Originally Posted by
cyber.snow
Great Feedback, thanks
My Felt V85 is an OK bike to ride around the neighborhood and I haven't tried anything longer than about 25 miles with it. Was just thinking that if I am going to start touring, it might be a good idea to start building both the bike and myself up to it. It sounds like getting a "touring bike" and then putting a little larger tires on it is more the way to go. Does anyone know how much of a load you can put on a LHT? The pics that Doug64 posted makes it look like it will really take a load.
Also not sure what a 25 inch gearing is vs a 17 inch gearing. I did go look at the Surly website at the LHT and am totally confused when trying to figure out what an inch gear is////????////
Maybe you can dip a toe into touring with your Felt? Judging from its specs, it looks like a capable machine capable of handling a mini credit card tour. Don't know if you can mount a rack on the back of the Felt, but there are handlebar bags you can mount and very large saddle bags that eliminate the need for a rack.
https://www.apidura.com/product/saddle-pack-mid-size/
I am considering going with something like this on my Salsa Casseroll should I decide to try some light touring. Now, if you get the touring bug, then a full touring bike like the venerable Trek 520 or Surly Long Haul Trucker may be in your future.