Yume

Hi,

I do feel somewhat bad for having to ask this type of question to you all, it seems like a clear sign of a lazy individual who doesn't want to do the research for themselves, but I've looked around and even searched these forums and I still am not sure, so...

What do you all think about the possibility of using a Lemond Croix de Fer (2006, size 59) as a long distance, self-contained tourer? In other words, how well it would take panniers over long distances? would a front/rear rack config on this type of bike be something possible with a reasonable degree of confidence or is a yak about the only way to go? If it helps, I'm about 180lbs and would bring along no more than 40lbs worth of gear.

If you're unfamiliar with the bike, here is a good source of information:
https://2006.lemondbikes.com/2006_bik..._de_fer.shtml#

I realize it's really more of a performance road bike, but the feel of it is appealing, and it does have a steal frame. I would be able to acquire it locally for about $600, which appears to be quite nice for a bike such as this with quality components.. though I would think, the wheels would have to be changed out to something a bit more durable.. not many spokes currently.

Should I be considering this at all?

Thanks!

Abneycat

Yep, you'd want stronger wheels. I don't see rack eyelets either though (which might be there and I just can't see them, but if not thats a pretty sizable problem), there doesn't seem to be much room for fenders, the chainstays are super short and you might have a hard time fitting panniers on even if you could fit a rack, due to that.. Of course, most of this is just from me eyeballing the pictures of the bike and reading the specs, but this is the impression i'm getting.

The 11-26 in the rear would best be replaced with something offering a wider gear range.. If the model was the double, you might want to change that for hilly areas too..

This bike could be a lot of frustration to make it work. It would still be made with aggressive geometry at the end of the day, too.

BengeBoy 

+1

At some point in these threads, someone will say, "you can tour on anything." But this would be a lot of work.

Are you an REI member? Right now you can get a brand new REI Novara Randonee for about the same price if you use your 20%-off coupon (good only in the month of March). Or keep looking.

smurf hunter

I bought my CDF (2006 model) last year at a discount as it was on the LBS floor getting dusty. I primarily bought it for long recreational rides, like charity centuries and stuff. I've contemplated setting it up for light touring, but don't want to give up it's functional as a fast(ish) long distance road bike.

My Kona with fenders, racks and hub generator that'd be a better choice - though I'd change up the bars and saddle for anything bigger than a weekend trip.

DukeArcher 

You can tour on anything.

BengeBoy 

We have a winner!

robow

Gearing is too high for loaded touring with hills. Also, I'm not sure you could get even a 700x28 tire on it, let alone something larger and better suited for touring. Very light touring with small panniers and you might make it work but like everyone above said, you would be trying to make it something it was not designed for.