Help me outfit a bike

[daavq]

Hi,

I am not really new to touring. In 2006 I rode from Victoria B.C. to Eastern Ontario. (I was intending to go all the way but got a good job offer). This is what I rode.



I am going to try again this summer, going back to the beginning but I want to get a new bike. I had some major mechanical issues on the ride with rims coming apart and what not. I am a big guy at 6 foot and 230 pounds.

As you can see the Schwinn isn't exactly made for long distance touring. So I am now looking for a new touring bike. I am thinking of getting the Urbanite Touring, http://www.ucycle.com/node/151



I would like want to customize the components. Upgrade the shifters and maybe change to v-brakes. The problem is, I don't know much about touring components so any help someone can provide is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indominatable will." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

[RussellSeaton]

I'd suggest going with one of the many official touring bikes being sold by bike companies.  These are more or less already setup pretty darn close to what you want/need on a tour.  Some that come to mind are the Cannondale T800, Trek 520, Surly/QBP Long Haul Trucker.  You can make minor changes to gearing and such pretty cheaply to customize it.  The link you provided is for a local shop that has frames made for them someplace.  Then they slap on a build kit.  OK if you know what you want/need.  Maybe not if you leave it to the shop to decide everything for you.  One shop doing everything may have odd ideas about touring.