Originally Posted by
bikexcountry
Ok, so you've seen my other threads, I (was) going cross country now California. I did not win the auction on the bike I wanted (the sellers reserve was too high). So I still need a bike. I have not had any luck on craigslist. So I could use some help picking a bike. The lbs has no touring bikes. I have been to four. I wanted to stay under $1000, but I could go a few hundred dollars over. I was thinking about avoiding sora/2300 shifters because I have heard a lot of stuff about how difficult it makes life.
The bikes I am looking at (sorry no hyperlinks- this is from my ipod):
http://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/road...rone-7-tiagra/ around 1200
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/tourist.htm. That is only 600.
Also the more traditional trek 520, surly long haul trucker, and rei novara safari. Which has very interesting handlebars by the way.
Also, will it be neccessary to upgrade the seat? I saw a lot about how brooks b17 saddles are the best. The bike i was bidding on had one
Learning by asking for recommendations can be helpful up to a point, but learning from your own experiences is important too.
Test ride, test ride, test ride, test ride.
Find a bike you, yourself (not reviewers or LBS salespeople or people here or elsewhere, but you) really enjoy riding. It will help you enjoy the time you spend riding on tour.
If you are leaning at all toward light or ultralight touring, that might affect the bike choice as well.
Saddles ('saddles' is the more appropriate term than 'seats' for many) are highly individual; some like Brooks saddles, others don't at all, and find them heavy, uncomfortable, and behind the times. You can find long threads here and elsewhere, about different saddles, as well as many pages of reviews on different sites.
At some point, though, it makes sense to pay attention to what works for you.
Test and see.
REI might be a good resource for you. They often have bike repair and maintenance classes. Their return and exchange policies are excellent.
If you like the bars on the Safari, you like the bars on the Safari. You are the one best positioned to know your own preferences and what works for you.
There ís a lot of individual varíation.
If you are considering getting into off-road touring (and there is a lot to explore there), or mixed on-road off-road touring, then you might want to take that into account. The Safaris are designed for this, more so than most touring bikes. Terms like 'trekking bikes' and 'expedition bikes' are sometimes used.
Ride more. Get offline more. Get more exercise and fresh air. Find some good rides in and near your area. Metrolink trains can extend the range of possibilities. Find the rides and ride them.
This is among the most beautiful areas in the world for cycling. Learn about it, explore, make the most of it.