I have an old beater on which I'm a regular commuter (anywhere from 8-27 miles/day). It's a Mt. Shasta
(I believe this was a KHS off-brand product) which I've retrofitted with rack, pannier, lights, handlebar extensions, body geo seat, and road tires. My son wants to bike back to college (from Texas to New Mexico), and I may accompany him for the first several hundred miles. If I go this route, should I take the opportunity to purchase a Trek 520 off Craigslist or stick with my more familiar rig ? The 520 would be a good deal (being offered below market), but I'd have to learn a new bike and new geometry and risk a few aches and pains in the process. Is it risky to 'change horses' this close (one week) to departure time, or would the more appropriate (touring) machine be worth it ?