Hung Up Between Bikes
 

I want to get into touring but I can't afford another bike. I just bought two within a year. I ride a specialized allez 24 road bike and I have a specialized hardrock sport. I really want to go on a nice touring ride this summer. Just once. Not enough to get a new touring bike right now. The question is which bike do I use. I looked into the road bike but it has too few spokes (32) to support the weight of gear and the carbon fiber fork won't hold gear in the front. It is comfortable and I think I could do it but the bike won't. On the other hand, the mtn bike might not work because of the front suspension. Both bikes have rack mounts on the frame. I have no idea what to do. Please help. Any suggestions welcome.

Thank you

Have you considered using a trailer? That would take the weight off the bikes, and you could choose the bike dependent upon where you're going (dirt roads/gravel/etc, take the mtb, nice paved roads, take the road bike).

I would offer the same thought, except I've been known to blow out rear spokes if they are too light duty. A Burly (two wheeled trailer) would hold it's own weight. Consider gearing AND braking power of either bike.

You could get a rigid fork for the Hardrock especially if it has a threadless headset. Swapping forks is really simple. I got a couple of old GT's for my bikes from a shop. Ask to see their take-off's. That way you can put racks on the front to balance your load.

A trailer is expensive but so are racks and panniers. You can get cheaper panniers - especially if you are just starting out. And you can go with a less expensive rack. Since you are looking at doing limited tours this might be the way to go. Expect to pay $200 to $300 for racks and panniers depending on what quality you get.

A trailer will cost you $250 to $400 depending on what you get.

Hi all,
One does not have to spend $200 or $300 for a trailer. Check out this past Sundays Target add. They have a two wheel trailer on sale for $82. Says it will hold up to 100 lbs.
Rick(Pa)

I really like the idea of panniers. There is no way I can do it with a 32 spoke rim on my road bike huh? I was hoping for a "go with the road bike as is" :) I have some light gear from backpacking and can keep the weight down some what. I think I can keep it under 30 lbs and most of that would fit in side rear panniers and a handle bar bag and maybe a trunk bag i think. I only plan on doing a 300 mile trip at the most as well. I have looked into wheels and dang, they are so expensive so i don't want to ruin my nice race wheels either. Still hung up I guess. Maybe I shouldn't have gotten rid of that bike from the 70's that would have worked just fine as a touring bike.

ripplenstlH20, I've seen people with terrible bikes going longer distance with an enormous amount of weight... so go with the touring bike if you feel comfortable with it.... just avoid potholes and keep the weight low... you'll be fine... (feel better? ;) )

yeah, the roadbike will be fine.. 32 spokes isnt enough to carry another 30-40lbs with you?? Think about it. It will be fine. Get the fattest tires you can fit on the bike 32mm? 28? and Id stay away from any rack on your carbon fork. I guess keep it all in the back. Or get another fork (try ebay).. Alot of people switched to carbon in the past few years, there are probably a number of alloy or cromo forks on there.

just do it!!
have fun
~Steve