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Old 01-23-05, 12:12 AM
  #6  
Cyclist0094
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Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: ny
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The first question should be what is wrong with the C-dale? You are riding the bike now on week long tours now, is there a comfort issue?
I know a guy who rode a Killer Vee down the east coast 4 years ago over 900 miles and he still tours on it. The only things he changed on his was the handlebars and stem to give him a more upright position. He also has a rear rack on it. He may have changed wheels also.

The bottom line is don't buy a touring bike because someone tells you want a touring bike. Buy a touring bike because you want one.

If you want a touring bike obviously we take into account you are a big guy, IMO a 700c road touring bike isn't going to work very well for you , Most big guys I know are not comfortable on drop bars also a 700c wheelset is seldom as strong as a MTB's. IMO 26 " wheels are more durable and will handle your weight better.

Check out these offerings and see how they differ from your current ride. You may find your C-dale is only an accessory or two short of being one of these bikes

Here is an inexpensive 2005 touring bike that might interest you REI Safari

Here is a higher end Koga Miyata World Traveler( my personal favorite) http://usa.koga.com (click on touring)

Gunnar has a 26" touring bike with a suspension fork http://www.gunnarbikes.com/rocktour.php

The absolute strongest bike has not been built yet. but a 1986-1992 Specialized Stump jumper is pretty close, many of them have been turned into touring bikes.

Last edited by Cyclist0094; 01-23-05 at 01:17 AM.
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