Originally Posted by
lhendrick
I am planning a tour through South America, Argentina, Chili, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Columbia, etc. Lots of rough roads so I was thinking of taking my mid-1990's Trek 7000 mountain bike instead of my Surly LHT (56cm, 700C). The Trek has decent mid range machinery, and I think I can install F&R racks and fenders. It is essentially a free bike to me, so no great loss if it is destroyed/stolen in contrast to the LHT into which I have a lot of recent $$$ invested.
Question: any reason NOT to do this.
I'm sure I would have to customize it a bit (new wide tires, etc).
All thoughts appreciated.
Larry
I'm in the opposite camp.
I built up two 80s mountain bikes for my South American tour in March, but I'm likely going to buy an LHT frame (26") and switch the parts over. The geometry just doesn't feel quite right on my Jamis Dakota.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-touring/page3
I do think the 26" wheels are a big deal, and if the LHT is a 800 the Trek may definitely be the best option. Or sell the 700 and buy a 26
