Originally Posted by
DustyBottoms1
I'm planning a 3 day bike packing tour next year in Peru near Cusco. I was hoping you guys could make some recommendations based off the following information...
*2-3 Days of Riding AND Camping. I'll be passing through small towns/villages on each day to load up on water/food when needed.
*I don't think I want to do panniers and think I'll opt for Relevate Bike Bags
*The majority of the ride will be on asphalt but there will be a fair amount of gravel/dirt roads sprinkled throughout.
*I'm trying to keep the cost to under $1300
I swung through my local bike shop and the girl there was raving about the Specialized Diverge and also spoke highly of the Trek 520 as well as the Surly Long Haul Trucker.
What are your thoughts?
I think a bike like the Volpe is an excellent suggestion. There are a bunch of good light touring bikes out there that are not built to take the heavy loads that the LHT or 520 are, but can still take larger tires and a less than expedition load.
And if you have a bike shop that has anyone who actually knows what a LHT or 520 is, you are lucky. Most shop employees get a blank look when you ask about touring.
Here is a neat bike that I am thinking about.
Masi Bikes - Steel - Giramondo
Within budget for you. They may have them on Jenson for a good price.
And on your gear list on the other thread that most posters will avoid since everyone pretty much has the OPs number, the best way to wash something in a stream is to use the water, but take it farther from the stream to avoid contaminating the water. I have used a light nysil drybag. Fill with water and clothes, seal, shake the piss out of it, and let the water out far from the stream or lake. Make leave no trace and responsible camping part of your research for the trip. But three days is nothing, not to sound gross but I would probably not even bother washing my riding clothes.