'84 Ross Mt. Whitney for touring?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
'84 Ross Mt. Whitney for touring?
Hello everyone,
I'm in the market for a mountain bike that I can use as a touring bike, and from time to time as a cyclocross bike as well. I've stumbled upon the Ross Mt. Whitney and I'm thinking about getting one. My main concern, however, is the weight of the bicycle. I've read that it ranges from 22lbs to "like a volvo." I know that in touring having a sturdy strong bike is better than a light delicate bike. However, a heavy touring bike can be a pain after four days of 40-60 miles. Weight will also determine if I can even use it as a cyclocross bike. I'd also like to point out that the only bad thing that I've heard about this bike is its weight. I have only heard moderate to good things (mainly the chrome finish) about the bike. The image is the bike that I'm thinking about getting. They're asking $350, going to try to talk them down..
I'm in the market for a mountain bike that I can use as a touring bike, and from time to time as a cyclocross bike as well. I've stumbled upon the Ross Mt. Whitney and I'm thinking about getting one. My main concern, however, is the weight of the bicycle. I've read that it ranges from 22lbs to "like a volvo." I know that in touring having a sturdy strong bike is better than a light delicate bike. However, a heavy touring bike can be a pain after four days of 40-60 miles. Weight will also determine if I can even use it as a cyclocross bike. I'd also like to point out that the only bad thing that I've heard about this bike is its weight. I have only heard moderate to good things (mainly the chrome finish) about the bike. The image is the bike that I'm thinking about getting. They're asking $350, going to try to talk them down..
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 1,977
Bikes: Schwinn Paramount P15, Fisher Montare, Proteus, Rivendell Quickbeam
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
I responded on your other thread. It will probably weigh around 30 to 35 pounds.
Price is too high though unless you are in a hot bike market. I would tour on it. The stem might be .833 size though which would limit your choices if you wanted to swap out the stem.
Price is too high though unless you are in a hot bike market. I would tour on it. The stem might be .833 size though which would limit your choices if you wanted to swap out the stem.
#3
Unfortunately they are an oddity price wise, and go for that much and more usually. It's also a classic US made mtb(and chrome to boot), and it would be a shame to turn it into something it's not. They are plenty of rigid mtb's you can get for MUCH less. I bought a 92 C'dale M500 earlier this year for $120, and I am pretty certain I won't be chastised for swapping out a few parts on that. The stem is .833 I believe. That severely limits stem choices. I'd say let someone who wants a sweet classic mtb buy it, and look for something else.,,,,BD
Bottom line is, that is one of the bikes that should be left stock, if you ever want to see a return out of it. They are only original once.
My Mt Hood, a couple of notches down but still cool. I think the saddle, seatpost, and tires aren't original equipment. Possibly the grips? All wear items that need replacement.
Bottom line is, that is one of the bikes that should be left stock, if you ever want to see a return out of it. They are only original once.
My Mt Hood, a couple of notches down but still cool. I think the saddle, seatpost, and tires aren't original equipment. Possibly the grips? All wear items that need replacement.
__________________
So many bikes, so little dime.
So many bikes, so little dime.
Last edited by Bikedued; 06-27-14 at 05:47 AM.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,954
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Liked 4,322 Times
in
2,382 Posts
Touring bikes aren't light. Neither are vintage mtbs. I would not focus on weight. I would focus on whether you are buying the right tool for the job.
#5
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,558
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Liked 1,009 Times
in
650 Posts
The chrome Mt Whitney is a niche, collectors bike, probably worth the asking price. Its also somewhere around 32 to 35 pounds (heavy!)
On touring and weight, I met a 65 year old cyclist last summer in Utah, he was riding coast to coast from Washington, DC, and was unsupported, and camping! His bike with all the gear, BUT NO WATER, weighed 95 pounds. His bike was a Surly Long Haul Trucker, bare bike weighed in at 26 pounds +/-. In his case it was all about gear. He surely could have lightened the load some, but with the pace he was maintaining, why not?
