Originally Posted by
apkramer2021
As always, this community delivers!! This is super helpful.
My inclination is that I will try to have one of the LBS's in Astoria order in a Disc Trucker (hoping all works re supply!). And then will take the Amtrak bus from Portland (or Uber depending).
I think the tip to do even a bit of riding on it before setting off is really smart, I'll probably give myself a day in Astoria riding on the new bike before setting off in case there's anything that needs to be adjusted.
Unfortunately given the timing (and travel I'm doing before starting), it won't be possible to do much more riding on it beforehand.
It is possible that everything will work out great. But, fitting a front rack to a disc brake bike can be a finicky thing. And depending on which bike, rear racks, same thing. If you are picking up the bike from Astoria (it is a big "if" on whether or not the bike shop can find your frame size in stock somewhere), the bike shop probably should suggest the racks based on their experience with fitting racks to the bike.
You are pushing the envelope, there are lots of opportunities for things to go wrong.
What panniers are you fitting to the bike?
Handlebar bag or not?
What pedals do you want to use?
Do you have a saddle that you like?