New Rider Advice on Purchasing a Road Bike

[3m]

I live in Chicago and don't like being out in the cold so I usually ride my trek 800 or 820 mountain bike from April to September.  Nothing fancy but it gets me from point a to b.    

I'm new to bike touring and would like to know which bike I should consider for purchase?

Price range if possible under $1000.00

I plan on attending one of the introduction to bicycle tours offered by ACA.

In the future I would like to do 7 to 15 day tours so I would like a bike that could hold a heavy load.

I’ve read the article Choosing a Touring Bike for the Road by Larry Diskin but I would like to know a name brand bike and model.  

I would like to thank every one that replies to my questions in advance.  Your information is greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[RussellSeaton]

Just use your current bike.  No need for a new bike to tour with since racks and/or trailers can be hooked to your current mountain bike.  From the picture of the 820 mountain bike on Trek's website it looks like there are mounts for a rear rack on the seatstays.  Mounting a front rack on the suspension fork would require the Old Man Mountain rack sold by Adventure Cycling.  Or get a rigid steel front fork for $65 from QBP at your local shop and use any front rack.

Cheap panniers can be found many places.  I use Nashbar panniers.  They have worked for me for about 6,000 miles of loaded touring.

Based on these suggestions it would cost about $40 rear rack, $40 front rack, $65 rigid fork, $100 panniers.  That is total for both front and rear panniers.  Or about $290 for the BOB Yak trailer and bag.  And $25 for skinnier smooth tires to replace the knobby mountain bike tires.  Then go ride.

And if you hate your current bike for touring after doing it, then you can move the racks and panniers or trailer to the new touring bike you get.  You have to buy the racks/panniers or trailer no matter which bike you tour with.  The money is not wasted.

This message was edited by RussellSeaton on 2-23-05 @ 3:49 PM

[LDiskin]

I agree with RusselSeaton's advice. Put some road oriented tires on your Trek and maybe a set of bar ends to add different hand positions and it will be a fine start.

If you are joining one of our Intro to Touring courses, you have the option to rent a set of panniers to use in the course. (They also rent tents and sleeping bags. Call and talk with the tour department for more details 800-755-2453)

Since part of the purpose of the course is to teach you how to select appropriate gear, I often reccommend to make do with your current bike and rented panniers during the course.(As far as the bike goes, you'll only need to show up with a rear reach on your bike)

Same goes for the tent and sleeping bag. If you don't currently have those, consider renting them for the course and then you'll have a good idea what features appeal to you when you go shopping for your own gear.

You'll learn the pro's and con's of different types of bicycles and gear and be able to purchase gear that appeals to you and meets you needs and desires.



--
Larry Diskin
Adventure Cycling Association

[TwoWheeledExplorer]

If you are really interested in buying a new bike and are comfortable with your Trek, I would look at the REI/Novara Safari which sells for only $799.00 and comes complete with rear rack. Otherwise, I agree with the others. My principal touring bike is a 1997 Trek 930SHX, Chromoly steel frame (dampens rough roads better)Rockshock Indy II front shock, with rear rack  and suspension seatpost and WTB All-Terrainasaurus 1.95 inch tires. (Most of my touring is off-pavement on dirt and gravel roads.) I do have barends on the handle bars. If your heart isn't set on a new bike, try touring with what you've got, and look at what others are riding. Ask lots of questions, take lots of test rides. Also, see if your local REI has a copy of The Fundementals of Bicycle Touring and buy it. Lots of pointers on that video. Finally, if you have not done so already, join Adventure Cycling!

Ride safe,
Hans

Hans Erdman, WEMT
Backcountry Trail Patrol-MN
www.trailpatrol.org

[DaveB]

Based on his posting here and in the thread on "Bike Selection Help" in the General Discussion section it's safe to conclude he either works for Schwinn or for Schwinn's distributor.   

[indyfabz]

I would look at the REI/Novara Safari which sells for only $799.00 and comes complete with rear rack.

Better look quick as it has been discontinued, or so I am told. REI is revamping its bike lineup for next year.

[Pat Lamb]

Hopefully, if the OP was interested, he had a chance to buy the Novara in the 11 years since this thread (should have) expired...

[DaveB]

Hopefully, if the OP was interested, he had a chance to buy the Novara in the 11 years since this thread (should have) expired...

Good catch.  AnotherZombie thread. I guess Carlos couldn't pass up the opportunity to recommend another inappropriate Schwinn.