Dream Touring Bike
07-26-10, 11:12 AM
#26
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Oh and Peter White also retails exclusively the German Tout terrain Silk road a rigid frame disc only design for rohloff hubs and a Pan american fully suspended rough road touring bike , both design the rear rack to be solidly a part of the frame.
Tout terrain site shows a 700c wheeled model too perhaps he will import one for you and put it together for you with a long enough lead time.
https://www.tout-terrain.de/2/
Tout terrain site shows a 700c wheeled model too perhaps he will import one for you and put it together for you with a long enough lead time.
https://www.tout-terrain.de/2/
Last edited by fietsbob; 07-26-10 at 11:22 AM.
07-26-10, 11:17 AM
#27
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I would put "Black Sheep" bikes on your short list. Go to the website and look under "dream" and "out of step" model sections. Look at the S-Cargo and Long Tail models. A custom combination of these two bikes is what you seek ? Should cost around $8k. Go ahead spend and enjoy, youv'e earned it.
While I can understand others suggestions for cheaper rides that will get the job done that doesn't seem to be what YOU want. Hope this helps.
While I can understand others suggestions for cheaper rides that will get the job done that doesn't seem to be what YOU want. Hope this helps.
good pick
07-26-10, 11:21 AM
#28
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True , you can make a setup on a trike recumbent to be really low, so if pulling a lot of weight you sit there and turn that high leverage gear, write your name in chalk on the street, while you are toodling along.. slow, uphills ..
But Rohloff Voids the guarantees, as soon as you drop the external drive ratio below 2.4:1
a 38:16 for example is just within the designed range.
https://www.rohloff.de/
But Rohloff Voids the guarantees, as soon as you drop the external drive ratio below 2.4:1
a 38:16 for example is just within the designed range.
https://www.rohloff.de/
07-26-10, 01:47 PM
#29
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Hmm, you have a lot of money to spend, have a back problem, want to do loaded touring and don't relish falling off bikes? RECUMBENT! At least look into it your body will thank you 
I'd personally look at Challenge recumbents, gorgeous bikes, and every option under the sun can be added and customized. If you really want to spend money you could go titanium or carbon fiber.
I'd personally look at Challenge recumbents, gorgeous bikes, and every option under the sun can be added and customized. If you really want to spend money you could go titanium or carbon fiber.
Last edited by Aquakitty; 07-26-10 at 01:52 PM.
07-26-10, 01:58 PM
#30
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I will be retiring next year. As a special gift to myself, I am going to buy the best road touring bike I can find. I have been good about saving for this bicycle over the years, so I have the money to buy whatever I want.
I plan to travel three states, initially - Florida, New Mexico & Arizona - on good roads only. (I now live in Fliorida and off-road biking in sand has cured me of ever wanting to go off-road ever again. And, at my age, a fall is more serious now than when I was younger, as I have recently found out. I just cannot pick up the bike and hop back on like I used to.)
I only have a few requirements for the bike:
1. I do not want to build a bike, so I need at least a near-ready-to-ride bike;
2. It must have a Rohloff Speedhub;
3. It must have a SON dynamo, probably with an Edelux or E3 light, but I am open to suggestions here; the selection of light is very important to me because I will be riding as much at night as in the daytime, maybe more;
4. I want to use 700 wheels.
5. I have a back problem, and so I ride more upright now than when I was younger, so I will need a bike where the handlebar height can be adjsted (or replaced) 6 inches above the seat. I only mention this because I have had to retrofit all of my existing bikes over the years and it has been a real headache for me.
6. I have two carry kits: one is 41 pounds for local trips, and the other is 75 pounds for longer trips. This weight does not include tent, poles and sleeping bag.
I have not kept up with the new technology over the years like as I should have, so I am hoping that some of you out there can help me save some time and effort in finding the right bike.
Any help wil be greatly appreciated.
I plan to travel three states, initially - Florida, New Mexico & Arizona - on good roads only. (I now live in Fliorida and off-road biking in sand has cured me of ever wanting to go off-road ever again. And, at my age, a fall is more serious now than when I was younger, as I have recently found out. I just cannot pick up the bike and hop back on like I used to.)
I only have a few requirements for the bike:
1. I do not want to build a bike, so I need at least a near-ready-to-ride bike;
2. It must have a Rohloff Speedhub;
3. It must have a SON dynamo, probably with an Edelux or E3 light, but I am open to suggestions here; the selection of light is very important to me because I will be riding as much at night as in the daytime, maybe more;
4. I want to use 700 wheels.
5. I have a back problem, and so I ride more upright now than when I was younger, so I will need a bike where the handlebar height can be adjsted (or replaced) 6 inches above the seat. I only mention this because I have had to retrofit all of my existing bikes over the years and it has been a real headache for me.
