Using an aluminum bike for touring short distances
 

Thinking about touring roughly 180 miles. Google maps (bicycle directions) says it's about 17 + hour or 3.5 days estimated.

The bike is a 7.1 fx but I'm upgrading the saddle to a gel or inform saddle and have h4 tires. It's aluminum so I'm thinking of maybe carrying two waterbottles, panniers on the back rack along with maybe something on top of the rack such as a tent.

The short tour will be part "Credit Card" tour and part self supported. Basically stopping at convenience stores or restaurants for food and drink and restocking food like beef jerky or something in between those places. Maybe a tent for the first night, hotel the 2nd, and tent the third.

Anywho with all the background information you have here. Do I really need to get a Surly LHT, Raleigh Sojourn, Trek 520 etc..., or can my frame handle this?

If not what about using a pull along. I've read thats a good option for non steel bikes as it helps keep weight off the bike.

In summary: How would you configure a Trek 7.1fx for this, or would you go with something else entirely?

Hybrid style aluminium bikes such as the Trek FX are perfectly OK for touring, loaded or credit card style.
Aluminium is used to build specialist touring bikes by Cannondale and Koga Miyata.
Trek hybrid frames are medium weight so there is enough metal to be strong enough for supporting a full load. Your bike is perfectly OK , load it up and ride.

The Trek FX is a comfortable ride, quite suitable for touring. I would add a Profile Design aerobar for more hand positions and aerodynamic profile, but that's just me. Bar end extensions would be the more common alternative.

rickyhmltn, That bike will be just fine.

Brad

I agree with the comments above that your bike will do fine for your tour - and for many longer ones. Here's my aluminum Cannondale criterium bike on a self-supported camping tour down the Calif. coast:

http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/47...600x600Q85.jpg

As much as I love steel bikes for touring you will be just fine, the only time I don't think I would want aluminum would be a massive year long tour in remote countries. Chances are if your frame fails (I am about 99.99999% sure it wont) you likely have a lifetime warranty on it through Trek.

Hey guys, thanks for the replies I really appreciate the help. Now I can focus on getting other things like the touring equipment.

My '04 Koga Miyata WTR is a 7005 frame.. they have already been
around the world,
(under people other than myself).. Aluminum per se is not a problem.

I rode Nashbar's double-butted aluminum touring frame on a credit card tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Using high-volume (700x32 or larger) tires tame the harsh ride that aluminum racing frames are known for. The aluminum frame worked extremely well and I wouldn't hesitate to use it again. Not being familiar with the Trek FX, the one thing I will suggest is installing your racks and luggage and doing some test-rides well in advance of your tour. I initially thought I was going to do the SF->LA ride using my normal road bike, but didn't like the way it handled when my gear was mounted...

Here's my 12 yr old aluminum trek hybrid with aerobars. I will never tour again without aerobars....they are the answer.http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=260596