I would bite the bullet and buy your bike in Norway. Of course you can buy twice the bike for the money in the US, but you really should "train" and work up to such a major trip. You don't want to be sorting out issues on a brand new bike--- especially on the trail. You need to be very familiar with your equipment, and have a workable plan for stowing your gear.
If you do buy your bike in the US, by the time you have ridden it, it will look used and you won't have any tax or import duties when you return. I don't know where you live in Norway, but I never seem to see anyone working customs when I arrive home. The other issue is that airlines generally no longer allow bikes to fly free as a piece of checked luggage as they once did. When I moved to Norway, I brought a bike that I packed in a bike box-- and flew with it-- the box was recycled from a bike shop. It arrived without a scratch.
Keep in mind that everything in the US will seem very cheap when coming from Norway--- except rental cars (they nail foreign license holders).
I would not want to bike with a large backpack. It could really be a hazard if you are biking off road-- catching on branches, messing with your balance in technical areas, etc.-- not to mention how it will affect your body. Also, you don't need the lightest bike, since you will be loaded with gear anyway. In the US, I had a low end Specialized hybrid that cost $300 that had the eyelets for racks--- it would have fit the bill OK. But you can buy a lot of bike for the buck at $750-1000. Despite the prices, there are deals to be had in Norway. I purchased a 10 000nok mountain bike on sale at Spinn for 6000 because it was last year's model. You might want a cassette with lower gearing for riding fully loaded.
I've been up in the northern rockies in late August, and there is still snow in spots, but it is doubtful you will encounter any where you are biking-- Temperatures are generally quite nice--- around 20 during the day. Nights can be cool, and the sun goes down quite early behind the mountains. Rain is not uncommon.
What part of Norway are you from? I am in Stavanger....
Originally Posted by
toth88
Hehe, I definantly have to pick it up outside norway and "smuggle" it in. Seriously, in norway professionals tell you to stick away from anything priced below NOK 2500 (USD 550?) or sold in a department store. For NOK 2500 you get the same bike you can get in the US for 250 USD.. Prices here are so insane you wouldnt imagine (unless you've been here).
But then again, so are the wages. =p Student on a summer job making 6500 USD a month, sitting at a chair in a factory..
Gonna try to get ahold of the guide.
Btw, the one thing im the most worried about is the weather and temprature, will starting off in late august be a problem?