jrbrandt97

What type of bike would you recommend? I would go alone. Also, what route would you recommend? I would leave on may 9th. I would ideally camp/use warm showers. Has anyone done something like this before who has some advice?

Brian25

I would recommend that you get a bike that you like, I would highly recommend that you do not end up with a bike that someone else likes. I can say/ recommend that you use a bike that has enough rack fittings (including the fork center mount types for low rider racks. As far as routes there are pretty much indefinite possibilities.

alan s 

I would recommend an LHT or Disc Trucker.

bikemig 

Budget? Knowledge of bikes? Kind of touring you propose to do? Inquiring minds would like to know.

saddlesores

hey! have you considered a charity ride?!?!?!

just set up an account for intertubes donations,
get lots of free stuff, y'know, like lodging
and meals and riding gear, and who knows,
maybe even spiffy new free sunglasses!

Tourist in MSN

When I was shopping for a touring bike in Madison in 2004, I found the bike shops did not have any sales people that knew much about touring. One sales guy was telling me that one particular bike would be best because it had really short chainstays, which is the exact opposite of what you need.

But, touring has become much bigger now and most of the larger bike shops in Madison will have staff that will be more knowledgeable. The staff might not have toured, but they likely know something about it. Go to Machinery Row and Budget and the Trek store and ask about touring bikes and touring accessories. (Machinery Row and Budget I think are owned by the same owner, but they operate separately.) But do not buy the first one that a sales person describes, instead ask why what they pitch is the best for you, then go back to the other stores and ask why their bikes are better than the brands and models the other stores pitched. Keep notes and compare.

REI store in Madison has some knowledgeable staff but also has some staff that are clueless. If you talk to them about gear, talk to several staff to make sure you increase your chances of talking to a knowledgeable person.

jefnvk

Isn't there another thread going on this topic with all sorts of advice?

If the parameters have changed form that, you left out vital information: your size and budget and style of travel.

indyfabz

There is. It was originally in the User Assistance forum and got moved. Had me totally confused for a bit because of the similar nature.


https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/1...ed-states.html

jamawani 

Have you looked at what used to be US 6?

From Omaha, NE to Bishop, CA is is still signed -

You can do US 6 all the way across Nebraska,
Nice rail trail crossing of the Platte, however.
Another option is NE 92 all the way out to Arthur -
then down NE 61 and over to Julesburg, CO.

You will be crossing the Rockies early - and it could be snowy.
I would suggest a northern route which is lower.
From Sterling, CO follow CO 14 thru Walden - then US 40.
Beautiful ride thru Cache la Poudre Canyon over Cameron Pass.
Fort Collins - Colo St. Univ.; Steamboat Spgs - ski/bike town.

There a a number of ways you can cut over from US 40 to US 6 in Utah.
US 191 is direct, but Ninemile Canyon Rd is amazing from Myton to Price.
Then via Huntington, Fairview, and Nephi to Delta and US 6.

Nevada - US 6 is totally awesome - but very remote.
Way emptier than US 50 - the so-called Loneliest Road.
Only one rest stop, a part-time ranch store, and a closed hot springs for 169 miles.

South of Bishop US 6 is now US 395 and CA 14.
You miss the worst of the Mojave Desert heat that way -
Spectacular views of the snow-capped Sierras.
US 395 is busy - but has excellent shoulders.
Then there are a couple of canyon choices to Santa Clarita -
Which skip climbing over the San Gabriel Mtns.

boomhauer

Ouch.....wouldn't staying in Wyoming be less of a climb?

jamawani 

Cameron Pass is "only" 10,200 ft. - Hoosier Pass, on the TransAm, is 1300 ft. higher.
The climb up Cache la Poudre Canyon is very gradual over almost 50 miles. (5000 ft. gain)
Plus, you can ride on a canal service road to the edge of the Never Summer Wilderness and Nokhu Crags.
The turnoff is just to the west of Cameron Pass. Michigan Ditch Rd. - closed to cars.

https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/p...ublication.pdf

Wyoming may be a big lower, much windier, not very direct for LA, and only I-80 in southern Wyoming.

Mr Pink57

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/...id=461565&v=gO
This guy did from MN to SF. I am from MN and have a friend doing this similar route this summer, he plans to be done in 40 days which puts him at over 90 miles a day and I think is extreme.