looking for a good touring bike for a decent price?
anonymous
2011-04-03 09:26:13 UTC
I found this 1970s schwinn Le Tour road bike on craigslist. I was wondering if this could be used as a decent touring bike. http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/2299724462.html
Seven answers:
?
2011-04-03 13:20:53 UTC
The link below shows the lowest priced "touring road bike" on the market with any real quality. A '70's Schwinn 12 speed would be terrible. The word "touring" itself implies riding long distances with extra weight on the bike, like loaded panniers.
If you just need a bike to ride around town, it would be OK if the price comes down. They are asking as much or more now for the bike than what it sold for brand new.
Max Cruise
2011-04-03 09:45:05 UTC
If you are looking for a bicycle suitable for loaded touring, the LeTour will not be the bike to use. First, they are asking too much for this bike despite being in showroom condition. Second, you would have to change the entire drive train so you could have low gearing needed for loaded touring. This bike is a true 10 speed bike. Wheels will not hold up under the weight of all your gear. It would be hard to find a strong rear hub with 120 mm spacing. And strong 27 inch rims.
Here is my suggestion. Look for the newest used NON-suspension mountain bike produced by the big bicycle companies such as Trek, Specialized, Gary Fisher, and others. A non-suspension mountain bike will have a triple chain ring setup required for low gearing, strong brakes, strong wheel, and a strong frame, all of which are lacking with the LeTour. Friend used a Gary Fisher on a loaded tour in Glacier National Park and into Canada. Bike worked like a charm. Another friend uses an older Specialized Rockhopper for a touring bike. Uses road tires in lieu of knobbies and has added bar ends for extra hand positions.
Good Luck
?
2011-04-03 13:27:20 UTC
kory
I do not know how much you have to spend, or if your idea of touring is a day ride or a true multi day camping experience with a full trailer.
My choice, new or used would be a Trek 520. They have been making this tourer for 20 or more years. My choice for a vintage used tourer would be a Nishiki Cresta model.
Soccerref
John M
2011-04-03 09:58:45 UTC
That bike is overpriced get a new one that has more gears and modern components. Steel rims on a bike like that are useless when it rains you have no brakes. Get a touring bike from the local bike shop or from bikes direct.