Thread: Touring-curious
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Old 12-16-21, 07:10 AM
  #21  
djb
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Re gearing , as you've never ridden with panniers, you'll need at least the equivalent of two or three downshifts lower from what it is, four better, than unloaded present gearing.
with touring, there never ever ever is a downside to low gearing, but as you haven't toured before with weight on the bike, you'll really have no idea of how it feels going up hills all day.
unfortunately a lot of bike store employees haven't toured, are young and or have non touring gearing attitudes , so it's hard to get good opinions on gearing changes.

my wife is about the same height as you, and rear panniers can work if the rack is set back enough, so keep this in mind when looking at rear racks. Some racks have longer horizontal attaching rods, helps on smaller frames like my wife's xs frame so that the rack remains level.

the idea to borrow some panniers and trying an overnighter is a great idea.
get back with more questions that come to mind, a lot of people here have a lot of touring experience and are very helpful.
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