Hello all,
I am new to the world of touring. I have been reading as much as I can on what to look for on touring bikes. I've found so much information here I thought I would ask those more experienced in such things a few questions to help me decide on a bike.
First, I have been looking at this one...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...vip=true&rt=nc
Seller's decription
(This is a go anywhere touring/commuter bike. It's built with new, NOS, or good condition used parts, selected to be durable, repairable and/or easily replaceable anywhere in the world.
The frame is an 90's Giant Sedona ATX. ATX was their high end mountain bike and the frameset is steel and relatively light (7.25 lbs on post office scale). Oversized tubes add stiffness for carrying heavy loads. Rack mounts have been added to the front forks.
Deraillers are XT. Crank is an LX 42/32/22. Hubs are LX. The rims are unlabled, double walled, and in good condition. 32 stainless steel spokes front and back. Shifters are Suntour ratcheting 8 speed bar end friction (selected for reliability). Brakes are Tektro cyclocross cantilevers.Tires are low end Kenda and would need to be replaced before taking a long trip. The seat and pedals are fine but nothing fancy. I also left the bars untapped so you can put on whatever you find comfortable and attractive. The racks are Blackburn Mountain racks. I believe the rear is rated at 30lbs and the front at 25lbs. If you don't want the racks I will knock $50 off the price.
All the cables and housing are new. The wheels have been overhauled and are properly tensioned and trued.)
With 11-32 cassette.
Second,
A vintage Panasonic Touring Deluxe
15 speed, 27 x 1 1/4" rims, shimano cantilevers and der's. Not much more info at the time...
This will be a daily commuter in SW PA with lots of hills until next spring.
Next spring I plan on biking to MN from PA and then out to do the west coast with a friend. I will probably need to change the gearing to be able to bike up mountain passes fully loaded, this I know.
I have a very small amount of money right now and plan on upgrading things one at a time.
Any advice is appreciated!
Thanks