6. I have two carry kits: one is 41 pounds for local trips, and the other is 75 pounds for longer trips. This weight does not include tent, poles and sleeping bag.
I have not kept up with the new technology over the years like as I should have, so I am hoping that some of you out there can help me save some time and effort in finding the right bike.
Any help wil be greatly appreciated.
OTOH...if you are not trying to break the bank necessarily get a steel frame set...a Surly Karate Monkey would probably work and buy the parts you want to put on it.
07-26-10, 03:48 PM
#31
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It certainly would be more expensive!
Somebody who doesn't have money to throw around should be fairly certain about the what features a custom frame will provide to him that a stock frame can't. I don't think he has any experience to tell.
Given what the OP said he was looking for, some people are making some odd suggestions.
Last edited by njkayaker; 07-26-10 at 04:07 PM.
07-26-10, 03:55 PM
#32
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I would put "Black Sheep" bikes on your short list. Go to the website and look under "dream" and "out of step" model sections. Look at the S-Cargo and Long Tail models. A custom combination of these two bikes is what you seek ? Should cost around $8k. Go ahead spend and enjoy, youv'e earned it.
Maybe he stole it!
Really, he should be more clear about what is available and what he wants instead of asking people here to pick something for him.
===============
Don't expect that answers from random and crazy people on the internet are going to keep you from doing your homework!
07-26-10, 04:11 PM
#33
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Here's one bicycle model that has two different frames for dropped and upright bars.
https://www.cotic.co.uk/product/roadrat
5. I have a back problem, and so I ride more upright now than when I was younger, so I will need a bike where the handlebar height can be adjsted (or replaced) 6 inches above the seat. I only mention this because I have had to retrofit all of my existing bikes over the years and it has been a real headache for me.
How well did these modifications work? What made it a "real headache"?
Last edited by njkayaker; 07-26-10 at 04:15 PM.
07-26-10, 07:54 PM
#34
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"Somebody who doesn't have money to throw around should be fairly certain about the what features a custom frame will provide to him that a stock frame can't. I don't think he has any experience to tell."
There are lots of features a well made custom frame will provide: Fit; fit relative to special needs; alignment; fit relative to tubing used and weight and objectives of user; weird stuff, like the Rohloff build assuming they have the experience to do it; quality of construction, not just sufficiency but quality, no Monday bikes, like LHTs with BBs in backwards, but way beyond that; BOs customized to load and racks; lighting packages; custom racks; totally custom build out of components; ... It potentially goes on and on. And there are a number of different ways of going about it. from big name boutiques like Gordon, to Big name small factory settings like Coomotion, IF; Small makers getting a start doing good work on the cheap, etc...
I completely agree a custom bike is hard to get right the first time, but think of the money spent on car rims, for some people this kind of thing is no big deal. Also, I think it is a bit of a bike nerd myth that if they were getting a custom bike they would so tell that full time frame making pro how to put it together just like they always wanted to. To some extent the client who is willing to put himself in the hands of the maker is what makers are there for. The nightmare clients are just a cost of doing business.
There are lots of features a well made custom frame will provide: Fit; fit relative to special needs; alignment; fit relative to tubing used and weight and objectives of user; weird stuff, like the Rohloff build assuming they have the experience to do it; quality of construction, not just sufficiency but quality, no Monday bikes, like LHTs with BBs in backwards, but way beyond that; BOs customized to load and racks; lighting packages; custom racks; totally custom build out of components; ... It potentially goes on and on. And there are a number of different ways of going about it. from big name boutiques like Gordon, to Big name small factory settings like Coomotion, IF; Small makers getting a start doing good work on the cheap, etc...
I completely agree a custom bike is hard to get right the first time, but think of the money spent on car rims, for some people this kind of thing is no big deal. Also, I think it is a bit of a bike nerd myth that if they were getting a custom bike they would so tell that full time frame making pro how to put it together just like they always wanted to. To some extent the client who is willing to put himself in the hands of the maker is what makers are there for. The nightmare clients are just a cost of doing business.
07-26-10, 08:32 PM
#36
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I second the lugged steel Koga-Miyata. They are beautiful in person and have everything you are looking for plus a life time warranty on the bike. Big bucks but come with EVERYTHING you will ever need to tour with.
