Hello

H-hey, so I mentioned in another post that I was gonna pedal me' way to Jerusalem from Madrid next year.

Some people said I should take a road bike...some people said I should take a tour bike. No one suggested I should take a fixie (that's what I was gonna do)

So........
Suggestions for which make and model? Now, me? I like quality as much the next dog, b-but, I busk for a living, tis' what I do....a-and whilst I've managed to trick society into affording me a rather exciting life, I cannot afford to spend a huge amount of money.

So, hit me with your idea sticks people. Beat me blue. Beat me. Tear me to pieces. Beat me!

Beat me.

Beat
Me

You need to provide a budget. That's like asking someone what kind of car you should buy - the first question they'll ask is how much ya gonna spend. You also might want to check out the classified section to see what used gear goes for. Lots of people like the Surly Long Haul Trucker, and those go for about $1100 new, and then you need a rack and bags. Not sure if that is worth it on a busker budget, which is why I asked about a budget.

You got a fixie? Take a fixie if you got the muscles and lungs for it. People tour on just about everything the cycling world has to offer. With the fixie, you'll have stupendous bragging rights if you make it. Or really need a beating for trying something so foolish if you don't.

I'm in good shape, but I'm a realist....I mean 3,000 odd miles, even though it's gonna be spaced out is a long way on a fixie (though I did need others to tell me that...)
Ok budget, like really? I don't want to spend more than 400 pounds sterling, I guess that would put me in the second hand bracket.
Though, busking in England for the first time, three days, almost 500 quid! Dear God. I'd say.

I'd look at finding a used bike. Make sure you find a bike with long chainstays and braze-ons for racks. A real low gear for climbing really helps - usually that means a front triple. If you will be hauling a lot of gear or unusually shaped items, you may want to consider pulling a trailer.

An older mountain bike that had quality components for it's time might fit your needs. Make sure the frame is the right size and that everything is in good working order. Switch over to a tire suitable for touring, buy a trailer and go out a enjoy yourself!

I'd vote for an older mountain bike also. Something like the Trek 8XX or 9XX series or a Specialized Rock Hopper.Stump Jumper.

Brad

I assume from your talking about sterling that you are in the UK at the moment. You should certainly be able to find a decent used bike for £400. However, if you can stretch that budget a little, this is a decent tourer for £499. And the shop in question - the Edinburgh bike co-op - has branches all over the place and has a sale on at the moment. They have various hybrids which would make practicable tourers at your sort of budget, take a look at their website.

As for doing the tour fixed, I agree with the advice. Madrid to Jerusalem is not a flat route. Even singlespeed as opposed to fixed, and taking the absolute minimum amount of stuff, that would be a tough old ride.