Isaiahc72

I have three options for a 1500 mile, self-supported tour next summer.

My first option would be just to use my current Trek 7.1fx(aluminum frame hybrid) which will have about 20,000 miles on it by the time of the tour. I am a decent sized guy too(175lbs). And with that kind of mileage, I'm wondering if the bike is likely to be okay through the tour or if it would be too much to risk the frame going out?

My second option would be to buy a mountain bike($400-$600). Kinda looking at the Giant Revel series. But it has suspension on front which I know can be good and bad.

My last option would be to find a used 90s steel-framed mountain bike and load it up for the tour.

Rolling resistance isn't really much of an issue for me. I just need to know I have a bike that can with-stand a ride like that.

Any help would be appreciated.

Booger1

I don't see why you can't use your Trek.....Maybe not ideal but plenty nice enough for a tour.....I'd ride it if that's what I had......it isn't going to break just because it's aluminum.....go for it.

I'd be more concerned about the back wheel(or wheels in general) than the frame.If you can keep the weight down(30-40 lbs) and split between front and back,they may not be an issue either.

I have almost 30,000 miles on my old Nashbar frame and fork (Alum mnt frame/CroMo fork/ cost a whopping $100) I weigh around 200lbs......I don't even think about the frame breaking......It goes where I go,everyday!

GP

I'd use the Trek hybrid. Have you kept up on maintenance? If not I'd check the cables, chain, cassette and brake pads.

Isaiahc72

Yeah I definitely keep up the maintenance. She's running smooth as always.

Isaiahc72

I've had 2 broken rear spokes and one broken axle all in the past 6 months if that says anything about how hard I tend to ride. But I'm likely gonna ride it on the tour as long as it's still doing good when the time comes.

headloss 

Well, then you need to upgrade to a nice set of touring wheels... not buy a new bike. Something like this?

The Trek FX is probably good enough for light touring, but I wouldn't ride it across multiple states.

fietsbob

take a Tour on what you have now .. bring some stuff.


If you have a bike and go somewhere other than a loop from your house and back to the store ,

but to some place new or just to an overnight camp , its a Bike tour.

get your wheels looked at and be prepared to replace a spoke if one breaks . a 36 spoke wheel will be OK.


We see people who have crossed the continent on pretty normal bikes .

edthesped

If you end up going for a new bike don't rule out the Novara touring bikes, the randonee was on clearance for around $900 and that is an excellent deal, unfortunately they aren't online anymore so you'll have to check local REI's for availability, also the Safari is on clearance for ~ $770 as well. I realize both are slightly above your budget but both are full on touring bikes and should serve you well. I personally have a 2 y/o randonee and it has taken everything I have piled on it in stride.

The above person is correct I did my first tour through the Bavarian Alps on a cheapo PX bike and was fine.

LeeG

That really doesn't say anything about how hard you ride as it could simply mean your stock wheel was poorly built to begin with but I would second the suggestion to get a new rear wheel like the Handspun with 36spokes and Mavic 319 rim.

Isaiahc72

Would the an average $400-$600 mountain bike be any better than the Trek 7.1FX for strength.

bradtx

IC, Having the Trek already available, I don't think you need to look elsewhere.

Brad

edthesped

Unless he needs several hundred in maintenance and parts to get it ready for the trip in which case a new bike may be a better investment, unless he's emotionally attached to his current bike. It seems at a minimum he needs a new rear wheel or a rebuild. I believe I paid 140ish for a 319 on a LX hub and a dyad setup can be had for slightly less.

bradtx

I just looked up the rear hub and lo and behold it's a free wheel hub, a good possible reason why the axle broke. I would replace that hub with a Shimano free hub like the LX. For the cost of a 7S cassette, a 4.5 mm spacer and labor for a wheel rebuild the OP will have a much stronger wheel.

Brad

Booger1

That explains the broken axle......

Building/buying wheels for good bike is not a deal breaker for me......I'd put wheels on it (at least a back wheel),freshen it up and go.....

BUT.....If your planning on touring more at some point....Might be a good time to look at real touring bikes of some kind.....Your going to have $150-$200 into a GOOD back wheel....$3-400 into a GOOD set of wheels....More into a GREAT set of wheels.

Freshening up the bike could run $150 + (tires,brakes,cables,chain/cassette ect...) depending on what you buy.A good back wheel $150-$200.

Gets to a point where a whole bike starts looking better.....

If truly on a tight budget ( not sure how you ride 1500 miles on a tight budget,BUT) I'd replace the rear wheel,freshen it up(whatever that might be) and go have a good time.Save some money for a rainy day fund.

Isaiahc72

I meant to say I'll be on a tight budget once I have all the other funds for the trip(food and repair money).

ClemY

I just finished the Erie Canal 8 day, 400 mi. trip. Gear was SAGed, but at 275 lbs I am heavier than most people with their gear. I used my 35 yr old mtn bike, upgraded with 40 spoke wheels and Velocity rims. I used Continue Sport Contact 26x1.5" tires which worked well for me on both pavement and gravel tow path.

Consider finding an old steel mtn bike and upgrading as you desire.

Isaiahc72

I do own a hi-ten steel "1995 Giant Attraction" mountain bike. Mostly debating whether to use that or if my Trek hybrid would be better.

bradtx

Use the Trek.

Brad

ClemY

For most people the decision on which bike to use will hinge on the amount and cost of any modifications deemed necessary. Price out any potential mods. It may make the decision as to which bike to use much easier.

NormanF

On eBay, look for a lugged Trek 750. It has the same touring geometry as its more expensive and famous sibling - the Trek 520!

It would make a very capable touring bike. The only real difference is the bars.

Isaiahc72

Are there any specific reasons as to why? Is it due to the hi-ten steel frame on the Giant vs the aluminum on the trek? Or is it the weight?

bradtx

Neither. Basically the drive train leaves a lot to be desired being a 3X5 and also probably a free wheel hub. It can be really tiring to be unable to find gear inches to fit a particular situation. Similar drive trains were used through the '60s and '80s so it isn't impossible, just the less desirable of the two bicycles you have IMO.

The Trek does need a free hub transplant, for strength, and possibly some preventive maintenance prior to the trip. The new hub is an upgrade that'll stand you well for years to come. The money saved upgrading the Trek will allow a better budget for whatever touring specific items you need to buy.

Brad

Isaiahc72

It's actually a 3X6 drive train. But I'm still mostly concerned about frame failure. Will the aluminum on the Trek be more likely to last than the hi-ten steel on the Giant?

hueyhoolihan

IMO, your concerns regarding frame failure are unfounded, unless there is something about your frame's condition that was not in your OP.

bradtx

Bikepedia err'd on the drive train, but I still would use the Trek. Either frame will be fine, no worries about either.

Brad