07-26-10, 11:27 PM
#37
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Because of wor, I have to take my laptop, extra battery, ac adapter and an external drive with me wherever I go, at least until I retire. I also have a lot of files that I need take with me as well, but I am putting as many of these as I can on on external drives as I can. I also have two giant U-locks which I hate to carry, but I have had two bikes stolen over the years and I am a little paranoid about it now. I have looked at a ring lock to replace one, but I have not purchased one yet. I am now never mnore than 20 feet from any of my bikes.
My goal is to reduce my kit size to the 41 pounds without the tent, poles and sleeping bag. The reason I did not include the weight of the last is because I am updating what I have, but I think the total weight of the tent, poles and sleeping bag will not be much.
My goal is to reduce my kit size to the 41 pounds without the tent, poles and sleeping bag. The reason I did not include the weight of the last is because I am updating what I have, but I think the total weight of the tent, poles and sleeping bag will not be much.
07-26-10, 11:59 PM
#38
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Thanks the great advice, and for taking so much time to write it out for me. My current tent, poles and sleeping bag are old and weigh in at about 12 pounds, which even surprised me. Add 4 more pounds for stove and its accessories. Sometimes you get used to doing things a certain way and just don't notice you've made a mistake. I have the time now, so I will look more closely at the weight. Thanks again for your long reply.
I think that most of the people on this site are proabably a lot younger than me, so you may not understand my thoughts about buying the best bike I can find, regardless of price. I have been sensitive to price all my life; you have to be. But when you get older and you realize that you have less time ahead of you than behind you, you start thinking more reflective about the things you have done, and the things you still want to do. A Rohloff hub and SON dynamo are overkill, but that is point. I would like to have something at least once in my life that I think is the best, just this special gift to myself where I say, look, you can now relax after all these years of working and really enjoy yourself and ride this great bike that you could never have afforded when you were younger. I don't have to skimp on this particular present. Enjoy.
I think that most of the people on this site are proabably a lot younger than me, so you may not understand my thoughts about buying the best bike I can find, regardless of price. I have been sensitive to price all my life; you have to be. But when you get older and you realize that you have less time ahead of you than behind you, you start thinking more reflective about the things you have done, and the things you still want to do. A Rohloff hub and SON dynamo are overkill, but that is point. I would like to have something at least once in my life that I think is the best, just this special gift to myself where I say, look, you can now relax after all these years of working and really enjoy yourself and ride this great bike that you could never have afforded when you were younger. I don't have to skimp on this particular present. Enjoy.
07-27-10, 12:03 AM
#39
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I love riding at night. Florida has nothing but clear skies and bright moons, and the nights are cool. (Except June-August) I would ride at night all the time if I could.
07-27-10, 12:09 AM
#40
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I think that most of the people on this site are proabably a lot younger than me, so you may not understand my thoughts about buying the best bike I can find, regardless of price. I have been sensitive to price all my life; you have to be. But when you get older and you realize that you have less time ahead of you than behind you, you start thinking more reflective about the things you have done, and the things you still want to do. A Rohloff hub and SON dynamo are overkill, but that is point. I would like to have something at least once in my life that I think is the best, just this special gift to myself where I say, look, you can now relax after all these years of working and really enjoy yourself and ride this great bike that you could never have afforded when you were younger. I don't have to skimp on this particular present. Enjoy.
07-27-10, 12:10 AM
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Yes, the lighting and my vision have been real problems, and I have made a lot of changes over the years. I have an Edelux now, and it works fine, but I could use more light. One of my friends purchased an E3 trple for his bike. It is a simply amazing little light, but he tells me it is too bright for road biking. I am still thinking about it as a second light, though. There are a lot of roads here in FL and in AZ that are wide open and there are no people around to bother with the bright light.
07-27-10, 12:13 AM
#42
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07-27-10, 12:21 AM
#43
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TulsaJohn, my wife read this post and agrees with you that I should not get another bike, but buy a truck instead. She hates my night rides.
07-27-10, 12:42 AM
#44
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
I will be retiring next year. As a special gift to myself, I am going to buy the best road touring bike I can find. I have been good about saving for this bicycle over the years, so I have the money to buy whatever I want.
I plan to travel three states, initially - Florida, New Mexico & Arizona - on good roads only. (I now live in Fliorida and off-road biking in sand has cured me of ever wanting to go off-road ever again. And, at my age, a fall is more serious now than when I was younger, as I have recently found out. I just cannot pick up the bike and hop back on like I used to.)
