Author Topic: I'm new here...  (Read 8787 times)

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Offline MTK

I'm new here...
« on: January 12, 2007, 10:46:58 pm »
so forgive me, because I'm sure that it's been asked a thousand times, but...

I'm in the market for my first touring bike and would like to get some recommendations.

A little about myself and bikes:

I consider myself quite experienced as I've been riding recreationally on the road for over 15 years.  I've done more than my share of centuries.  I might typically ride about 3000 miles in a year. Last year I hardly rode at all, however, since I decided to run a marathon instead and that training took all my time.  Anyway, I've decided to rededicate myself to riding this year.  I go on a fishing trip with some friends of mine every year in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and this year I've decided I want to ride a bike from Pittsburgh to Ely, MN instead of flying up there.  It's about 1100 miles, so obviously I'll need a serious touring bike.  In my mind I'm thinking about $1000-1500, but when it comes to bikes I'm a pushover, so I could be talked into more.  Any suggestions?

Offline bruno

I'm new here...
« Reply #1 on: January 13, 2007, 09:42:49 am »
look at the surly long haul trucker. i think that'd fall right into that price range. real nice bike.


Offline DaveB

I'm new here...
« Reply #2 on: January 13, 2007, 10:17:14 am »
The Surly is a very good choice at it's price point and can be set up exactly as you wish. The Trek 520 and Cannondale T1000 and T2000 are also well thought of but come pretty much as fixed packages with only minor customizing by the bike shop possible.

I'm also in Pittsburgh so I can give you a couple of bike shop recommendations if you wish to discuss them.

This message was edited by DaveB on 1-13-07 @ 6:17 AM

Offline MTK

I'm new here...
« Reply #3 on: January 13, 2007, 11:57:46 am »
Thanks to both of you.  I'll definately check out the Surly.  

Dave B.  I live in the South Side, but work in Harmarville, so any shop recommendations you could give me would be appreciated.


Offline TCS

I'm new here...
« Reply #4 on: January 13, 2007, 05:47:40 pm »
If you're camping+riding, you might look at bikes like the Bianchi Volope,
Cannondale T800, Fuji Touring, Jamis Aurora, Novara Randonnee or Trek
520.

If you're staying in motels and eating in, you might look for bikes like the
Cannondale Sport Road 800 or Trek Pilot 1.2.

HTH,
Tom

"My name is Pither.  I am at present on a cycling tour of the North Cornwall area taking in Bude and..."

Offline BikingViking

I'm new here...
« Reply #5 on: January 14, 2007, 02:22:19 pm »
I bought a Trek 520 last year after considering many models in that price range. I chose the Trek over Cannondale mostly because of the steel frame over the aluminum. More flex, softer ride. Another thing I liked was the bar end shifters instead of the combo brake handle shifter. If those fail on the road, you may be out of luck  wheras the friction on the Trek are easy to work on and repair.