WANTED: a bike : )

[brittmix]

So, i'm trying to find a bike to use on my honeymoon in a few months. i'll be biking from barcelona to rome along the mediterranean. i haven't spent much time on a bike, and i'm just learning about what i want/need. i like the geometry of a road bike, but i need a bike that i can put panniers on. i do need a small frame (i'm 5'3", 110 lbs) and drop bars would be very much preferred. anyone have a bike they'd like to part with?

[Blueberry]

You should do a search for Mixte and look at Zen's. I came to the conclusion it's a little small for me - otherwise, I would buy it

Welcome to TE - Boone is one of my favorite vacation spots

Edited to add: Since you're planning on shipping said bike for your honeymoon, you might want to look for a Bike Friday. They fold up and fit in a suitcase. Less hassle to travel with. In any case, good luck!

CA

[Tuckervill]

Um, I just bought Zen's mixte for my daughter-in-law. We just haven't told anyone, yet.

:ut out darn thoughts of keeping it for myself:::

Karen

[Blueberry]

Cool! I'm glad to hear it's going to a good home (now why couldn't I be a little shorter...)

CA

[uforgot]

I'm going to put in a plug for a Downtube bike. It rides great and also folds up and is waaaaaaaaaay cheaper than a Bike Friday. You can get 20" wheels or 16" wheels. You can see the bikes at downtube.com.

[Trek420]

anyone have a bike they'd like to part with?

Welcome to TE and congrats BTW. You'll find we don't like to part with our bikes I'm feeling pangs of seperation anxiety right now

[NbyNW]

I'm really loving my Dahon Speed Pro TT . . .

If you consider a folding bicycle, www.gaerlan.com and www.thorusa.com have some good suggestions for racks/panniers that work with folders.

[farrellcollie]

I also have a downtube folder which I love and a dahon folder too. A folder is a consideration for your travels, but it will take a bit more thought to fit it with panniers etc. I have worked with thorusa and found them to be helpful.

[tulip]

I'm taking my Bike Friday to France next week. It folds up in a suitcase for travel. It's an investment (as all my bike seem to be), but I couldn't be happier with it. Here's a picture.

Traveling with a non-folding bike can be challenging and expensive. The airlines charge from $100-$200 extra for a bike each way. You'll also need to arrange for packing of the bike for the return trip (a bike shop can do that, but you'll be better off if you arrange things with them in advance to make sure they have a box and the time).

Sounds like a wonderful trip!

[farrellcollie]

Have you considered renting a bike once you get over there? It may be cheaper or at least easier than buying and transporting one.

[brittmix]

i didn't even think about a folding bike. i actually just bought a jamis - i am still getting used to it, but i have only been on a bike a few times and figured i should start riding before i'm on it for two months, which is why i didnt want to rent one over there. thanks for all the advice though - has anyone ridden along the mediterranean? we're researching cool places to see while we're there.