I only have a few requirements for the bike:
1. I do not want to build a bike, so I need at least a near-ready-to-ride bike;
2. It must have a Rohloff Speedhub;
3. It must have a SON dynamo, probably with an Edelux or E3 light, but I am open to suggestions here; the selection of light is very important to me because I will be riding as much at night as in the daytime, maybe more;
4. I want to use 700 wheels.
5. I have a back problem, and so I ride more upright now than when I was younger, so I will need a bike where the handlebar height can be adjsted (or replaced) 6 inches above the seat. I only mention this because I have had to retrofit all of my existing bikes over the years and it has been a real headache for me.
6. I have two carry kits: one is 41 pounds for local trips, and the other is 75 pounds for longer trips. This weight does not include tent, poles and sleeping bag.
I have not kept up with the new technology over the years like as I should have, so I am hoping that some of you out there can help me save some time and effort in finding the right bike.
Any help wil be greatly appreciated.
I plan to travel three states, initially - Florida, New Mexico & Arizona - on good roads only. (I now live in Fliorida and off-road biking in sand has cured me of ever wanting to go off-road ever again. And, at my age, a fall is more serious now than when I was younger, as I have recently found out. I just cannot pick up the bike and hop back on like I used to.)
I only have a few requirements for the bike:
1. I do not want to build a bike, so I need at least a near-ready-to-ride bike;
2. It must have a Rohloff Speedhub;
3. It must have a SON dynamo, probably with an Edelux or E3 light, but I am open to suggestions here; the selection of light is very important to me because I will be riding as much at night as in the daytime, maybe more;
4. I want to use 700 wheels.
5. I have a back problem, and so I ride more upright now than when I was younger, so I will need a bike where the handlebar height can be adjsted (or replaced) 6 inches above the seat. I only mention this because I have had to retrofit all of my existing bikes over the years and it has been a real headache for me.
6. I have two carry kits: one is 41 pounds for local trips, and the other is 75 pounds for longer trips. This weight does not include tent, poles and sleeping bag.
I have not kept up with the new technology over the years like as I should have, so I am hoping that some of you out there can help me save some time and effort in finding the right bike.
Any help wil be greatly appreciated.
So with $4000.00 in you would still need tyres, a crank, brake levers, lights, saddle, seat post, stem, and bars.
Would figure on spending about 6k on a custom that you could ride until you could no longer ride and then you could always look at having an S&S coupled model that could be packed for other trips.
This actually sounds like my dream bike... I could save quite a bit as I would be able to build my own frame and fork but the rest of the bits would still be pricey.
If you an otherwise normally proportioned human being there are many off the peg bikes that would probably suit your needs at a much lower price as the custom frame and fork is going to add about $1000.00 to your build cost.
This is where I am heading although I will probably go with the new Alfine 11 speed and disc brakes instead of a derailleur and rim brakes. I also have a bad back and having a bike that swallows bumps is really important to me although I need a more forward riding position.
And my name will be on the frame...
Arvon World Tourist 1/6
07-27-10, 01:15 AM
#45
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rjajr
I am 55 and a grandmother. My comments about trying it out first are just that once you have done it you get a better grasp of what you want. You could buy the perfect bike now and then do it and find out it is not what you really want. I got no issue with spending the money - My take is you have it, you worked for it - enjoy.
You answered the question on the night rides - you already do this and love them - I have actually been toying with the idea for excercise since I wonder if it may not be safer on the road at 4am than 6am even though it seems a bit odd. It just would not do for me for touring but that is me, not you. Yeah, 12lbs for a tent and 4lbs for cooking gear are definitely heavyweights. They were 30 years ago!.
The recumbent really does look like an option worth checking out given the back issues and there are all kinds of options to check out in Florida. Funky but I have seen them moving pretty fast in my area. I just don't like being so low relative to cars but if you are visible I would think the odds are no worse and if you get hit, well, I don't think it would make that much difference. I think I would be going to these stores and test riding any number of bikes - maybe even renting if you can to shake out the options. My main memories of issues with a loaded bike were instability at low speeds and weight and frame vibration
I don't know about the other options becaue I am just banging around on my old bike for now so am just getting back up on learning about new materials etc myself but a lot less has radically changed over the years than I would have thought.
I am 55 and a grandmother. My comments about trying it out first are just that once you have done it you get a better grasp of what you want. You could buy the perfect bike now and then do it and find out it is not what you really want. I got no issue with spending the money - My take is you have it, you worked for it - enjoy.
