Opinions about this bike: Shogun 1500 touring bike - $200

[Shawmt]

Hey everyone,

I was wondering if someone could give me some imput about a bike. I have a bike right niw that I was planning to use for a trip down the East Coast but I am new to touring and was just sorta scoping out other possible bike options. Here is the ad I found on craigslist...thanks!

Well maintained Japanese made 54cm/21" lugged double butted steel true touring bike, with appropriate braze-ons, factory rear rack, long chainstays, 40 spoke heavy duty rear wheel, sealed wheel and bottom bracket bearings, cantilever brakes with ample tire and fender clearance, triple chainring wide ratio gearing. Thoughtfully updated with new anatomic cushioned seat, Nitto Technomic handlebar stem to raise bars to a more comfortable upright position, modern Shimano rear derailleur. 31" standover height suitable for a rider 5'7 to 5' 10" +/-. Just tuned up by a touring bike afficionado. Rides beautifully with the extra comfort on rough roads typical of a high grade steel frame with relaxed sport touring geometry. Would also make a great all around commuter.
Comparable to a Trek 520, Miyata 610, Novarra Randonee, Lotus Eclair, Bianchi Volpe.

[adventurepdx]

Shawmt, it's hard to give good input without seeing the ad link and/or a pic in the post. That being said, it's probably a decent mid-80's touring bike, and for that price it would be a good value. The big thing is: Does it fit you? The only way to know is to try it out. But if you are on a budget and want to get into touring (and the bike(s) you own aren't that appropriate) $200 is a good deal. Be advised that you'll probably spend just as much on changes/upgrades. The ad doesn't say anything about racks (and no pic to tell) so you'll have to buy some too if they aren't on the bike.

Depending on who you talk to, some folks like 80's touring bikes better than modern ones. The big issues with older touring bikes is:

• They usually used 27" wheels. Not a dealbreaker, as there are still good 27" tires on the market. But they are not as easy to find (at least "good" ones) as 700C tires, and there just isn't the breadth and depth of selection of 27" tires as there is with 700C tires.
• Most older tourers lack front-fork braze-ons, meaning front rack attachment is more difficult, but not impossible.

[Venchka]

Speaking from experience with 1980s touring bikes.
Yes, if the wheels are 27", you'll never find awesome tires for it. Bigger is always better for touring. Either 27" or 700c, look at tire clearance. 40 x 700c tires are great. 27 x 1 3/8" would be nice.
To this day, off the shelf "touring" bikes are horribly geared. My first touring bike came with a 32 tooth inner ring. I had to replace the crank to get down to 26 teeth and replaced the rear cogs with 14-34. Close, but not as nice as 24-34 gearing. A few years later I was in the market for a real touring bike. I drove to Dallas to visit a HUGE bike store that had a Trek 520 on the floor. The 520 is loved by many. I, on the other hand, hated the silly Shimano chain ring selection. 30 tooth inner chain ring. USELESS. I drove around the corner and ordered a proper touring bike that came equipped with 24-34 gearing and room for 40 x 700c tires. I am very pleased with my current bike.
So, make sure that any bike you plan to tour on has a 24 tooth inner chain ring and 34 tooth large rear cog and the shifting hardware to use that gear range. On the other hand, small rear cogs below 14 teeth are pretty useless too. I my opinion.
Don't fret lack of fork braze-ons for rack mounting. Old man Mountain can fit any bike with rack front and rear including full suspensions or no mounting eyelets anywhere on the bike. Made in the USA too.
http://www.oldmanmountain.com/

Of course the bike must fit you and be comfortable for you. Good luck!

Wayne