SpiritCyclist

Well, the wheels came and they're quite nice (though I haven't mounted them yet). 36 hole rims, butted DT spokes. I think I'll keep these. Called Velomine, and they said it was fine to run them with cantilevers. Also, the Nashbar panniers fit nicely on the rear rack. They are tapered inward on one side, so there's plenty of room for my heels. Now, I just need to get the crankset off to replace the BB! Then we'll be ready to rock

mijome07

Sounds good. Post a photo when you're all done.

bikemig 

Those are good wheels; I'd keep them as well. I've had good luck with velomine wheels.

What kind of handlebar are you running? Trekking bars are a nice change for a mtb that you are touring on. It's an easy change because you're old parts will move over easily and you get more hand positions which is a big plus.

SpiritCyclist

@bikemig, I did consider going with the trekking bars, but I'm probably going to keep the flat bars I have on there for now. I'm quite used to them by now, having ridden the bike a lot for the past few years. I just added some bar ends, and those give me another position to go to if I need it.

On a random side note, what are people using for sleeping bags? I'm in the market for a nice lightweight down bag.

Will post pics soon!

mijome07

Maybe so, but damn those things are ugly.

Just installed drop bars on my "half-way done" MTB conversion. With 40mm knobbie tires and a non-slanting top tube, it reminds me of my old cyclocross bike.

bikemig 

I've done one of each. The big advantage of the trekking bars (if you can handle the looks, ) is that it works well on a bike that has a long top tube where a drop bar might not work well. A lot of mtbs have really long top tubes. The drop bar conversions make fun bikes as well:

Tourist in MSN

If you shop at REI, do it before the sale ends, maybe that is tomorrow?

I can't suggest one, probably all of mine are discontinued. Consider getting a good compression sack if the bag you get does not come with one.

SpiritCyclist

bikemig, those are both really great looking! I considered doing the drop conversion thing, but I had just set up my flat bars with new grips and shifters...and as much as like to work on bikes, I am fundamentally lazy. haha! If I find a better frame that's worthy, maybe I'll go for it.

As far as the sleeping bag goes I was checking out the Kelty Ignite. Looks to be a good three season one for reasonable money.

I'm leaving Friday for a month long tour (in a van, not on a bike!) with my band. So won't be able to get everything together until I get home. But I think I have all the bits and pieces in order. Thanks again for the input and advice, y'all.

SpiritCyclist

@bikemig, it looks like you only have one rack/fender mount eyelet on the back of that white Stumpjumper. Do you have the fender stay mounted outside of the rack, or vice versa? I've got mine set up with the fender stay on the inside right now, but I'm thinking that's not ideal--more likely to break that mounting screw with lots of weight. Or is this even something to be worried about?

bikemig 

I have the fender stays on the outside as I think that is a stronger way to do it. Ideally you want the rack stay right up against the eyelet. I wouldn't lose a lot of sleep over this though.