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

[cindysue]

Yep, it's the decal for 531 tubing

ahhh - thanks for clearing that up - I'll email the person tonight, ask about a receipt, and see if I can set up a meeting.

still looking though if anyone else has thoughts.....

[jobob]

I just noticed the ad for the Mercian says it has a 6-speed freewheel. Not that there's anything particularly wrong with that, but you might want to ask what the gearing is front and rear to make sure it spans a good range for touring and has enough in-between gears to be useful.

I don't know what size (width) chains are used with 6-speed freewheels (SK, would you or Bubba know?). If it's the same size chain that's used w. 7-8 speed then you're OK, but if it's an oddball chain width then you might want to think twice.

You could probably upgrade it to a 7- or 8-speed cassette but that would involve having someone who knows how to do it stretch apart the frame at the rear dropouts a few mm wider to accomodate the wider hubs that a 7- to 8- speed would require. And you'd need a new wheel w. the new wider hub and cassette.

Which is all entirely do-able but possibly not in the time frame you have.

[jobob]

I was just looking at the specs for the Bianci Volpe and it looks well-geared for a touring bike. http://www.bianchiusa.com/06_volpe.html

I think the Bicycle Outfitter also carries Bianchi. Or at least they used to.

[SadieKate]

B&L Bikes and Ken's Ski and Bike (both in Davis) have Fuji and Bianchi touring bikes in stock. There is a cool touring bike at B&L that we were both admiring Saturday that is well within your price range, but I think it was a Jamis. Looked like a great set up.

OK, here's is my humble opinion on the freewheel. I love Mercians. I's got one. I would consider the frame excellent for touring (pretty similar to many of the Rivendell family memebers). However, you can't put a cassette on a freewheel hub. You have to swap out the back wheel so you have freehub. Then, you start to get into making sure the whole drivetrain is compatible. If you stick with the freewheel it will be a challenge to obtain parts for the bike. I didn't look at the link but I, personally, would only invest in such a bike for commuter purposes not for long distance with back of beyond repair and parts availability issues. A bike with a freewheel drivetrain is sort of like buying a vintage car or one with high mileage. You have to be willing to tinker and know your "stuff" when it comes to replacing parts.

I'll go look at the links and see if I have anything more to add or if I should just offer up a "Oops, nevermind."