Originally Posted by
Fullcount
Background: 52 years old and starting to pick up a new past time in the touring arena. Do a lot of backpacking on the AT, but ankles are giving out, but still want to enjoy the adventure of being outdoors.
Current Needs: I want to do some small trips near the Tidewater area of VA to test out if I can really get into this overnight bike / camping thing. I have a couple of garage sale bikes that I picked up a couple of years ago. I do, however, know the value of having the proper equipment for the task and have been looking at a Surly LHT for a permanent ride. Prior to that, I want to check out how my endurance and nerves will serve me on the open road. I am thinking of using one of these garage sale bikes and a trailer for my initial trips. I like the Maya Trailer and that will be one of my first purchases after Christmas is over with.
The questions I have are on this bicycle. It is a 12 speed bike that was sold by Montgomery Ward some years back. It is a Open Road 1200 GT. I did some research to find out if this would be an okay ride and came up with the fact that Huffy built most of these bikes with Murray building a few. The only serial number I could find was under the crank set (A881U14929). Some reviews of Huffy have revealed that these are the only chain store bike that can be dangerous. Anyone ever had any experience with these bikes coming apart and causing issues with health?
Before I spend $1500 on a Surly, I really want to gauge my long term interest in this new passion. I love to backpack the Appalachian Trail, but the ankles are giving me a fit. I am thinking the touring lifestyle might afford me the sense of adventure without the impact to my body parts. So if I can make what I have do...for the local trips, I would like to pursue this strategy. But not if the bike will come apart once loaded. And when I mean loaded, most of the weight will be on the trailer, not the bike. If I graduate to the Surly later on, I will then have some experience with a trailer to determine if that is indeed better than panniers.
Now the other question. This bike is a 12 speed. I have another Jamis mountain bike that is a 21 speed and has a 22/32/42 front crank set (bought at the same garage sale). From my research, I am gathering that a 22 tooth granny gear is a good thing. Can these crank sets / gears be swapped out on the two bikes? The MW bike has a Shimano front deraileur of unknown type and a Shimano Tourney on the back. The Jamis bike has a Acera rear deraileur. Both bikes have tire sizes of 26 x 1.95"
If anyone can help, I am open to suggestions. - Thanks
While I like the Maya Cycle trailer as I own one, may I suggest that rather than getting a trailer to start your trip, you can outfit your bike with a pair of Old Man Mountain racks (front and back) for something a little less than a Maya trailer? Towing a trailer requires good riding stability which your ankles aren't going to hold up really well with. Perhaps on more level ground, but as soon as you hit a hill, you will want to spin lots because of your weak ankles so the trailer isn't a good idea. While the Maya itself is one of the lightest, you can feel the load pulling you down the hill. The OMM racks are much better in this regard and you can literally attach them to any bicycle. Then just get panniers from REI on sale and then you're set to go.
You can literally tour with any bike. The only thing you'll hear mostly in the states is gear talk on the campsite if you befriend a fellow tourist and that ultimately your gear will be looked down upon -- like pretty much in life. Rich with lots of stuff people like to show off and sometimes look down on those who don't have what they do. Touring is not about how much stuff you've got and the best bike. It's about having the right bike for the job.
In speaking with the best bike. Locate a bike coop shop if you have one in town and then learn how to service your bike. Bike mechanics in the coop are helpful, never look down on your gear and will help you get the lowest gear you can put on the bike. Low gear is a must if you tour with a trailer or even with a load. 22T/32T or 22T/34T are basically a must for your weak ankles, though you can settle for something like a 24T or 26T at the front. So yes the 22/32/42 is good. Can you put the crankset from a mountain bike to the Open Road 1200GT? I don't see why not, but you will need a new bottom bracket plus a triple derailleur to match the seat tube of the Open Road and a cheaper friction shifter (Falcon shifter comes to mind as I use them on my Dahon folder).
I will be changing my CX bike from a 50T/34T front crank to a 36T/26T and I have a 11-36 rear. I got the parts cheap from my local bike coop. Will be back to install my new used crankset after the new year and am saving lots and lots of money thanks to the coop as they have so much spare parts from people who upgrade their nice bikes!
You are making a prudent wise choice in pursuing this avenue as most people who went with expensive bikes usually end up selling theirs after just 1 tour. Some equipment I had accumulated in the past were from many of these people who did a tour, found they didn't like it or is too tough and then sell their stuff on Craigslist. Which reminds that you should check your local used sports equipment store for used panniers and stuff. Why pay new when you can get good stuff almost new for less?!?
When you do decide to expand your touring interest further with a new bike, then you can move your Old Man Mountain racks from your old bike to a new bike.