AdvXtrm

I'm interested in a new touring bike that comes standard with 26" wheels, disc brakes, a 3x Crankset, with a steel frame, and under $2,000. I haven't found many. I've found the Surly Troll and Disc Trucker, but not anything else from anyone. Are there any other bikes available that have these features?

saddlesores

have you read any of the hundreds of threads in
bikeforums.net, particularly in the touring section,
discussing that very subject?

AdvXtrm

Go ahead and link me to even "one" that matches my criteria and isn't outdated...

BikeLite

There are no other 26" touring bikes that I know of. You can get mountain bikes still. Oh, and the World Troller frame.

masterchief

I don't know of any other than the surlys you've listed that is under $2000 as a complete bike, but the Co-Motion Pangea is under $2000 for the frameset only, but that is something diferent, i know.

Co-Motion Cycles | pangea

edit: oh, and be aware of the chainstay length of the Surly Troll which is 425mm. That is not a lot if heel strike is a concern.

indyfabz

Are you ever going to tour on the bike you bought relatively recently?

shelbyfv

First post in this thread https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/10...ter-rider.html indicates a tour is imminent.... Does seem premature to switch bikes just because of wheel size, prior to use.

TomPalmer

Not a built bike, but I have a Soma Wolverine that is a 700c bike and is sold as frame only. I have a set of 26" wheels that work great with up to 2.1" tires. It fits Compass Rat Trap Pass barely. I am not sure how heavy I would load it, but with my 215 lbs, 30lbs gear, and 28lbs bike, it rode an climbed nicely. You need to figure rider weight in how a bike will carry the load, the rider can make a big difference. I really like my Wolverine, my favorite of the 10 + I have and it rides well unloaded too. When it comes to touring, as others have said, don't overthink it, unless you are going where there is absolutely no support. Just go with what you have and what you need and don't need will be very evident. Many on their first long tour end up shipping things home they do not use.
Good luck and enjoy the adventure.
Tom Palmer
Twin Lake, MI

fietsbob

Thorn UK, Tout Terrain DE, Koga Signature NL, Co-Motion USA.

Surly TW

you already hate your REi Bike?




...

Rob_E

Yep, lots of discussion about converting a rigid mountain bike for touring, which is, from my understanding, largely the function of the Troll. So I would imagine you could find a suitable mountain frame and convert for less than 2K.

World Troller might not fit that budget, though, given that it's over 1K for just the frame, or was when it first came out. My LBS says there will be no new stock of World Troller frames, and that currently there are only a couple of sizes available. I don't know if it's been discontinued or if they're selling off the old to make way for a World Troller that has the same changes as the new Troll.

AdvXtrm

I'm not happy with the large hoops on it. I don't like the way it handles compared to a 26", and with my stubby legs, I could use a lower stand-over height and the bit of lower gearing 26" brings. Yes, I was almost set, but now I've got to make this change.

AdvXtrm

If there really aren't any other bikes that meet my criteria besides those two Surlys, then I just need to decide between either the Troll or the Disc Trucker. Right now I'm leaning on the Disc Trucker for a few reasons. One, while I plan on off paved road routes when possible, the fact that they will be few and far between gives a nod to the Trucker. The other thing is that with my stubby legs, the lower available stand-over height of the XS Trucker would work out better for me. My inseam is right at or slightly below 28".

mstateglfr 

VO Piolet Frameset - Frames
The smaller 2 frames come in 26" wheel. Itd mean you build the bike, or have someone build it for you.

https://www.evanscycles.com/ridgebac...-bike-EV289256
Or buy this and pay for it to come to the US. Disc brakes, Reynolds 520 frame, flatbar like you want, 26" wheels like you want. $1040USD for the bike and $150USD to ship it.

$1200 total and you have your new dream bike to replace your untested old dream bike. Slap some 2" tires on and you can still use the stock fenders to explore the US off the beaten path and stay dry.
woohoo.

Losligato

Another option would be to try out some 26" wheels on your Safari. If it has disc brakes you should be able to switch.

Tourist in MSN

Go about half way down the page for 26 inch:
Complete List of Off-Road Adventure Touring Bikes with Pricing - CyclingAbout

Or if you need something to carry your pocket knife:
Swiss Military Surplus Army MO-93 Military Bicycle, 7-Speed, Used - 637593, Field Gear at Sportsman's Guide

AdvXtrm

Building up a bike from the frame up would be nice, and I'd do it myself rather than pay someone else to do it, but I just don't want to wait that long.

That Ridgeback looks nice. I didn't think having a bike shipped from over-seas was a viable option. Looks like I may need to broaden my horizons here, thanks. I suppose I should start looking at more bikes form around the world now. I've edited my OP for this.

mstateglfr 

Another option, one that would be just as legit and cost 1/4 as much as anything new- Just pick up a rigid frame MTB from '85-91, swap what you want, and go ride. In SoCal, there will probably be tons of inventory, prices will be very reasonable, and the bikes will be quite similar to the 26" LHT you want.
Many models by many brands had mounts for a front rack and 2 mounts in back for rack and fenders. Some had a 3rd bottle mount even.

BigAura

Current fashion says 26" bikes are OUT! Get the Troll for $1650. That's what you need!

BTW: Have you even toured on your bike yet?

fietsbob

& Why 26" my Bike Friday Pocket LLama takes the same width tire, as my Koga WTR, and getting thr bike packed small to save money getting to where the tour starts

... is so much simpler. 406 - 47 tires [disc or v brakes] you have a wide choice menu of components..





...

AdvXtrm

No, still have some time before I can, but I need to get the bike situation straightened out ASAP.

Why should I go with the Troll over the Disc Trucker?

Snuts

I did just that. As an experiment, to gain experience towards any future wheel troubles.
On my new Touring bike build, I tried a drive wheel off of my "Inexpensive touring bike build" it fit and worked well. So should I have a rim totally fail, I could solder on, on a used 26". My touring experience last summer lead to this research.

Hope this helps.


-Snuts-

AdvXtrm

I don't want to lower the BB ground clearance among other things, but thanks for the info.

Snuts

Good point.
I'm not being a smartass, by why so against 700C? Your bike is offered in a size for riders 5'3 - 5'6, with a standover height of 28".
There are other step through bikes that could be made to tour very easily. I'm sure I will be doing one in a year from now.

-Snuts-

bikemig 

Soma's touring model uses 26 inch wheels in smaller sizes (54 cm and below). If looking for a 26 inch touring bike, I'd be sorely tempted to pick up an vintage high end mtb and mod it as you wish. Given the low initial cost (maybe $200), you will have a lot of room to invest in upgrades such as new wheels. You could do the whole thing for well under $1k and end up with a fine touring bike. I agree with @mstateglfr in post no. 17.

bwgride

The Soma Saga DC is a nice option

Saga DC Frame Set (Disc/Canti) | SOMA Fabrications

There is also the LKLM that can be had in 26" in either frame $300 from ebay.
See also:

https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/10...new-build.html