The guy was doing 100+ mile days, I met him in the mountains of Utah. The day before he crossed the desert, 75 miles of no service. He was carrying another 20 pounds or more of water that day. The next day, he rode 120 miles, over two mountain passes (one over 10,000 feet) and lots of additional inclines.
As far as the Mt McKinley as a touring bike choice? Its a lousy one for that use, and at the $350 price point, you should be able to find a "real" touring bike. Some people tour on mtbs as it is a thrifty way to go ($350 ain't thrifty). I do light touring with my Cimarron drop bar conversion.
I can't image touring with those bull horn bars. How resourceful are you? Bike will need new stem, bars, shifters, brake levers, racks, and lighter tires as a minimum.
On touring and weight, I met a 65 year old cyclist last summer in Utah, he was riding coast to coast from Washington, DC, and was unsupported, and camping! His bike with all the gear, BUT NO WATER, weighed 95 pounds. His bike was a Surly Long Haul Trucker, bare bike weighed in at 26 pounds +/-. In his case it was all about gear. He surely could have lightened the load some, but with the pace he was maintaining, why not?
The guy was doing 100+ mile days, I met him in the mountains of Utah. The day before he crossed the desert, 75 miles of no service. He was carrying another 20 pounds or more of water that day. The next day, he rode 120 miles, over two mountain passes (one over 10,000 feet) and lots of additional inclines.
As far as the Mt McKinley as a touring bike choice? Its a lousy one for that use, and at the $350 price point, you should be able to find a "real" touring bike. Some people tour on mtbs as it is a thrifty way to go ($350 ain't thrifty). I do light touring with my Cimarron drop bar conversion.
I can't image touring with those bull horn bars. How resourceful are you? Bike will need new stem, bars, shifters, brake levers, racks, and lighter tires as a minimum.
Last edited by wrk101; 06-27-14 at 06:49 AM.
#6
I would pass and look for something a little more common and conventional. Older Trek 820/30's are pretty ideal. They used a basic chromoly frame and had long chainstays. Other major manufacturers had similar bikes. If you're looking to convert to a touring setup, you will wind up with a heavy bike no matter what.
Mine started life as a '92 Schwinn High Plains, which was a fairly top end model. It's a higher quality steel frame, but as pictured still weighs in at close to 40lbs. As a touring bike, the weight has never been a concern, but I wouldn't recommend using it as a cross bike.
Good inspiration here: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...sions-131.html
Mine started life as a '92 Schwinn High Plains, which was a fairly top end model. It's a higher quality steel frame, but as pictured still weighs in at close to 40lbs. As a touring bike, the weight has never been a concern, but I wouldn't recommend using it as a cross bike.
Good inspiration here: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...sions-131.html
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Unfortunately they are an oddity price wise, and go for that much and more usually. It's also a classic US made mtb(and chrome to boot), and it would be a shame to turn it into something it's not. They are plenty of rigid mtb's you can get for MUCH less. I bought a 92 C'dale M500 earlier this year for $120, and I am pretty certain I won't be chastised for swapping out a few parts on that. The stem is .833 I believe. That severely limits stem choices. I'd say let someone who wants a sweet classic mtb buy it, and look for something else.,,,,BD
Bottom line is, that is one of the bikes that should be left stock, if you ever want to see a return out of it. They are only original once.
My Mt Hood, a couple of notches down but still cool. I think the saddle, seatpost, and tires aren't original equipment. Possibly the grips? All wear items that need replacement.
Bottom line is, that is one of the bikes that should be left stock, if you ever want to see a return out of it. They are only original once.
My Mt Hood, a couple of notches down but still cool. I think the saddle, seatpost, and tires aren't original equipment. Possibly the grips? All wear items that need replacement.
#9
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The chrome Mt Whitney is a niche, collectors bike, probably worth the asking price. Its also somewhere around 32 to 35 pounds (heavy!)
On touring and weight, I met a 65 year old cyclist last summer in Utah, he was riding coast to coast from Washington, DC, and was unsupported, and camping! His bike with all the gear, BUT NO WATER, weighed 95 pounds. His bike was a Surly Long Haul Trucker, bare bike weighed in at 26 pounds +/-. In his case it was all about gear. He surely could have lightened the load some, but with the pace he was maintaining, why not?
