm not sure if it is meant for carrying weight... It's also a consignment sale for $599.00

I'm not familiar with any of these bikes, so any advice on which is the best deal, keeping in mind I'll be touring 400 miles on it?
Thanks!
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Old 06-23-10, 08:13 PM
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Do you know the right size of bike to look for, how much you're carrying and do you have a preference for handlebar height/reach? It doesn't do much good to comment on random bikes without knowing who is riding it.
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Old 06-23-10, 08:22 PM
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whoops, the link for the terry didn't work
https://newyork.craigslist.org/brx/bik/1803542562.html
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Old 06-23-10, 08:25 PM
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I'm 5'2" currently riding an old 19" ross eurosport. My comfortable standover is 28" but I can handle up to a 30" standover. I've been looking at 49cm or 19-20" framed bikes. As for weight, I'll be carrying as little as possible, hopefully 20lbs or less.

Really I'm just asking if the prices they're asking are reasonable, and if there is a choice as a generally superior touring bike, which one would be best.
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Old 06-24-10, 01:32 PM
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Getting a superior touring bike for cheap is hard. They don't lose their value quite as fast as some other bikes. Perhaps an old, rigid mountain bike? They're usually tough enough, have low gearing, and can be found fairly cheaply.
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Old 06-25-10, 02:44 PM
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Save up your money and go buy a Surly LHT.My 2 cents on this.
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Old 06-25-10, 10:27 PM
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The Miyata 600 GT is a very nice touring frame that will last you for years. The $599 is a fair price for the bike in pristine condition. The Terry is a nice frame; I've met the framebuilder and know the line, but I don't know that particular model. Search the Miyata on the net, you'll find plenty about it. Forget the Surley this is just as good a frame even if you were to update the components which should also be fine.
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Old 06-26-10, 08:34 AM
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When looking for a touring bike that you'll be spending hours on day after day, the first objective should be fit. Fit if First. Not only for stand over but for reach. In fact, within limits, effective top tube length is more important than stand over. If it doesn't fit well, it'll never be a comfortable ride no matter which brand.

I suggest you go with the bike frame that fits you best. The components can be upgraded as needed. With a lot of mileage, all will wear out and have to be replaced eventually anyway.
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Old 06-26-10, 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by daphned
I'm 5'2" currently riding an old 19" ross eurosport. My comfortable standover is 28" but I can handle up to a 30" standover. I've been looking at 49cm or 19-20" framed bikes. As for weight, I'll be carrying as little as possible, hopefully 20lbs or less.

Really I'm just asking if the prices they're asking are reasonable, and if there is a choice as a generally superior touring bike, which one would be best.
For $500-$600 the bike should be perfect, I don't mean just condition also meeting all your criteria. That price gets close enough to finding a more recent, near new $1000 touring bike priced for quick sale. 1990 is 20yrs old, my concern would be if it was 27" instead of 700c. Assuming your weight is proportional to your height and your loads are light I don't see the need to seek out LHT type bike or heavy built mtn. bike conversion. If it was my money and $600 is out of the budget I'd keep looking. A consignment sell has to meet the shops overhead, somewhere someone is selling a similar bike without the overhead but if the shop can get the owner to take less, can't hurt to ask.
Do you need fender clearance? The Terry looks tight and mix/matching fender sizes sounds pricey.
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