I've heard the phrase "the best bike is the one you have" many a time, but my LBS just took one look at this and scoffed at the idea of taking it out touring. I know I'll need to invest in some essential kit like bags, better lights etc, but is there anything else I would need to do to the actual fundamental bike? New handlebars or something?
I wouldn't take it for tours longer than 2-300km, and the routes I'm looking at have a total elevation of 700m or so. Is this feasible?
by EwokImposter
6 Comments
Hell yes. Get some panniers and strap a dry bag on the rear rack and go for it. Stick to roads and cycle paths, light gravel and rail trail and you’ll be fine.
Get a few trips under your belt and then you’ll have a better idea of whether Bikepacking is for you and what you might want to upgrade first.
Go for it. [This dude](https://www.etlehti.fi/artikkeli/ihmiset/pitkanmatkanpyorailija-matti-ramo-tien-paalla-olen-kotona) has done several thousands of miles long tours on basic bikes, none of them with drop bars.
Get a bike and get rolling. People over complicate stuff
If you don’t now, or ever really did ride drops, there’s no reason to now.
People around the world ride that type of bike everyday, for longer distances and carrying much more than any of us ever will
> the best bike is the one you have
Yes but there’s a difference between a bike and a bike-shapped object. I’m not saying don’t do it but do expect some trouble with this when pedaling long hours straight.
I’d at the very, very least replace that saddle and seatpost. Would also change the grips to something far comfier (possible along the lines of an Ergon GP3).
You’ll want a stem bag to work as bottle cage and custom top tube and frame bags to make use of the available amount of space.
I would give it a full tune-up on brakes and gears, rotate the handlebar backwards a bit (so the rise is perpendicular to the ground, if that makes sense) and flatten that stem.
I would take a full set of tools that would allow to adjust everything on the bike with me. Would take things to prevent stuff from moving (loctite blue, zip ties, duct\gorilla tape, wire) and to make stuff move (wd40, chain lube, lithium grease). Highly recommend understanding how to do your own maintenance.
I would replace those pedals regardless. They’ll brake sooner rather than later.
Otherwise, just have fun mate. That’s all that matters and don’t listen to those who say “nah huh”.
I think it looks like an awesome bike. Comes with the fenders and rack too so you already have a head start over a lot of other options.