Is my bike good for touring?
 

Hello experts here is a tough question for you. I have a Team Marin Mountain Bike with Xt/Xtr components but and here is the catch I bought this bike in 1992! I haven't used it too much though and it is still in good conditions. I toured Provence in the summer with 2 rear panniers and it handled well in all conditions.

What I want to find out is if the frame itself is appropriate for a full loaded tour as I am planning to take a longer trip with front and rear panniers. The steel frame is a Tange Ultrastrong prestige and although generally MTB frames are as tough as one can get this one was a competition level bike so the frame is built in such a way that thickness is variable depending on how much stress each part gets while riding. Obviously this doesn't take into account touring and weights from panniers.
Any thoughts about this being reliable. XTR gears and components are a treat and the frame is very long perfect for panniers.

Thank you.

www.cyclingtheworld.org

Tange Prestige is one of the best tubing out there along with Reynolds 531, 853, and other nice Reynolds delights. You already said that you toured Provence(France, right?)

I think you already know the answer since also stated that it has long wheelbase which is another good quality to have in a touring bike.

Also, does the front fork have eyelets for panniers in the front? If it doesn't you may want to upgrade to a fork that does so you can carry more things and so the bike becomes more balanced under heavy load.

You components are good. I just recently bought a whole much of XT derailleurs for cheap at a local bicycle swap meet and half of my bicycle fleet will be getting a new Christmas time upgrade.

CroMolyBody :p

How about my bike? I've never used it for touring before, but I want to try...

It's a Trek 720 Hybrid frame with 700x38 wheels, XT/LX derailers+shifters, Deore cranks, canti brakes. I already use it for commuting every day. The only thing is it's a bit heavy, and it has a mountain-type bar, meaning I am in a very upright position. I'm thinking everybody would probably recommend a drop bar for touring?

"it's a bit heavy." so what. you're gonna load it down with 50 pounds of gear.
what's an extra pound or so in the frame?

"recommend a drop bar for touring?" only if you find it more comfortable. there's
no reason you can't do a century with straight bars, although you might want
a few more hand positions. look into bar-ends or brahma bars.

Cool, thanks. Perhaps I will yoink a road stem from my bin o'parts and see how it feels with lower handlebars.

A little extra weight is no problem ... being a weight weenie is no place in touring, you will find you will lose more from your body after a week or two of touring. Reliablilty is more important though.
Flats or drops? that is a personal preference thing really ... I prefer flats with bar ends, others prefer drops ... its whatever spins your freewheel really.