1990's Avanti Super Sprint Triathlon

Picked it up like this for $180

Everything in good condition, infact i rode it the 10km home on the day i picked it up (having not ridden more than 100m on a bicycle for about 8 years). Have gradually been changing things around, while using it as my daily commuter.

Modifications and add ons to date

- Reflective tape added to frame and racks
- Front and rear racks installed
- Under saddlebag with rear light installed
- Minimorph pump strapped on
- LED front light installed
-Pedals replaced with Shimano 105 (had added toe cages to the originals, but the bearings were getting pretty bad)


Current specifications

Frame - Avanti Tange 5 CR-Mo
Bars - Sakae anatomic bend
Brakes - Diacomp BBS Blaze
Hubs - Suntour FH 36 spoke
Rims - Alesa 700c
Tyres - Vittoria lake Taupo cycle challenge 700c 23
Shifters and other components are all suntour, giving me 14 speeds

Racks are alloy Bor Yueh
Panniers are Palco sports (picked up the racks and panniers as a deal from a couple of tourers finishing their trip)
Pump is a topeak minimorph, saddle/tool bag is also topeak

This is my typical commuting set up




And fully loaded




All loaded up for a test run yesterday (60km over some interesting roads)
In the rear bags i have my tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, stove, fuel, pot/pan etc and a change of clothes. Loaded out the front with some water bottles just to get the feel down. Pretty happy with this set up, i can fit everything i need to travel for as long as i care to inside the bags (not a fan of having things strapped on the back, this probably comes from stuff flying off while motorcycling). This also gives me the option of moving the tent to the top of the rack to free up space in the panniers if i want it.

To Do: fit zounds air horn, piece together a tool kit, add water bottle cages (for my fuel bottle, i have a camel back which straps nicely to the front rack), just got a handle bar bag with map pocket.
Would be nice to have a lower set of gears, but even fully loaded i can manage to climb anything i have come across.

My next trip, and first on a bicycle (tho i have done alot of tramping on and off trail before, as well as motorcycle touring, last one going from New York to LA) Will be from Invercargill to Nelson (the length of the South Island, New Zealand. I live in the North Island) over about 14 days

excellent and all for 180 bucks fantastic.
have you toe overlap or heel issues, just saying it looks more like a road bike than a tourer tighter angles .
love to know how you get on with the wheels but moreover the 700x23 tyres i think if it works out you will have a lot of folks changing over to slicks me included.

Nice set-up for your first touring bike! Congrats! I spent about the same on my first touring bike (a Miyata 610) a little over a year ago. Experimenting with a used bike is the way to go. I'll be upgrading soon, however, to a brand new bike since I've learned a lot about the things I like/dislike over the last year.

On your bike, the only upgrades I would suggest are thicker tires 700 x 28c or even better 32c if your frame can accept them. You will get a more compliant ride and more stability over road hazards (i.e., cracks, etc.) Your freewheel seems to have 26 or 28 teeth in the largest cog. Given the weight you're carrying I'd invest in a 7-speed freewheel 13/14t (small cog) and 32/34t (large cog.) They are inexpensive and you'll be so much happier going up the hills.

Have fun touring!

No toe overlap at all. When the rear panniers are empty i get a very slight rubbing on the back of my heel, loaded up is fine.

Commuting and loaded up with groceries over the last few months i have had no issues at all with the bike (brakes are a little lacking when fully loaded in the wet however).
Wider tyres are planned, as i do have quite a bit of clearance there.

also, some weights from a little while ago
Commuting set up
Weight as is (from my bathroom scales) 13.05kg

with panniers (and tie downs)
15.15kg

tortron, Because I noticed the same with my brakes when loaded I'm swapping pads to the more aggressive, and frequently recommended Koolstop Salmon pads. Another thing that may help are to clean the braking surface of the rim with a fine 3M Scotchbrite pad and a little acetone followed with a clean water rinse. You may need to deflate the tire to prevent it's contact with any acetone.

Be sure to let us know how the trip goes.

Brad

I like it but I'm not too keen on the placement of the pump. I try to leave that area clear for when I need to pick up my bicycle. But if it works for you then cool. Did you take off the orange reflectors? Those are typically from Europe and white reflectors in the U.S.

I am totally digging the money you saved putting all of this together man. Nicely done.

Sweet ride. You're a resourceful fellow with an eye for esthetic's.

Larger tires and lower gears would make it a better touring bike. For most people.

If you can keep the load within those 4 panniers all the better..

maybe the pump goes in a bag somewhere, so it wont 'grow legs'
when you park it..

Have the pump strapped there for commuting, i dont like the idea of mounting it where road spray can get it. It will find a home in my panniers while touring.
I did take the orange reflectors off, its a new zealand made bike and orange is the norm here

What a deal! Looks good, and it sounds like you're on your way to some fun touring. Good luck

Very old thread
and very old pics

I entitle this album - My bike leaning on things

Had no issues with the 23c tyres. and was a great trip. Recomend anyone coming to the south island new zealand to get there before or by the end of march as the weather should still be nice



Only got 10 mins rain (the first 10 minutes i was on the road)

Didnt get any real flats, it turned out my inner tubes were so old they had gone soft and sticky! once i replaced them i had no issues

very long grind of a ride going up (south to north) Lindas pass. Lovely 20 minute or so downhill and then a tailwind for another 15 minutes


Stopped here and ate a mutton pie

Had a little bit of sleet at the top here


On the downhill i had to put on all the clothes i had

camped about 2 mins walk behind those bushes (shh dont tell) This is going up Porters pass

Camp site views