Cross USA Touring Bike - Trek 520 vs Surly LHT vs Salsa Marrakesh vs Fuji Touring?

Triathlon Forum
1

Hi All

My son, 16 , is doing a cross USA (Charlotte to LA - 6 weeks, avg 80 miles a day) bike tour in the summer. The company he is doing it with (Overland) recommend the above bikes. I know tri and road bikes but have zero knowledge of Touring bikes. Not withstanding fit and bike geometry and a good saddle does anyone have any experiences they might share to help me narrow this down. My LBS can get the Surley and Salsa but say the others are on short supply.

Many thanks
Simon

2

I did a solo bike tour around the world on a Koga Miyata, the top of the line touring bikes. The Surly LHT is quite popular. I was looking at the Trek 520 at one point. I know a number of people who have used the Surly LHT for long tours and have never heard many complaints.

You can’t go wrong with either choice so focus on fit and comfort.

3

Trek 520. More Trek Dealers in the states just in case something were to happen with the frameset.

Next the Surly just because it’s an awesome bike.

Fuji is also good, just nothing special about it.

4

I did a 10 week trip on the TransAmerica Trail about 5 years ago and the Surly LHT was by far the most popular bike I saw, and everyone I talked to about it had great things to say about it. The Trek 520 seemed to be second most popular bike at the time. My Wife rode an older version of the 520 and did not have any trouble with it. Honestly, I don’t think you will go wrong with any of them. They all have the important touring features. It looks like they all now have a disc brakes or a disc brake version is available, except for the Fuji. Disc brakes could be nice, but rim brakes will do just fine. I would probably just go with what ever your LBS carries as long as they can get in in the right size. The Adventure Cycling Association Forum will have lots more talk about touring bikes.

5

How about a Lynskey titanium frameset?

6

Trek 520 is a really good value. I had one for years, bar end shifters, bombproof. Money no object, however, Bruce Gordon Rock n Roll, choice of flatbar or road handlebars, 26 or 700c wheels and the best loaded touring racks bar none. CoMotion Americano also a great bike. Not sure you want to spend that on your growing 16 year old.