srrs

I just finished my taxes, and it looks like my return will allow me to spend a couple hundred extra dollars preparing the bike and gear for my xc tour this summer. Now I'm just trying to decide where best to put it! Possible places:

-Tubus instead of Blackburn Expedition rack + shoes/pedals instead of clips and straps
-new wheels (or just rear wheel, maybe) (currently 32 spoke alex da16) - i'd like to get 36 spokes, but i'm a 125lb female who'll travel w/ hopefully 50 lbs of gear total and i don't know if the upgrade is necessary considering that 175lb people ride these wheels all the time without trouble.. Also don't know where on earth to find nice durable touring wheels for around $200..
-down sleeping bag (instead of old heavy synthetic) + nicer camp mattress + MSR whisperlite
-upgrading my food/lodging/on the road budget - currently $30/day - maybe allow for a few more restaurant meals or nights in hotels, or purchases of stuff that seems like it would be nice once i'm actually out there.
-?? other little things that might escape a touring newbie's attention

What would all you experienced tourers recommend as the place you'd stick a couple of extra benjamins?

mtnroads

Hmmm, might be better to hold onto the money for now - somthing invariably comes up just before you launch. Without knowing more about your setup, it's hard to make a recommendation, but I do have a few thoughts:

Do you have a front rack and panniers already, or is it all going on the back? That money could be used very effectively to set up front rack/pans if you don't already have them. I would not replace the Blackburn Exped if it is only carrying half the gear weight, if carrying the entire 50lbs, it will be sketchy, but you would be better off adding the front rack than replacing it.

Wheels would be nice, but as you say, your total load of around 200lbs isn't extreme at all, and if it is split front/rear, you should be fine. But if they do need some attention, some fairly good touring and cyclocross wheelsets are available for around $200 through Quality Wheelhouse, Performance, etc. Not quite Peter White quality maybe, but certainly plenty adequate for your weight. I'm considering a pair myself before the next long tour. A lot depends on the age and condition of your wheels - maybe just take them in to be tensioned, but not unless your LBS knows what they are doing.

Lastly, I will say that if your bike is already set up, a small down bag is great because it is warm and clears a lot of weight and bulk off the rear rack, which leads to a cleaner and more manageable setup. My 30 deg down bag (Mtn Hardware Phantom 32) is the size of a football when packed, so it can go into a pannier, leaving just the Thermarest and tent poles on the rear rack. I believe the REI dividends and 20% off coupons are being mailed in the next week or two, so keep that in mind. You could get a nice bag for $100-150 easy, espec if you have some money coming back.

Sounds like a great trip - have fun!

srrs

yes, i do have a front rack and panniers.. but i was thinking that if it all ended up fitting in the back after a week on the road and the inevitable box of stuff going home, that maybe the front panniers and rack would just go in the box home too! i guess it'd be better balanced if i keep it spread out, though.

i bought the bike with these wheels on it used, so i don't know much about their actual condition. i rather doubt that the lbs knows much about wheels - they don't build them there, at least. i'll check. the big reason that i'd really consider wheels is that, being a solo-touring woman, i'd prefer do what i can before i leave to make the trip as breakdown-proof as possible, so i don't end up in the middle of nowhere relying on hitchhiking, if i can avoid it.

EmmCeeBee

"The best things in life are free." You're gonna enjoy your tour whether you spend that money now or not. I'm kinda leaning to what mtnroads said.

The Tubus is indeed a thing of beauty, but the Blackburn Expedition is rugged enough to get you to Patagonia and back. No reason to upgrade. I've toured with an Expedition rack carrying 60 lbs or more, at least 20k miles; and 20k more with daily commuting loads.

I'm a firm believer in 36H wheels for touring loads, but that's for "average and above" loads. You're a lightweight! Most of my touring has been on 32H wheels, simply cuz they're well-built, high quality, and I didn't want to needlessly spend the money to upgrade. I'm 160 lbs; my 32H wheels occasionaly break a spoke, but that's with a total load of close to 300 lbs. In your case, I wouldn't be concerned at all about continuing with the 32H wheels.

That said, it depends on the current condition of your wheels. They have to be replaced at some point, and maybe it's about time -- depending on the hubs, rims, spokes, etc. IMO: If they're in good shape, don't upgrade; if they're close to needing replacement, then get 36H wheels.

I know you're looking at clipless pedals/shoes (from your post a few weeks ago), these will probably eat up most of the $200 refund anyway. Still, clips and straps are fine for touring.

Camping stuff (sleeping bag, mattress) are where I'd put my money, if your stuff is old and heavy. That plus a good tent and cold weather gear (depending on where you're going).

Otherwise, save enough for a couple extra nights in a motel -- you never know how many hail storms you'll slog through. My limit is about 4 nights in soggy campgrounds, then I need a warm dry bed.

The best money I spent before our last tour was on mapping software (Delorme Topo USA -- $25 used). Not only did I prepare a fantastic set of maps, but the hours looking over routes and topography just got me itching to get on the road.

-- Mark

srrs

Haha.. i actually think that if i itch any harder to get on the road i'm going to cause some kind of skin condition!

kayakboy

I second the sleeping bag idea. I prefer clips so I wouldn't pay cash for 'upgrading'. If your wheels work and you don't worry about them, don't worry about them. It allways seems like there's stuff to get for touring. Do you camp? Do you have a pack towel? Check out www.rivbike.com for some cool stuff.