remossey

Hey all
I'm in China (peace corps) and am looking for a touring bike. I want to have fun with it on weekends (30-100 mi rides)(I have a lot of time on my hands) and some major touring on breaks and before going home. There's a giant and a merida store in my city, but no quality used road bikes floating around. Any suggestions? I'm looking at this one - https://www.giant.com.cn/zh-ht/bikes/...00/6835/48041/ I'd definitely want drop handlebars, but I'd rather not have to make a lot of adjustments, especially since nashbar doesn't ship to china. I make ~250 USD/mo so it's gotta be cheap. Of course, there's always the option of tricking out a flying pigeon cruiser.

Thanks

MichaelW

Drop bars are nice to have but trekking/butterfly bars are much easier to integrate onto a hybrid style flat-bar bike. You can use the same brakes/shifters and you still get plenty of handholds.
I dont think you will find anything better than a ridgid hybrid style. Focus on getting strong, reliable wheels and a decent rack attachment point.

azesty

Where are you in China?

Most Chinese who tour use Merida mountain bikes. There are few specific touring bikes sold in the country.

z

Ciufalon

The advice MichaelW gave is good. I can't tell if that bike has rack mounts or not, but that is definitely something to look for. Even if it is just to have a trunk bag to carry things in. I have trekking bars on the one hybrid/touring style bike I own and I love them, even though I have drop bars on my other bikes. You will probably like them a lot and they will serve your need well. Hope your PC adventure is going well and that you are able to get out on a bike and explore.