cannondale

[jcswim86]

I'm in the midst of planning a trek across the trans American trail.  I own a cannondale cadd9 5.  I was wondering what kind of modifications anyone suggests for my ride.  Is this the kind of frame that can handle a set of rear panniers?  Also, I assume I will have to upgrade to a set of touring tires.  Any recommendations are much appreciated.

[aggie]

This looks like a road bike.  You can do the TransAm on a road bike but you will be limited on the type of equipment you can use.  You will need racks (or a trailer) that attach to the bike without attachment points.  ACA does sell the Cold Springs racks that you can use (at least on the rear).  Because the chain stays tend to be shorter on a road bike you may find that with panniers your heals will hit or rub the panniers while pedaling.  It might be easier to get a trailer like a BOB.  I rode part of the Southern Tier on a Trek 5200 pulling a trailer.  However what I found was that the bike wasn't designed for it.  My tires were 23's and I blew out the sidewall in the middle of nowhere NM so you my want to get the "biggest" tire your bike can handle.  When I stood up and pedaled going up hill the bike felt like the back end wobbled.  Your bike might be stiffer but you should try loading out the bike to see how it handles before you leave.  You may want to get a different set of wheels.  You want some that can easily handle the weight (more spokes) and have fairly standard spokes you can easily get replacements on the road (as well as fix it yourself in the middle of nowhere).  The gearing will most likely be ok but I sure love my triple crank with a 34 rear cassette when I'm going up a long climb.  I also can't say enough about having fenders.  I don't mind riding in the rain but I hate the spray with all the road grime that you get without fenders. 

[RussSeaton]

I'm in the midst of planning a trek across the trans American trail.  I own a cannondale cadd9 5.  I was wondering what kind of modifications anyone suggests for my ride.  Is this the kind of frame that can handle a set of rear panniers?  Also, I assume I will have to upgrade to a set of touring tires.  Any recommendations are much appreciated.

As already stated, you have a ROAD RACING type bike.  Pulling a trailer will most likely work if you are planning on going loaded.  Loaded being camping and cooking.  You can mount a rear rack and go with rear panniers only.  But you will have to limit what you carry and this will lead to extra wear and tear on the rear wheel.  If you go super light and plan to motel every night and ride far every day, then you could get by with just a seatpost type rack and the most minimal of gear.  Your bike will likely only handle as wide as 28mm in back and likely only 25mm in front.  Official touring tires aren't that skinny.

[bogiesan]

I'm in the midst of planning a trek across the trans American trail.  I own a cannondale cadd9 5.

Beautiful bike. I've owned two Cannondales. Sad to part with them but not all bikes can do all things.
Your options are to get a new bike more appropriate to the task or go with a fully supported group so you can ride your steed.

david boise ID

[levilaur]

I did a self -contained tour on a Cannondale Road Bike and never again. I had to replace both wheels because of flat spots after hitting a pothole and the bike just couln't handle the weight of full panniers/sleeping bag & pad plus all the little extras. I'm in the process of buying a touring bike with a steel frame.

[DaveB]

As several posters have aluded to, what type of tour are you planing?  Fully self-contained with camping, sleeping and cooking gear?  A credit card tour and planing to stay in motels and eat in restaurants every day?

For self-contained touring, your bike really isn't suited and the cost of modifying it to be even marginally effective (stronger wheels, larger tires, more suitable gearing, etc.)  will be the majority of the cost of buying a really proper touring bike.  A trailer will sort-of work but your bike really isn't intended for that use.

For a credit card tour, have at it.  You will only need a light rack, small panniers and a decent credit line.  Your Cannondale will do fine for that.