Old 09-23-11 | 09:54 AM
  #4  
pdlamb
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: northern Deep South

Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee

What kind of touring? On or off road? If it were me...

First, I'd forget converting to drop bars. You'd have to buy new shifters ($$$$) and a front derailer ($). Price-wise, I think you'd be better off getting a touring bike up front.

Second, IIRC the 930 is fully rigid, right? No front suspension? If so, check and see if there's eyelets for racks; front and rear if possible. You don't really need mid-fork mounts, but you really do want mounts on the rear drop-outs and the bottom of the front fork. If you've got a suspension fork, you'll have to work with Old Man Mountain racks. You can use P-clamps for the top of any racks.

Third, I'd look into full slicks, or as close as you can get, for the tires. Assuming you'll be riding mostly on the roads, those knobs only give you a perineum massage.

Fourth, I'd see if you could fit some bar ends. I do like being able to move to different hand positions on my drop-bar touring bike; bar ends are a start in that direction for mountain bikes. You might check with your bike shop about trekking or bullhorn bars -- same principal, give you more hand positions while keeping your shifters.

Have a great ride!
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