New Bike for a x-country tour

[stewbart13]

I am planning a cross-country bike tour this summer. I've been a life-long mountain biker, however I have never owned a Road or Tour bike. I am looking for some advice on what bike would be the best for my buck. I've looked at the Trek 520, the Surly Long Haul Trucker and the Raleigh Sojurn. The Trek and Surly are going to cost me $1200 and I'm getting a deal on the Raleigh Sojurn for around $800. Anyone had any experience with the Raliegh?

What about a Bianchi?? I'd like to spend less than a grand on the bike itself. Thank you.

 

[alfeng]

I am planning a cross-country bike tour this summer. I've been a life-long mountain biker, however I have never owned a Road or Tour bike. I am looking for some advice on what bike would be the best for my buck. I've looked at the Trek 520, the Surly Long Haul Trucker and the Raleigh Sojurn. The Trek and Surly are going to cost me $1200 and I'm getting a deal on the Raleigh Sojurn for around $800. Anyone had any experience with the Raliegh?

What about a Bianchi?? I'd like to spend less than a grand on the bike itself. Thank you.

Exclusive of your choice of which bike might be best for you, you need to decide how much gear you plan to carry-or-haul ...

Pannier capacity varies ...

Think about the heel clearance that each bike affords (or, doesn't) when rear panniers are mounted.

Think about a B.O.B. trailer as an alternative to panniers ... there are other trailers, but the B.O.B. seems to have one of the better connecting systems to attach the trailer to the bike.

While trailers ARE expensive, particularly the B.O.B. trailer, racks & panniers are expensive, too.

 

[cycleheimer]

I am planning a cross-country bike tour this summer.

Take a look at the Adventure Cycling Association's website. They have information on selecting a touring bike.

America's Bicycle Travel Inspiration & Resource - Adventure Cycling Association