FS vs Rigid
 

Hello everyone. I am new here, and look forward to being a participating member. I am planning on touring canada and the U.S. this comming spring. It will be my first time living from a bike, my only other exp that will be close was living from a vw bus for a while.

as i am getting my materials prepared, it is time to decide what bike i want to take. I have 2 choices. one is a full susp and one completely rigid. a 2002 Garry Fisher sugar 1, and a trek 8000.

the trek is old and will probably get some doner parts and new bearings throughout if i decide to use it.

Full Susp:, use a bob yak trailer. more comfy, still nice and light, however a bit fragile with the xtr grouping, carbon fiber rear triangle and bushing pivots. also more moving parts and riding both air shocks could lend itself to annyoing leakage.

rigid, : the trek, have had this beast since 97, has had bb replaced but wheel bearings should be done before i go, its running as 7speed commutor right now so i will need to put the front DR on, and get some new gears. it also have a very "over top" stance, so i will need either new stem or riser handlebars. its rigid so its much more effiecient then FS, less stuff to break, and heavier tubing then the race ready sugar. however this Alu frame has seen apprx 10000 miles, so it has been stressed. i would be running arkel xm 42 rear and xm 28 front (xm was recommended by yves for my intent, with the G series being a bit over kill).

what would you pick and why?

what a great problem to have, i cant wait to see what is out there! i definitly have the bite!

take care all.

Since 99.9% of your riding will be on the roads use the Trek, which will also be able to handle the occasional off-road. If you already have the Bob, use that too - it will make it a lot easier to organise your stuff on the trip. Pack both road and off-road tires.

Planning on being on pavement most of the time? The Trek. Get rid of the big knobbies though. On back roads I would still take the Trek and the Bob. For something like the Kettle Valley trails take full squish. Hey, if you're passing through Regina, be sure to look me up - I'm on the Warm Showers List. Know Darrell Noakes?

hey toolboy.

i dont know darren or the warm showers group. im really outside of the loop in terms of organized cycling. but ya im in saskatoon, so i will be sure to swing by while im in regina. i have a friend who lives there that me and one of my riding partners knows very well, so we most likely will be staying a few days there.

take care.

shoot me an email so i have you on my list