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turn my road bike into touring?

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  • 24-07-2010 1:17pm
    #1
    justo
    Registered Users Posts: 242 ✭✭


    I'm in a bind. i have an entry level TREK 1000, about 5 years old, which suits me just find for my daily 30kms return commute.

    I'd love to buy a Touring bike but can't afford to. My TREK can't take panniers. Could I buy a bike trailer like this one (but cheaper!) and use it to carry my touring stuff? I use slightly larger tyres than the standard issue.

    I don't plan any fully loaded touring but rather a few days worth of gear, tent food, spares, etc.

    Opinions?

    Thanks.
    Tagged:


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    #2
    tomasrojo
    Registered Users Posts: 11,766 ✭✭✭✭tomasrojo


    I've got a child trailer rather like that. A bit better, if anything.

    I think it would be ok for touring, but no off-road stuff.

    I also have a bike-hod, which is hitched under the seat post and is a more upright design. I use it for transporting guitars and doing the shopping. I've carried pretty heavy loads up to about 30km on it, so it's grand for on-road, but again, probably not great for any off-road stuff.

    I think the axle-mounted trailers might be ok for poorer roads.

    Many people recommend one-wheel trailers for touring, because they affect your speed and handling less. You really have to ride differently with a two-wheel trailer, because you have tree wheel-lines instead of one. A bit like an articulated tricycle or something.


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    #3
    blorg
    Registered Users Posts: 15,989 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    Are you sure it won't take a rack? Every Trek 1000 I have seen has the holes for mounting one. I have a trailer myself but panniers are far preferable IMO.


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    #4
    justo
    Registered Users Posts: 242 ✭✭justo


    blorg wrote: »
    Are you sure it won't take a rack? Every Trek 1000 I have seen has the holes for mounting one. I have a trailer myself but panniers are far preferable IMO.


    aw jeez, just checked again. they do take panniers, so, do you think it's a reasonable bike for some light touring with 700* 28 wheels.


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    #5
    petethedrummer
    Registered Users Posts: 7,604 ✭✭✭petethedrummer


    I threw my thoughts into this thread: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055978706


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    #6
    blorg
    Registered Users Posts: 15,989 ✭✭✭✭blorg


    justo wrote: »
    aw jeez, just checked again. they do take panniers, so, do you think it's a reasonable bike for some light touring with 700* 28 wheels.
    Yes, I think it would be fine for light touring with 28s. You would probably want mudguards as well.


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    #7
    leftism
    Registered Users Posts: 518 ✭✭✭leftism


    I use an Axiom Streamliner on my Trek Madone and it works a treat. They're great for racers as you don't need eyelets on the frame and most of the load is on the rear wheel because the rack attaches through the rear scewer.


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    #8
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,754 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    You could also try a large saddle bag like a carradice and a handlebar bag. Should cover you for most modest tours (5 days anyway)


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