pwolffe said:When I was touring in Japan in did something very similar--I used a Trek 8000 with slicks, front and back racks with panniers, bar extensions, though with no suspension and just regular pedals with baskets for my shoes (I've since equipped SPDs; I wish I had had them while touring!). I didn't know much about fitting a bike properly to my frame and I've since realized that MTB geometry just doesn't feel comfortable for me on long rides. Also, the center of gravity tends to be higher than on bikes made more for touring. It worked out fine (in that the bike got me where I wanted to go), but my back, shoulders, neck, and wrists were often sore.
Currently I'm looking into finally buying a new bike, one fit for commuting and touring (as that is basically all I do; I've no need for a MTB), and considering the Bianchi Volpe, Trek 520, and Cannondale T2000. There is more out there and I intend to keep searching for information before I pick one (and I hope to test-ride each of these).
I've been riding around on an indefinitely-loaned Trek 8000 for a few years now, mostly on roads. Since it's a loaner, I haven't swapped out the knobby tires or most of the original components, so it's been far from ideal for the road. However, it's been adequate to the task.
I'd planned on replacing it with a Trek X500, but due to problems actually obtaining one, I'm opting for the Trek 7500 FX with hydraulic disc brakes (strong preference for brakes designed to handle well under waterlogged conditions). The new bike should arrive soon, and I expect it to be a lot easier on my old bones than the current one.
Take that 8000 off-road, however..... nearly a religious experience! While it's a slow, steady cruise in traffic, the ability to hop it off into the muck when necessary (or merely desired) and keep pace while vaulting over or plowing right through debris and jagged terrain is a pleasure.
