Just finished a 3 week tour of Ireland. Used a 2004 Giant carbon road bike for my wife. Used a skewer rack from Niagara Cycle, swapped out rear cassette and derailleur for deore long cage and 11-32 cassette. Worked great with 2 small panniers and a trunk bag. Had to use Marathon 25 on the rear, but was able to fit a 28 on the front. Just be certain to wrap the frame for transport in the bike box.