Would the Devinci Silverstone Sl 3 be an okay touring bike (credit card touring)?

[buddha_bellies]

I would think real hard before you invest money to a bike. Changing a compact to a triple can be costly. My DH has a reg. crank set and was thinking of switching it to a compact. At least $350 before taxes and maybe more for other related parts he might need to change. It's a quite a bit of money.

[Grog]

Buddha_Bellies is right. It can be costly and not all switches are straightforward. Going from a double to a triple especially. (Changing between doubles can be easier, but certainly not cheap.)

We're going with no racks (save for my 7-litre saddlebag and perhaps one on my sweet partner's bike as well) and... a car. (Although driving in the mountains should be fun.) Pictures to follow... in many months!

[Cataboo]

Switching to a double will require - new cranks, new rear derailleur, and a new left shifter. And probably a new front derailleur. New cranks might require a new bottom bracket if it's not compatible with what's already on the bike.

[Triskeliongirl]

I don't know about these particular bikes, but these are the things I think you need to be looking at for a bike you want to use for touring:

1. Gearing. I tour with a 50/34 front, 11/34 rear, but can understand why some prefer a triple, especially for serious mountains and serious weight. Run the numbers through a gear calculator, and based on your abilities and the terrain make a choice.

2. Eyelets for racks and fenders if desired.

3. Accomodate wider tires for touring (28-32).

4. Comfort/fit.

[bikecanada]

Thanks for all the help! I decided to go for the Giant Avail 1 (green/white). It has eyelets on the back, a triple crankset and Shimano 105s. I went with an xs because the reach on the small felt a bit long. I haven't been able to take it out for a long ride though because it's snowing now!

[Grog]

Exciting stuff!

Can't wait to see pics of your touring trips!

[buddha_bellies]

Congrats! We want photos!!!