Show Posts
1
Gear Talk / Advice / Experience with Touring Bike - Rocky Mountain Sherpa, Fuji Touring, etc
« on: May 02, 2010, 11:10:18 am »
Hi,
I am new to touring and I want to purchase a touring bike in the next several weeks for the Nothern Tier trip from NH to WA. The local bike shop sells 3 touring models - the Fuji Touring and the Rocky Mountain Sherpa 10 or 30. As the trip is long and I will be flying solo my primary concern is reliability. I will be camping whenever possible.
I have seen recommendations for bikes that have a low gear setting at most 25 but these bikes all come with 30. Also, the tire size is 32 and I have read that 35 is the recommended size.
First - does anybody have experience owning or riding these 3 bikes? If so, please let me know what your thoughts are on quality and reliability. Would you recommend another bike in its place? I am willing to spend in the ballpark of $1,500.
Second - is a 30 crank and 32 tire size reasonable, or will I regret not getting the recommended 25 / 35? I'm fine with a workout, but don't want to skimp if most people have found it worth the cost.
Most reviews are for the Trek and Surely, with some for the Jamis Aurora and Canondale. I have seen mixed reviews for the Fuji Touring and only one extremely positive review for the Sherpa. I can try other bikes, but I trust the bike shop and would prefer to do business through them if possible.
Thanks!!!
I am new to touring and I want to purchase a touring bike in the next several weeks for the Nothern Tier trip from NH to WA. The local bike shop sells 3 touring models - the Fuji Touring and the Rocky Mountain Sherpa 10 or 30. As the trip is long and I will be flying solo my primary concern is reliability. I will be camping whenever possible.
I have seen recommendations for bikes that have a low gear setting at most 25 but these bikes all come with 30. Also, the tire size is 32 and I have read that 35 is the recommended size.
First - does anybody have experience owning or riding these 3 bikes? If so, please let me know what your thoughts are on quality and reliability. Would you recommend another bike in its place? I am willing to spend in the ballpark of $1,500.
Second - is a 30 crank and 32 tire size reasonable, or will I regret not getting the recommended 25 / 35? I'm fine with a workout, but don't want to skimp if most people have found it worth the cost.
Most reviews are for the Trek and Surely, with some for the Jamis Aurora and Canondale. I have seen mixed reviews for the Fuji Touring and only one extremely positive review for the Sherpa. I can try other bikes, but I trust the bike shop and would prefer to do business through them if possible.
Thanks!!!