Best bike for touring?

[happinesshill]

There are no bike shops that I know of. I am in West TN, about an hour or so from Memphis. There is a sports center that carries some bikes in Memphis but I haven't gone in there. Do you think I'd find a good bike there? Is there any such thing as a road bike that has bigger tires (tread) and a lot of gears? Or am I just dreaming?

[Cataboo]

There are no bike shops that I know of. I am in West TN, about an hour or so from Memphis. There is a sports center that carries some bikes in Memphis but I haven't gone in there. Do you think I'd find a good bike there? Is there any such thing as a road bike that has bigger tires (tread) and a lot of gears? Or am I just dreaming?

Cyclocross bikes and touring bikes have that.

What's your price range?

Surly has the long haul trucker and the cross check, you might want to check those out.

[indysteel]

There are no bike shops that I know of. I am in West TN, about an hour or so from Memphis. There is a sports center that carries some bikes in Memphis but I haven't gone in there. Do you think I'd find a good bike there? Is there any such thing as a road bike that has bigger tires (tread) and a lot of gears? Or am I just dreaming?

I'm sure there are bike shops in Memphis. Google bike shop and Memphis and see what comes up. Or PM Andrea, a TE member who works at a Memphis bike shop as a mechanic. Tell her Indysteel sent you. She's not been on TE for a while, but I doubt she'd mind a PM.

Cyclocross and touring bikes have tires with bigger treads and lots of gears. Surly and Jamis come to mind, but there are others.

[AnnieBikes]

I have had a road bike for 7 years and recently got a Specialized tri-cross for touring. It has 32mm tires, a more relaxed position on the bike but is somewhat heavier. It has been perfect for touring and has worked well for the short trips we have done. My husband used his cross bike for a fully loaded tour on the Southern Tier last spring. He loved it. Try out several bikes before you settle on one and definitely take the advice of indy and call the shop near Memphis. I live at the exact opposite end of the state and am in a small town. We have about 6 or 8 shops within a 30 mile radius, so I am sure that you can find a shop to help you. Good luck!

[happinesshill]

Thanks to everyone for the tips and help! We are really not in a position to be able to afford a "bike shop" bike. I was pretty happy with something I found at Walmart...called a Schwin City Series. Well, let me tell you, it's a big leap from that clunky old mountain bike I was using. It's SO much faster! I rode it around in Walmart and everyone looked at me like I was crazy!

It's fast, 21 speeds, has great tires (not too thick and not too thin) and the distance between the seat and the bars is perfect for me! Wow, I never realized what a big deal that is! I'm so short. So, it's more affordable and I guess I'll get it for now. Eventually, someday, I'll get an awesome bike. But for me, this cheaper up-grade seems like it will be just wonderful. I will need my old saddle off the dirt bike, though...the saddle on the new bike was awful!!!

[indysteel]

Have fun with your new bike!