is this a decent find?
 

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/d...621710291.html

im thinking of using this as my bottom-up approach to touring. worth it?

If it fits.... It would be a good starting point. No such thing as the perfect bike so if you like it and it's in the family budget... Why not? I've toured lots of miles on much less.

In many markets you can find older chromoly hardtail mt bikes for about $100. This one does have newer drivetrain components that would probably work well for touring. The photos also show dual eyelets on the rear for easy attachment of fenders and rear rack. Can't tell if the front has dual eyelets as well. Also can't tell if it has front suspension, which wouldn't be desirable if you are planning to stay mostly on paved roads. This bike also appears to have short chainstays, which may or may not be of concern to you.

I think the photo showing the front brake shows a front suspension (Rock Shock).

yes, I'd be inclined to put in a solid fork later on.

Looks like a reasonable deal.
Extra cost for touring will include:
changing to solid fork
changing to better touring tires
adding racks
adding fenders
probably want to put new brake pads on

Are you OK touring with a flat bar?

I think it's an excellent "decent" find, especially at that price. If you could figure a way to strap all your stuff on it, you could go touring tomorrow. Of course, if you want to start improving things the price will go up, but I wouldn't do too much to that bike. Racks, maybe a rigid fork, road tires. I might stop there. If you're going to spend a lot of money, a different bike might be a better starting place.

tubeless straight-pull 32h mavic wheelset....


youll need new wheels eventually (at least the rear). but the frame and components are good. look into a surly fork for the front, and price out new wheels....

probably about 500- 600 to get it up to 'code' (wheels, rack, fork) but everyone is right in saying you could use it tomorrow... Its a good frame to start with.

Nashbar has a set of 26" mountain bike wheels on sale for $50 right now. ONSALE code will get another 10% off
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...1_10000__10001
http://www.nashbar.com/images/nashba...LZL-K-PAIR.jpg

I say great find with the upgrades. Racks/panniers, barends and it's ready to go. Replace the fork when you get rountuit. Or not if you're into trail riding while on tour. GDT perfect, especially the tubeless tires.

Study up on pros/cons of tubeless before discarding. I'm thinking you could maximize the pressure in those and be just fine on pavement. Little slower, but touring is not a race, and as I understand them, tubeless are nearly flat proof with gook in them.

is a 26" MTB really the best choice for touring? I test road a Fuji Touring last summer and it had 700c wheels and road bike geometry. I don't know the answer, I'm just posing the question. I find my MTB brutally slow and arduous compared to my road bike, especially when I have many miles to cover.

put better tires on the mtb, and the wheel size wont matter too much... I ride 26 x 40mm schwalbe marathon supremes which are great.

No it's not the best but........... Sometimes it's all someone can afford. Best to test the waters for cheap and find out if you really like it.