Originally Posted by
sloar
Getting things in order to start touring. Should I consider a new bike or quality gear, racks, bags and other equipment? Changed the drivetrain on my Trek to a mountain bike Shimano LX group. The bike fits and rides very nice. I was considering a LHT, but keep thinking my Trek will do just fine. Opinions?
you're getting way ahead of yourself here. you haven't explained what you mean by "touring".
no mention of how much gear you plan to take, what conditions, or what length of time.
i haven't read "unsupported around the world tour" or "overnight to granny's house" yet.
you might be satisfied with a seatbag and a handlebar bag, and not need of saddlebags a'tall.
it may be possible to get by with a set of small front panniers.
you could go with a bike-a-packing setup, or maybe pull a trailer with no bags whatsoever.
try to fill us in on what sort of touring you intend to do at the start. otherwise, it's like planning
your new life with some chick named sophie, and your mutual dog, after only a couple online
chat sessions and some creepy meetup at some lake in the woods.