Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,749
Likes: 2,111
From: Madison, WI
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
You said the Rockhopper fits great. For the first trip use that and:
- Crank. If your reason for saying that the crank needs replacement is a worn out chain ring, get a new chainring, probably pnly the middle one is needed.
- Chain and cassette, get new. I buy the cheapest KMC chains, you do not need to spend lots for the fancy names.
- Front derailleur. Some older bike shops that have been around for a few decades have a box of used parts you could dig thru and find one for a fraction of what you would otherwise pay.
- Tires. If your tour would be on pavement, I assume the wheels are 26 inch, get some Vittoria Randonneur or Schwalbe Marathons in 1.5 width. You probably would have to buy on line, these are not common in local stores. A good search may find some good sale prices.
- Front fork. For the first tour, live with what you have.
You mention a caboose bag, I assume that is a rack top bag. You might be better off getting a dry bag that you can strap on top on the back, maybe 20 liter or so.
Go have a great time and keep notes on what you want to upgrade later.