WANTED  Equipped tour bike to borrow, rent or buy

[denbec]

I am planning a cross country solo bike tour (Fort Lauderdale, FL to Seattle, WA) in May 2009.  I will be on a tight budget because I will be without an income for the 4 months it should take to complete the ride.  Im looking for a decent (not necessarily the best) tour bike that is equipped for a long distance tour (fenders, pannier bags, lights etc).  Ideally someone close to Fort Lauderdale who has recently done a tour might want to sell, rent or lend their bike for my training and ride.   If you own a bike of this type please contact me with your asking price and bike description via my e-mail address denbec@gmail.com.  Serious only please.

[Westinghouse]

There should be plenty of used bikes for sale in the Fort Lauderdale area.

[denbec]

You would think so, but I'm not having much luck finding a touring type bike.  Plus, I'm hoping that someone in this forum might be more likely to have a bike that works and not someone who is trying to get rid of a damaged one.

On a realated topic - has anyone had a good experience with a bike shop in Fort Lauderdale?  I have been to almost every one to possibly buy a new bike or rebuild my old Cannondale. I went with a list of accessories I would need and they are all very friendly and promised to get back to me but not one has called back yet.  I am getting a little frustrated with this process.

Happy trails to everyone!

Dennis  

[Tourista829]

I use to live in Fort Lauderdale off of East Sunrise and used Downtown Bicycles. Most of the bicycle stores in the area cater to expensive road bikes, mountain bikes and hybrids. I know of one shop that may be useful, let me do a little research. I now live in Tampa. If you want to make the trip, contact Bicycle Outfitters on 11198 70th Ave in Seminole, Florida 33772. (West of St. Pete) They sell touring bicycles from Surly and Kona. I road a Long Haul Trucker the other day (727)319-2453. Ask for Brian or Robert. Great guys & they have done many tours!!! If they can't help you, they will know someone who will. While there, ride the Pinellas Trail which is right behind their store. It is 33 miles and goes from St. Pete to Tarpon Springs. We live north but you could stay with us, if you need to be overnight.

I own a Cannondale ST1000. I had Allstar Bicyles at 5011 Falls of the Neuse Rd. #A Raleigh, N.C. 27609 rebuild it. (919) 876-9876. They are reasonable and also rebuild tandems. Ask to speak to Andy.

[denbec]

Thanks Tourista829!  I used to go to Downtown Bicycles too - they closed several years ago and despite all the bike shops here there are none that I have found particularly useful.  Seems they all just want you to buy an expensive bike they have on display and not bother them with details and accessories.  Maybe they don't think I'm serious about my ride.

Anyway, now you have me interested in a trip to Tampa!    However, my budget is preventing that for the moment.  If I do get over that way I will let you know.  Thanks again for the advise!

Dennis

[denbec]

A note to this forum topic - Because of budget issues and other factors (will the company I work for stay in business?!) I put off purchasing the bike until the end of January at the earliest.  But at that time I will need to get all my equipment together so I can start training on a loaded bike.

Please review the original post above and if anyone has equipment - please let me know.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dennis

[zaleski7]

I have a 2004 Cannondale T2000, size medium. It comes with Performance Transit Epic (rear) and Transit Pro (front) panniers, Old Man Mt. Front rack, Cateye Astrale computer with cadence, Cannondale handlebar bag, extra front and rear Mavic 36 spoke, 520 wheels, 2 extra Continental Top Touring 2000, and 1 extra Continental Travel Contact tires, pump, and standard Cannondale rear rack. I need $1100 for the whole package. You pay shipping which I would have done by Charleston, WV Bicycle Center. There would be several boxes since the extra wheels would be shipped separately in the original packaging to protect them.

[denbec]

Thanks Zaleski7.  It all sounds about right.  I've decided to put off buying a bike until the end of January but I may be interested at that time.  Do you have any pictures?  You can send them to denbec@gmail.com

[nomadic1]

I have a Specialized bike for sale here that was built in 1996 and is one of the nicest touring specific bikes I've ever seen. I suspect it's gotten little attention because they built very few and most people don't know about them, but they are very well designed for loaded touring. I would keep it if I could still ride upright bikes, but I now have to do my loaded tours on recumbents. Feel free to contact me at 720-560-1178. I'm in Florida and I've just reduced the price to $650. New it sold for $1300. Mark

[denbec]

Nomadict1 - where in Florida are you?  I'm in Ft. Lauderdale.  I don't want to automatically discount your bike as it sounds like what I am looking for, but if I decide to go with a later model bike I'll probably just rebuild my 96 Cannondale Hybrid.  Can you give a few specifics on the bike you have like condition and how many miles etc.?

Thanks!

[denbec]

Nomadict1 - I just noticed your add in the classifieds.  Do you have any pictures of the bike?  If so please send to denbec@gmail.com.  St. Augustine might be a bit far unless the bike is shipped.  Thanks!