Originally Posted by
TomPalmer
Have you considered a used bike or building up a frame? I have wanted an ECR since they came out, but not in budget. I have a Soma Wolverine that I really like for dirt road touring and have ridden a little singletrack too. Mine has 2 sets of wheels, a 700c with 700x40 and a 26” with 26x2 shaved Rocket Rons. The 2” tires are great for everything but sand and a low BB is something to consider depending on the type of trail. I only hit a pedal one time when i was riding agressively and in very uneven ground. The frame will take 700c x 50 also.
My other dirt tourer in a 1984 Schwinn Mirada step though that has WTB Ranger 26x2.8 tires. I have maybe $200 into this bike and $100 was tires. It is great for dirt roads, singletrack that is not rough, and rough paved roads. It is not a traditional choice, but I am all about function and it rides great.
Lots of options in a used bike. For a new one, a bikepacking rig work work well.
Enjoy the trip and watch out for the black flies in the UP. They are worse than mosquitoes.
Tom Palmer
Twin Lake, MI
I grew up in the UP, so I know that the black flies can be horrendous! It is great to hear about your experience with the Wolverine. I saw one for sale locally on CL, but I was a little unsure whether it could handle dirt road touring. My plan B is to build up my 94' Jamis Mountain Bike for touring. It has a great frame (Tange infinity), but the geometry may not be the best for a long tour. Thanks for your advice!