Originally Posted by
riverdrifter
It's 3 hours away. Seller has not yet responded.
I'm looking for a touring bike under $300. I'm 5'8" with a 30" inseam, average length arms. I'm currently riding a 2012 Jamis Satellite Sport. It's a 51 cm and feels just a touch too small. I'm looking for a bike that I can run wider tires on, 28 is all I can fit on the Jamis. I live in rural Nebraska. Mostly gravel and dirt roads, and terrible condition highways.
I just finished the Tour de Nebraska out around Scottsdale. There is some fine riding out there. Have you thought about an older mountain bike, one with a rigid fork? They are great for the kinds of roads you describe, they have lots of gearing, and they can fit a fat tire and fenders comfortably. Plus they tend to be cheap. Old MTBs were fine gravel grinders long before gravel grinding became a "thing."