Can my Trek 1200 be modified for a long bike tour?

[dpessing]

I am going on a 1500 mile tour from San Fransisco to Bend, OR and back in a few weeks. I am about to get everything together and I am wondering if my bike can handle the necessary modifications for the ride? If anyone with experience has any thoughts, I'd appreciate it.

[Pat Lamb]

Rather than try to hand racks on what is essentially a light road bike, I'd suggest you look at a trailer.  Put a bit more stress on the skewer (which can probably handle it) rather than lightweight frame tubes and fork.

[MrBent]

What pdlamb said.  For the least stress on a light frame and for nice handling, go with a two wheeled trailer like the Burley Nomad.  Put stuff that MUST stay dry in bags because the main compartment is not completely water proof for serious rain.  The trailers track beautifully and don't affect handling.  Very easy to pack, too.  And when you're done with the tour, you've got a very practical grocery hauler that can be used on any bike.

Scott

[RussSeaton]

Not sure what gearing you have on your bike.  But, you will need low gears to get up and down Highway 1 and 101.  A triple with a 24 tooth inner chainring and a rear cog of 32 would be ideal.  Barring that, a compact crank with a 34 inner ring and a 32 rear cog would be the minimum.

[aggie]

Take a look at the roads to see if they have small shoulders and rumble strips.  A two wheeled trailer will move you into the traffic lane a bit more especially if the rumble strips are right next to the white line.  I used a Bob on my Trek 5200 with no problems.