BenzFanatic

Hi everyone. Basically I want to know if you guys think it's viable for someone new to touring and just getting back into cycling to use an old 26" 17" frame 21spd Specialized Full Force mountain bike? As it was pointed out in my intro thread, I could probably get a decent more appropriate bike for under $200... but the truth is I'm Dutch and I kinda like fixing things up.

Here's my introduction thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-from-Illinois!

I'd also like to know if you all had any suggestions for inexpensive upgrades I can do to make the bike a better rider, besides what I listed in my intro thread and besides fenders.
I have a rear rack, but I think instead of getting panniers and whatnot I'll build my own trailer.

There's a single crappy cell pic in my intro thread, but I'll try and get some more with the real camera today.

Thank you so much in advance, and I apologize for being so long-winded. I just like to give as much information as possible in one shot. Have a nice Sunday all!

raybo

Here are 2 links on building your own trailer:

Out of a foot locker and Wal-mart child carrier

Out of a baby carrier (with a solar array, to boot)

You might also check out the BikeTrailerBlog for some other ideas.

irishbill76

You can tour on just about anything. There's a guy here in the UK who toured from Lands End to John O'Groats on a Raleigh Chopper. 900-ish miles. Yes I'm serious.

fietsbob

Just have to be able to be comfortable riding it, all day, for several days in a row.

Yea a Dry box with wheels on it makes packing easier.

SparkyGA

Looks like a much more suitable touring bike than my first tour bike. I see nothing wrong with it.

Standalone 

I've toured on the crappiest gas pipe ten speed available in Belfast at the time. Sometimes it's all about riding whatever and pushing it up a hill if it comes to that. The right tires might make a big difference as far as making an MTB more efficient on the road. Enjoy.

LeeG

I'd suggest sticking with panniers and not using a trailer unless you plan on carrying lots of stuff. Bottle cage under down tube. Cheap Nashbar front rack that goes on cantilever brazeons, bottle cages on front fork.


https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...93_-1___202601

Items can be strapped under bars and on rack. Too cheap to pass up.

Not cheap but I'd pick one good rear tire, maybe a Continental Travel Contact.

I don't see any bar-ends, I'd definitely want more hand positions than the grips.

simplygib

No, you're not crazy. Old MTB's can make great touring bikes. My "touring" bike is also a Specialized MTB, 17" frame, 26" wheels, 21-speed. It's a Hard Rock, 1998, rigid suspension. I've done 6 or so tours with it now, and it works great for that. Over the years I've made the following changes:

- Trekking bars
- SPD pedals
- Blackburn rear rack
- CyclePro rear rack (modified to fit on front)
- Brooks B17 saddle
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires
- Replaced cantilever brakes with Shimano V brakes
- Ortlieb front and backroller panniers
- Handlebar bag
- Planetbike fenders
- Planetbike Blaze 2w headlight and Superflash rear blinky
- Replaced drivetrain twice (worn out)

striknein

This is my 1998 Fuji Outland. It's been great for the 20+ mile overnights I've been doing. Heel clearance was an issue with my Ortlieb panniers, so I opted to pick up a couple smaller sets of panniers from Nashbar. I've also got a Jandd lowrider rack on order, so with that I should be well sorted. I originally picked it up complete for $15, then put another $250 or so into it to get what you see today.

Of course, you don't have to go with dirt drops, and can instead opt for a set of bar-ends to get an extra hand position. Trekking handlebars are another great option, which should allow you to keep your existing flat-bar brake levers and shifters.

mulveyr 

If my seven-year-old could tour with me on his 20" wheel single-speed, you can tour on anything. :-)

MassiveD

As long as it fits. At one time touring was done mostly on fixies.

BenzFanatic

Thanks for the support and suggestions. It's looking like the bike will be pretty much a complete overhaul over the next few weeks or months. I took a short ~5 mile ride this morning, and the drivetrain is either toast or desperately needs lots of adjustments. I might start a build thread when I get some good progress going. With my and your ideas combined, this could actually shape up to be a pretty decent bike. Thanks again.