New Bike or Old?

[Kiwi Stoker]

Option 5- Rent a high quality bike?

[murielalex]

Even though I'm a newbie, I do know to not attempt that distance on an ill-fitting bike.

[roo4]

Option 5- Rent a high quality bike?

Hey now! That's not a bad idea. I just did a quick google search and I can rent a bike for $120 for the week. Maybe I'll see what $120 will buy in terms of an upgrade and go from there. Thanks!

[goldfinch]

Also watch Craigslist to see if anything comes up that would fit you and the ride.

[jyyanks]

Agree with the craigslist suggestion or buying a new cheaper bike. I got a bike on craigslist for $100 and it served its purpose.

I think #3 is not an option as 150 miles would be torture if your neck and hands are hurting on shorter rides. Good Luck.

[Hartmame]

If you have a good shop they could do a fit and tell you if swapping out the stem and tires will be enough to make the old bike work for you. Because if it is $120 might be about what you would spend. I also like the Craigslist route to a comfortable bike

[indysteel]

Rent or buy an appropriate bike for the trail. It's not just wider tires you need. You arguably need fenders, too. Having done a long trail ride myself last year (the Katy Trail) fenders really help on crushed limestone when it's raining. Plus, you're probably going to need at least a rear rack. I have a Jamis Aurora. It was a great bike for the trip.

[sarahkonamojo]

Just to fill the duty of enabler... you need a NEW BIKE!!! Maybe not for this ride, but you need one. Good time to demo something you might buy. Be comfortable on the ride. 150 miles can be brutal.