I bicycled around the World on a Koga Miyata World Traveller, made for touring. They make the bikes in Holland and it comes ready to go with racks and everything on the bike. For touring in the U.S you don’t need a designated touring bike but they are far better for touring, it’s just not the same on a road bike.

You really want Tubus racks, Brooks seat, and strong wheels to handle the weight, nothing worse than equipment that breaks down while touring.

I think we are years away from needed serious touring bikes. I would like to use what we have and get as much out of the items as possible. That being said, we do not mind the idea of downsizing our lives...as we have been doing for a few years now. Too many possessions.

The reason w are a few years away is that we have small children that we cannot leave for long periods of time...though, I would love to tour the world.

Thank you for the advice on the racks!

PS/Edit: I do have to ask. Do you think this bike wouldn't hold up on a....cross state ride? Say Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.

Have you considered using a trailer? This might relieve some of the stress issues from the bike. I used to tote the kids around in a trailer using my road bike with little ill affects to the behavior of the bike.

Amen to the trailer.

Does bike have rack mounts?

What size tires are on there now, is there some spacing. Ideally use 28c tires

Yes you can do some light touring on that bike. Friends of mine in 1973 did cross country tour on Raleigh International racing bike with std campy equipment and tubular tires....


Another option, why not put smooth tires and crank up your MTB, this will handle your hills weighted down. Bar ends to add some hand variety. This would be my choice, there are even racks that just hang off seatpost

Since you are talking bike packing and not touring your bike will be fine as long as you keep it light. I did a couple of light fast overnights last year on a Specialized Allez Sprint with no issues.

Tires- I can't believe your local shop is too busy to eyeball what tires will fit in your frame. I'm guessing 26 will fit but 28s might. Get as wide as will fit.

Gear- Get good bags, I use a mix of Revelate designs with some Salsa stuff mixed in. Tons of good bags out there and with bags cheap is cheap. Most large pieces will be over $100 with small stuff being $50-$80. Check out "path less pedaled" on you tube for reviews of most major makers. I would start with a tailbag and some sort of handlebar harness or bag. What else you need will be determined by what you decide to carry. You will most likely end up with a half frame bag and a top tube bag of some sort but may not need both.

Tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pad. If you are going the Bed and Breakfast route you need none of this, if not pay attention to both weight and packed size. Hammocks win this category if you can sleep in them, I can't. A hammock is your tent, needs no poles packs small and negates the need for a sleeping pad.

Remember that for this, anything you can NOT take with you will increase your enjoyment of the ride.

---

Jim

**Note above poster works for a retailer selling bikes and related gear*