Originally Posted by
DeadGrandpa
Where do you plan to tour? I have a heavy -entry level - touring bike w/fenders, racks, disc brakes. Weight is of most concern to me on hills, particularly the uphill side. Like your 4300 appears to be, my bike was made to go on both paved and dirt/gravel roads. On paved roads, I really encountered bicycle envy when lighter bikes (powered by younger riders) passed me. My solution was to buy (off CL) a vintage touring bike with lugged triple butted frame and lighter narrower tires, to save myself a few pounds for paved road only touring. I am using the Safari beast for training rides because it is so comfortable, and plan to use it for non-paved tours. I don't have definite weight numbers, am guessing 3-5 lbs max. To me, it is worth it because the Miyata bike only cost $150 plus another $150 in upgrades.
I don't know how much difference there will be in touring speed, maybe only a little.
I've thought about doing something like that. I've got a few bikes bookmarked from CL
like this one that I considered buying and adding a rack. I'm just wondering what the cost and weight difference would be between doing that and adding a rack & slicks to my 4300.
Doug64, I'm undecided where my next tour will be. I was thinking about going somewhere south of NC sometime soon, nothing in specific. Maybe trying to get to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, but that's coming up quick and doesn't leave much time for preparation. I do know I'm going to ride to NYC sometime in 2015, but I have no particular route or timeframe in mind yet.