Im a Marine looking for a touring bike that will be able to carry a heavy load
Surly surely does make nice bikes without a lot of hype. If cost is a big issue, then something like the Trek 520 is a great place to start. It has a lot of the appropriate equipment from the start at a reasonable price and is a very evolved bike.
The only problem with the traditional Prairie Schooner is that it's designed for the road. It sounds like you are going off-road. While I own a touring bike and have run both 700x32c and 35c tires without a hitch, there is little doubt that wider tires are often more rugged and provide a smoother ride.
A 26" wheel with 36 spokes is the order of the day for more rugged terrain, say true off road riding.
Steel is a great material. My touring bike is made of Reynolds 853 steel. I love it. But a properly designed aluminum frame will work fine too.
Things I look for in a touring bike are a long wheel base to absorb road shock and provide extra stability while loaded. Beefier brakes are a necessity. Simple technology is better than the latest and fanciest as it is proven and holds up well.
Panniers, aka bags, are a hot topic. I really like front bags. They provide a nice stable riding experience and distribute the weight all around the bike for better handling. "Low" rider bags are highly suggested for better handling.
For standard bags, I really like my 10 year old Jandd bags. Never a hitch and worth the money. Even reasonably water resistant. Jandd makes ones that are water proof, but more money. Ortleib also makes top notch waterproof bags.
Then there are bikes like the Surly Big Dummy with the Xtra-cycle bags attachment. These are simpler to load and put the load behind you. It's really clever, but I've never ridden one. I've seen lots of pictures of people essentially like pickup trucks. Could be a great option.
Many cyclists who ride long distance, me included, swear by a Brooks leather saddle. Unlike plastic ones they get better with age and use. The B17 (unsprung) and the Champion Flyer (sprung) are great saddles. Wallingford Bike has a great trial offer.
Last, for a lot of information and real world (and around the world) advice, check out the last 2 links.
Happy trails!
The only problem with the traditional Prairie Schooner is that it's designed for the road. It sounds like you are going off-road. While I own a touring bike and have run both 700x32c and 35c tires without a hitch, there is little doubt that wider tires are often more rugged and provide a smoother ride.
A 26" wheel with 36 spokes is the order of the day for more rugged terrain, say true off road riding.
Steel is a great material. My touring bike is made of Reynolds 853 steel. I love it. But a properly designed aluminum frame will work fine too.
Things I look for in a touring bike are a long wheel base to absorb road shock and provide extra stability while loaded. Beefier brakes are a necessity. Simple technology is better than the latest and fanciest as it is proven and holds up well.
Panniers, aka bags, are a hot topic. I really like front bags. They provide a nice stable riding experience and distribute the weight all around the bike for better handling. "Low" rider bags are highly suggested for better handling.
For standard bags, I really like my 10 year old Jandd bags. Never a hitch and worth the money. Even reasonably water resistant. Jandd makes ones that are water proof, but more money. Ortleib also makes top notch waterproof bags.
Then there are bikes like the Surly Big Dummy with the Xtra-cycle bags attachment. These are simpler to load and put the load behind you. It's really clever, but I've never ridden one. I've seen lots of pictures of people essentially like pickup trucks. Could be a great option.
Many cyclists who ride long distance, me included, swear by a Brooks leather saddle. Unlike plastic ones they get better with age and use. The B17 (unsprung) and the Champion Flyer (sprung) are great saddles. Wallingford Bike has a great trial offer.
Last, for a lot of information and real world (and around the world) advice, check out the last 2 links.
Happy trails!
BobA
Member
- May 13, 2008
- 386
- 0
- 16
I would go with a touring bike with 26 inch wheels. Surly makes their Long Haul Trucker with 26 inch wheels now.
http://surlybikes.com/bikes/long_haul_trucker_complete/
http://surlybikes.com/bikes/long_haul_trucker_complete/