The guy was doing 100+ mile days, I met him in the mountains of Utah. The day before he crossed the desert, 75 miles of no service. He was carrying another 20 pounds or more of water that day. The next day, he rode 120 miles, over two mountain passes (one over 10,000 feet) and lots of additional inclines.
As far as the Mt McKinley as a touring bike choice? Its a lousy one for that use, and at the $350 price point, you should be able to find a "real" touring bike. Some people tour on mtbs as it is a thrifty way to go ($350 ain't thrifty). I do light touring with my Cimarron drop bar conversion.
I can't image touring with those bull horn bars. How resourceful are you? Bike will need new stem, bars, shifters, brake levers, racks, and lighter tires as a minimum.
On touring and weight, I met a 65 year old cyclist last summer in Utah, he was riding coast to coast from Washington, DC, and was unsupported, and camping! His bike with all the gear, BUT NO WATER, weighed 95 pounds. His bike was a Surly Long Haul Trucker, bare bike weighed in at 26 pounds +/-. In his case it was all about gear. He surely could have lightened the load some, but with the pace he was maintaining, why not?
The guy was doing 100+ mile days, I met him in the mountains of Utah. The day before he crossed the desert, 75 miles of no service. He was carrying another 20 pounds or more of water that day. The next day, he rode 120 miles, over two mountain passes (one over 10,000 feet) and lots of additional inclines.
As far as the Mt McKinley as a touring bike choice? Its a lousy one for that use, and at the $350 price point, you should be able to find a "real" touring bike. Some people tour on mtbs as it is a thrifty way to go ($350 ain't thrifty). I do light touring with my Cimarron drop bar conversion.
I can't image touring with those bull horn bars. How resourceful are you? Bike will need new stem, bars, shifters, brake levers, racks, and lighter tires as a minimum.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 1,744
Bikes: Miele Azsora, Kuwahara Cascade
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I would only consider buying that bike for half the price. I actually owned one that I tot for free; the last two vintage mountain bikes I bought were $120 and $100 (and the cheaper one was a top-of-the-line model). And I'm in an expensive market for bikes to boot.
Anyway, if you do get it, don't worry too much about the weight. For touring, you're going to put another 200lbs on it between you an your luggage; what's the point of worrying about getting a bike that's four pounds lighter?
Anyway, if you do get it, don't worry too much about the weight. For touring, you're going to put another 200lbs on it between you an your luggage; what's the point of worrying about getting a bike that's four pounds lighter?
#11
I would only consider buying that bike for half the price. I actually owned one that I tot for free; the last two vintage mountain bikes I bought were $120 and $100 (and the cheaper one was a top-of-the-line model). And I'm in an expensive market for bikes to boot.
Anyway, if you do get it, don't worry too much about the weight. For touring, you're going to put another 200lbs on it between you an your luggage; what's the point of worrying about getting a bike that's four pounds lighter?
Anyway, if you do get it, don't worry too much about the weight. For touring, you're going to put another 200lbs on it between you an your luggage; what's the point of worrying about getting a bike that's four pounds lighter?
__________________
So many bikes, so little dime.
So many bikes, so little dime.
#12
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,558
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Liked 1,009 Times
in
650 Posts
+10 Don't kid yourself on price. It is worth the $350 asking price. Some collector will eventually snag it. If it is what you want, I say go for it, cash in hand, and maybe you get a small discount.
Nice vintage chrome bikes are hard to find.
You can also put this bike on a diet. First is the heavy steel stem and bars. Second are the heavy tires. Third are the heavy wheels. Since you are resourceful, you could probably cut FOUR pounds or more off the weight attacking these items.
Last edited by wrk101; 06-29-14 at 08:45 PM.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: RTP Area, NC
Posts: 338
Bikes: Somebody stole them all... I walk now.
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I did a two day tour on an '84 Mt Hood a couple of years ago. Here is my post in the touring section with some suggestions by the good folks there - https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/79...ng-set-up.html. I have no idea how much it weighed, but it was heavy enough that I didn't want to know.
