I've just rediscovered the joy of riding a bike and after coming across bike touring in the net, which was something I had never given any thought to, I've definitely found what is going to become a great passion in my life. The idea of travelling under one's own steam and the challenge it involves speaks to me in volumes.
I have just dusted the cobwebs off my MTB which has never really been used, with the intention of getting fit. but now that I am totally interested in touring I was wondering if someone could tell me whether or not a touring bike would be better to train on from the start. I.e. get used to a body position that will not alter at a later stage etc etc.
Thanks I hope people don't get sick of the many questions I'm probably going to ask.
I've just rediscovered the joy of riding a bike and after coming across bike touring in the net, which was something I had never given any thought to, I've definitely found what is going to become a great passion in my life. The idea of travelling under one's own steam and the challenge it involves speaks to me in volumes.
I have just dusted the cobwebs off my MTB which has never really been used, with the intention of getting fit. but now that I am totally interested in touring I was wondering if someone could tell me whether or not a touring bike would be better to train on from the start. I.e. get used to a body position that will not alter at a later stage etc etc.
Thanks I hope people don't get sick of the many questions I'm probably going to ask.
just putting in the hours in the saddle is all you need to do to get in shape. 6 months or a year down the line, if you're still gung ho and ready for some long distance touring, you may want to get a touring bike. i wouldn't bother with thinking about getting one immediately though. beyond the 2 links above, go through the threads. there's a lot of info that will help you make a more informed purchase when you get to that point.
just putting in the hours in the saddle is all you need to do to get in shape. 6 months or a year down the line, if you're still gung ho and ready for some long distance touring, you may want to get a touring bike. i wouldn't bother with thinking about getting one immediately though. beyond the 2 links above, go through the threads. there's a lot of info that will help you make a more informed purchase when you get to that point.
for now, just get out and ride
I'd recommend starting on a mountain bike and going out regularly, but go to your LBS and then ride some road or touring bikes with thinner tyres. I think you'll feel a big difference and I bet you won't be able to stop buying a new bike. I'd recommend something like a Bianchi Volpe or Trek 520, they are both good solid bikes. Their stock gears are a bit high, but these can be changed and you might want to get a nice broad saddle. I've been riding my Volpe for 5 years and its been a good introduction back to cycling. I've put a Brookes B17 saddle on it and the front rings are now 46-36-26 which is more like a touring set up. I've used my Bianchi as a learning and training experience. I know what gears I'm comfortable with now and I'm setting about buying a couple of new bikes, a single speed and a tourer. I've decided to get a custom lugged frame from Circle A Cycles and build it up with the exact components I want. I think I'll get exactly the bike I want for a few hundred dollars less than the price of the really nice tourers from manufactuers like Heron, Waterford and Bruce Gordon.
