touring bike purchase help!

[cindysue]

I'm double posting this because I think the "open topic" gets more traffic and I am running out of time......

OK, so I've been consumed with school and have put off until the last minute
the task of getting another bike for a self-supported 3-week bike tour in 6
weeks. My orbea dama race with compact double just won't do it for hauling
30-40lbs of gear myself (bob trailer).

I'm looking at:

trek 520 (may be out of my price range unless I can find last years model)
Bianchi Volpe
Fuji Touring
or something: steel, low gears, and under $1200

I don't want to spend a lot of money since my orbea broke the bank last
year. I'm not sure if I have time to special order so may have to get
something in stock. I am 5'10 and all my bikes have been size 56. My inseam
is about 33.5

your opinions on the above bikes, who tends to carry these bikes in-stock,
and anything else that would seem helpful is much appreciated.

p.s. plan was to go to France but airline tickets are phenominal so it looks like we'll be going to new england (RI, Maine, CT, ....)

pps - yes I've searched the forums

and THANKS in advance for your help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[KnottedYet]

I've heard good things about Soma DoubleCross and Surly Long Haul Trucker.

My next bike will likely be one of those. Or something simliar. A steel tourer.

Oh, yeah, and I forgot about the Kona Sutra. It is essentially my bike's frame, but in steel instead of aluminum.

[cindysue]

Surly Long Haul Trucker would be nice but I'm thinking that would definitely run over $1200 and not sure I could get a custom frame in 4 weeks (I need to ride it for at least two before leaving my LBS).

heck, if I could afford it, I'd get the Atlantis. Maybe next year when I'm making the big bucks

[KnottedYet]

My LBS has a new Surly LHT on the floor in my size (I'm 5'8") for $1200. I looked at it with longing, but my bike budget was 1/3 that...

www.recycledcycles.com

We've got a local bike builder who might be able to give you some links.

www.freerangecycles.com

She does both Surly and Soma.

[cindysue]

ohhhh, thanks - I'll check out the links.

Just saw this: http://bayareabikes.com/html/Topeak-...ling-Tent.html

[snapdragen]

cindy, The Bicycle Outfitter in Los Altos carried the Trek. It's been awhile since I was in the shop, they have new owners, but they used to be big on touring. Might be worth a phone call.

The Bicycle Outfitter
963 Fremont Avenue, Los Altos
Sales 650-948-8092
Monday - Friday 11-7
Saturday 10-5
Sunday 11-5

[jobob]

have you checked craigslist?

these look interesting:

http://www.craigslist.org/eby/bik/159264934.html

http://www.craigslist.org/eby/bik/159267123.html

[cindysue]

have you checked craigslist?

yep - I saw the first one! After getting my bike stolen last year, I am hesitant to buy from craigslist. Anyone have any experience with this???

.. thanks Snap - I've been in that shop before. I'll check em out - maybe piggy-back a ride with the southbay gals......

edit - the merc sure is pretty - - funny though - V and I would both be sporting that color. Did you notice that the picture indicates it is a size 53, but the post says size 56??????

[jobob]

Well, you could ask right up front if the seller has a receipt from a bike shop for the purchase of that bike.

If he/she doesn't have a receipt, then if you're not comfortable going further, then don't. No harm done, and your time isn't wasted.

Just a suggestion.

[snapdragen]

edit - the merc sure is pretty - - funny though - V and I would both be sporting that color. Did you notice that the picture indicates it is a size 53, but the post says size 56??????

I think thats the tubing - 531 --- it's a pretty, pretty, bike. Call!

[jobob]

Yep, it's the decal for 531 tubing