Hey all,
First time post here on these forums, and wanted to get some feedback from people that may know. I've decided I want to do an NYC to West Coast cross-country tour come April 1st, bringing my dog with in a trailer (he's about 45 pounds). Kinda thought up this idea out of the blue since my life conditions work for it right here and right now, and hell, carpe diem right? No real experience with long-distance biking or bike tech in general, so trying to wrap my head around it all and it is a lot to learn. Figured I'd ask the pros.
I've read that clearly a dedicated touring bike is the best way to go for this kind of trip, but I already have a 2008 Specialized Rockhopper MTB that I like a lot and am comfortable on, and I wanted to know if it is feasible, in your opinion, to modify it for touring. I'm not minted. At all. Need to try and do this on a budget, so using what I have would be ideal. Here's the bike, the baseline model (no disc brakes):
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/archive/2008/rockhopper/rockhopper#specsI'm 6'4" and have the 23" model. Unfortunately, I don't have the bike at this moment, it is at a friend's house and has been for a while, who lives a few hours from here, so I can't take it into a local shop and get their thoughts on what to do with it. Hence posting here.
Does a bike like this lend itself toward being converted to touring without spending a boatload? Or would be it better to try and just sell it and buy a used model of the right kind of bike (although given my taller-than-average height and limited time-frame before departure, I'm a bit worried it could take a while to find one)? I know a modified MTB won't be the fastest and weight might make climbs harder (especially with a dog) but I figure if I pace myself and ease into it, I'll get there. I'm OK with not doing things the most comfortable or ideal way - lived in a tent in post-earthquake Haiti for two years and came out the other side of that with a lot more confidence in my ability to rough it. It's more about whether or not it can actually work without a million headaches or tons of costly mods or repairs.
Specific Concerns:
- Does the bike frame support panniers? I've heard that some MTB frames, particularly newer ones, don't without modification. I know another option is a trailer, but I'll already have that by default since my dog is coming with, and with him in it I won't have enough space for my gear.
- Will the frame make it so the panniers, if they do fit, don't clear my feet when I'm pedaling?
- Everyone says steel frame is the best. This is aluminum. That said, most people say MTBs are more durable, so maybe that isn't an issue?
Really, I'd just be curious what modifications you all suggest, both those that are essential, and those that would be nice (cost being an important consideration). I'm just now starting to do my research and the first thing I really need to make a move on is whether I use my current bike with a few affordable tweaks (preferred) or sell it and buy another one.
Cheers!