You answered the question on the night rides - you already do this and love them - I have actually been toying with the idea for excercise since I wonder if it may not be safer on the road at 4am than 6am even though it seems a bit odd. It just would not do for me for touring but that is me, not you. Yeah, 12lbs for a tent and 4lbs for cooking gear are definitely heavyweights. They were 30 years ago!.
The recumbent really does look like an option worth checking out given the back issues and there are all kinds of options to check out in Florida. Funky but I have seen them moving pretty fast in my area. I just don't like being so low relative to cars but if you are visible I would think the odds are no worse and if you get hit, well, I don't think it would make that much difference. I think I would be going to these stores and test riding any number of bikes - maybe even renting if you can to shake out the options. My main memories of issues with a loaded bike were instability at low speeds and weight and frame vibration
I don't know about the other options becaue I am just banging around on my old bike for now so am just getting back up on learning about new materials etc myself but a lot less has radically changed over the years than I would have thought.
07-27-10, 01:16 AM
#46
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
I understand this...
A custom frame is a beautiful thing... a bicycle made to your exact specifications with the guidance of an experienced builder and fitter is something you can't get off the peg.
Everything is just as you want it, built as you want it, with every detail and feature chosen by you.
I know a fellow here who has five Arvon bicycles... one racing tandem, one S&S coupled expedition tandem, and one convertible tandem that breaks down into a single bike or uses a kid sized rear section, and two custom longtail rando bikes for him and his wife when they ride solo.
Have had a few bikes come back because after 20-25 years of riding their owners found their backs were not as limber and they weren't as tall as they used to be... and we are building them new bikes.
Their old bikes were / are fine and still good for another quarter century... and another after that.
Arvon is about to turn 76 and even he had to retire his old touring bike as he found that he too needed a little shorter frame and less drop... as a builder and as a rider with half a million km behind him he understands these needs pretty well.
It is too bad we aren't a few thousand miles closer...
A custom frame is a beautiful thing... a bicycle made to your exact specifications with the guidance of an experienced builder and fitter is something you can't get off the peg.
Everything is just as you want it, built as you want it, with every detail and feature chosen by you.
I know a fellow here who has five Arvon bicycles... one racing tandem, one S&S coupled expedition tandem, and one convertible tandem that breaks down into a single bike or uses a kid sized rear section, and two custom longtail rando bikes for him and his wife when they ride solo.
Have had a few bikes come back because after 20-25 years of riding their owners found their backs were not as limber and they weren't as tall as they used to be... and we are building them new bikes.
Their old bikes were / are fine and still good for another quarter century... and another after that.
Arvon is about to turn 76 and even he had to retire his old touring bike as he found that he too needed a little shorter frame and less drop... as a builder and as a rider with half a million km behind him he understands these needs pretty well.
It is too bad we aren't a few thousand miles closer...
07-27-10, 02:51 AM
#47
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Thanks the great advice, and for taking so much time to write it out for me. My current tent, poles and sleeping bag are old and weigh in at about 12 pounds, which even surprised me. Add 4 more pounds for stove and its accessories. Sometimes you get used to doing things a certain way and just don't notice you've made a mistake. I have the time now, so I will look more closely at the weight. Thanks again for your long reply.
I think that most of the people on this site are proabably a lot younger than me, so you may not understand my thoughts about buying the best bike I can find, regardless of price. I have been sensitive to price all my life; you have to be. But when you get older and you realize that you have less time ahead of you than behind you, you start thinking more reflective about the things you have done, and the things you still want to do. A Rohloff hub and SON dynamo are overkill, but that is point. I would like to have something at least once in my life that I think is the best, just this special gift to myself where I say, look, you can now relax after all these years of working and really enjoy yourself and ride this great bike that you could never have afforded when you were younger. I don't have to skimp on this particular present. Enjoy.
I think that most of the people on this site are proabably a lot younger than me, so you may not understand my thoughts about buying the best bike I can find, regardless of price. I have been sensitive to price all my life; you have to be. But when you get older and you realize that you have less time ahead of you than behind you, you start thinking more reflective about the things you have done, and the things you still want to do. A Rohloff hub and SON dynamo are overkill, but that is point. I would like to have something at least once in my life that I think is the best, just this special gift to myself where I say, look, you can now relax after all these years of working and really enjoy yourself and ride this great bike that you could never have afforded when you were younger. I don't have to skimp on this particular present. Enjoy.
