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Old 11-12-07, 11:51 AM
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vik 
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Victoria, BC
Posts: 5,264

Bikes: Surly Krampus, Surly Straggler, Pivot Mach 6, Bike Friday Tikit, Bike Friday Tandem, Santa Cruz Nomad

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That certainly would not have been the bike any knowledgeable shop would have recommended, but then again shops that have staff who know anything about touring are few and far between.

I wouldn't worry about the aluminum frame so much as the wheel size [tough to impossible to find replacement parts] and the geometry. If you can return it I'd go for something like a 26" wheeled Surly LHT [assuming it fits], REI Safari or maybe buy a Thorn frame and build it up.

If you can't return it at least build up some bomber [36H or 40H] touring wheels so you won't have to worry about wheel problems and throw some 40-50mm Marathon XR tires on it. You can mount OMM panniers on the front of your existing fork if you want to keep it.

Have a wonderful trip.
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