Originally Posted by
Lt Stonez
Hi BF friends!
Ive been thinking on starting with some bike touring trips. Some in the Norwegian mountains from Telemark to Bergen. And maybe a trip thru Denmark an down to the Amsterdam.
In norways CL there is one Awol delux
Specialized AWOL Deluxe 2014 Adventure Bike | Evans Cycles sale now for around 800$ and it nearly used at all. And I wonder, is this a good bike to start with? Is the gearing good(grannygear)?
I have a great carbon sirrus hybrid bike that ive been thinking on putting some revelate bags on(saddle,frame,handelbar) but no am not sure what to do! I cant put more money in the Awol so i hope its good right out of the box?
95% of the road will be on tarmac when touring
Would be great to hear somebody els opinion!
Thanks
I just purchased a 2015 Jamis Aurora Elite, which has the same gearing for the drivetrain. Like this bike it is not geared for loaded touring!
I am going to change out the crankset for a 48/32/24 or 26 and then have to change out the cassette from an 11-30 to 11-34 or 36 hoping that the 105 Rear Derailleur with medium cage (long for road) will be able to handle going from 30 to 34 / 36.
I KICK MYSELF for not paying more attention to the gearing. The Jamis Aurora, a much less expensive bike is set up for loaded touring. Not sure what Jamis was thinking on the Elite, but if I had it to do over again would not purchase the Elite without some major changes to the drivetrain.
Don't make the same mistake I did if you intend the bike for loaded touring or your weight and the hills in your area scream for lower gearing!