That's why I suggested a custom "Black Sheep" build. From what you posted I figured budget wasn't in the equation. Lots of great custom builders out there. Take your time and relish exploring your numerous options. Yours is an enviable position to be in. Congrats.
Last edited by space49; 07-27-10 at 02:52 AM. Reason: spelling
07-27-10, 05:37 AM
#48
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I think that most of the people on this site are proabably a lot younger than me, so you may not understand my thoughts about buying the best bike I can find, regardless of price. I have been sensitive to price all my life; you have to be. But when you get older and you realize that you have less time ahead of you than behind you, you start thinking more reflective about the things you have done, and the things you still want to do. A Rohloff hub and SON dynamo are overkill, but that is point. I would like to have something at least once in my life that I think is the best, just this special gift to myself where I say, look, you can now relax after all these years of working and really enjoy yourself and ride this great bike that you could never have afforded when you were younger. I don't have to skimp on this particular present. Enjoy.
The same attitude applies to most of my gear. I do splurge on a few items where I think spending more will both reduce the load and increase the comfort, my stupidly expensive NeoAir sleeping pad for example is an exception where I splurged.
07-27-10, 06:14 AM
#49
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Remember to honor the experience you are having in the now, rather than spending energy on things that might happen in the future. If you are spending 8 hours on the bike, you want your biking to be fun.
One u-lock is more than enough. Consider flash drives and/or carrying a tiny netbook and remote-desktop into a machine at home or at a server farm. What kind of work do you do? I found working on the road to be almost impossible - I was only able to accomplish anything if I stopped at a library or took a hotel room.
I am all in favor of spending money to make yourself happy. I was just urging you to consider that while touring, you may find that lower priced gear is a BENEFIT because you spend less time and energy worrying about it being stolen or damaged. Go ahead with the Rohloff & the lighting system - just think carefully about every ounce you carry, because they all add up to many many pounds.
One u-lock is more than enough. Consider flash drives and/or carrying a tiny netbook and remote-desktop into a machine at home or at a server farm. What kind of work do you do? I found working on the road to be almost impossible - I was only able to accomplish anything if I stopped at a library or took a hotel room.
I am all in favor of spending money to make yourself happy. I was just urging you to consider that while touring, you may find that lower priced gear is a BENEFIT because you spend less time and energy worrying about it being stolen or damaged. Go ahead with the Rohloff & the lighting system - just think carefully about every ounce you carry, because they all add up to many many pounds.
07-27-10, 08:28 AM
#50
cyclopath
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Because it's not clear that doing that would be any better than a stock frame.
It certainly would be more expensive!
Somebody who doesn't have money to throw around should be fairly certain about the what features a custom frame will provide to him that a stock frame can't. I don't think he has any experience to tell.
It certainly would be more expensive!
Somebody who doesn't have money to throw around should be fairly certain about the what features a custom frame will provide to him that a stock frame can't. I don't think he has any experience to tell.
I only have a few requirements for the bike:
1. I do not want to build a bike, so I need at least a near-ready-to-ride bike;
2. It must have a Rohloff Speedhub;
3. It must have a SON dynamo, probably with an Edelux or E3 light, but I am open to suggestions here; the selection of light is very important to me because I will be riding as much at night as in the daytime, maybe more;
4. I want to use 700 wheels.
5. I have a back problem, and so I ride more upright now than when I was younger, so I will need a bike where the handlebar height can be adjsted (or replaced) 6 inches above the seat. I only mention this because I have had to retrofit all of my existing bikes over the years and it has been a real headache for me.
6. I have two carry kits: one is 41 pounds for local trips, and the other is 75 pounds for longer trips. This weight does not include tent, poles and sleeping bag.
1. I do not want to build a bike, so I need at least a near-ready-to-ride bike;
2. It must have a Rohloff Speedhub;
3. It must have a SON dynamo, probably with an Edelux or E3 light, but I am open to suggestions here; the selection of light is very important to me because I will be riding as much at night as in the daytime, maybe more;
4. I want to use 700 wheels.
5. I have a back problem, and so I ride more upright now than when I was younger, so I will need a bike where the handlebar height can be adjsted (or replaced) 6 inches above the seat. I only mention this because I have had to retrofit all of my existing bikes over the years and it has been a real headache for me.
6. I have two carry kits: one is 41 pounds for local trips, and the other is 75 pounds for longer trips. This weight does not include tent, poles and sleeping bag.
I've never been a fan of the Salsa Fargo and it isn't a great road touring bike once you load up the front end. I definitely wouldn't recommend it for the OP's needs.