Using an aluminum bike for touring short distances
Thinking about touring roughly 180 miles. Google maps (bicycle directions) says it's about 17 + hour or 3.5 days estimated.
The bike is a 7.1 fx but I'm upgrading the saddle to a gel or inform saddle and have h4 tires. It's aluminum so I'm thinking of maybe carrying two waterbottles, panniers on the back rack along with maybe something on top of the rack such as a tent.
The short tour will be part "Credit Card" tour and part self supported. Basically stopping at convenience stores or restaurants for food and drink and restocking food like beef jerky or something in between those places. Maybe a tent for the first night, hotel the 2nd, and tent the third.
Anywho with all the background information you have here. Do I really need to get a Surly LHT, Raleigh Sojourn, Trek 520 etc..., or can my frame handle this?
If not what about using a pull along. I've read thats a good option for non steel bikes as it helps keep weight off the bike.
In summary: How would you configure a Trek 7.1fx for this, or would you go with something else entirely?