My final set up minus the drive side pannier. I would strongly suggest bar ends if you stick with the bull moose bars or find a bike that you can convert to drop bars. It honestly handled very well, but I think if I stretched the trip out longer, it would be on a drop bar bike.
My final set up minus the drive side pannier. I would strongly suggest bar ends if you stick with the bull moose bars or find a bike that you can convert to drop bars. It honestly handled very well, but I think if I stretched the trip out longer, it would be on a drop bar bike.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 605
Bikes: 1966 Carlton, 197X MKM, 1983 Trek 620, 1988 Schwinn High Sierra, 1995 DBR Axis Ti, 1999 Waterford, 2016 DBR Release, 2017 Surly Travelers Check
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
8 Posts
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 7,927
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
Liked 644 Times
in
361 Posts
Wow, if Thrifty Bill says it is worth 350...that makes this local 200 dollar one look like a steal: 1984 Ross Mt Whitney- Deerhead XT .
Chrome is awsome, IMHO.
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
#16
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,558
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Liked 1,009 Times
in
650 Posts
Sure, as long as you know some of what your paying for is the cachet of this particular model. But for purely utilitarian reasons, many, many other old (and cheaper) MTBs are a better value for converting to a comfortable, practical tourer.
Chrome is awsome, IMHO.
Chrome is awsome, IMHO.
Can better vintage mtbs be had for $200? Sure. This is just a fairly unique one.
Last edited by wrk101; 06-28-14 at 05:23 AM.
#17
Ride, Wrench, Swap, Race
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Northern California
Posts: 9,333
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
Liked 1,392 Times
in
926 Posts
Using a road-bend handlebar on one of these old MTB's usually means having to use a short stem extension in order to keep the steering response neutral, since a road bar positions the rider's hands much further forward of the steering axis. This means that the rider will firstly want to select a relatively large frame size to extend the forward reach to the bars, since the seat tube's layed-back angle will pull the head tube rearward for any given top tube length.
There is good availability of .833" stems in the 7-9cm range, often these are the "Compe" brand, with the triangular-section extension. All such road stems will have a 25.4mm bar clamp btw.
This bike and it's 26" wheels will provide extra durability and stiffness, so might be an especially good choice for heavier load and heavier rider.
Four or five years ago I bought a pair of these Mt Whitney bikes in original condition for 125 each. I agree that they are pretty high-grade overall.
There is good availability of .833" stems in the 7-9cm range, often these are the "Compe" brand, with the triangular-section extension. All such road stems will have a 25.4mm bar clamp btw.
This bike and it's 26" wheels will provide extra durability and stiffness, so might be an especially good choice for heavier load and heavier rider.
Four or five years ago I bought a pair of these Mt Whitney bikes in original condition for 125 each. I agree that they are pretty high-grade overall.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 1,744
Bikes: Miele Azsora, Kuwahara Cascade
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I haven't noticed that. Like I said above, the last two vintage mtbs I bought were had for $120 or less and they were as nice or nicer than this bike. If some collector or chrome freak wants to pay $350 for this, that's fine with me, but IMHO it's worth about half that. Just giving my opinion. I owned this exact bike and I was not that impressed.
#19
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,766
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Liked 1,791 Times
in
988 Posts
I haven't noticed that. Like I said above, the last two vintage mtbs I bought were had for $120 or less and they were as nice or nicer than this bike. If some collector or chrome freak wants to pay $350 for this, that's fine with me, but IMHO it's worth about half that. Just giving my opinion. I owned this exact bike and I was not that impressed.
As far as an ATB like this as a touring bike...
I have an 87 Schwinn High Sierra- I also have an 84 Stumpjumper Sport.
The "flat" bars are not good distance bars. They simply lack hand positions- after 8 miles or so, my hands get sore on them. I've relatively recently converted the High Sierra to Drop Bars.... I really want to love my High Sierra- I've had it for 20 years, so much of what I love about bikes is encapsulated by this bike- the fillet brazing, the long wheelbase, the gazillion braze ons, the cool styling, the utlility, the elegance, the brutishness... But I'm just not comfortable on it as I am on my other tourers- It's cool to the grocery store, it's cool going downtown... I don't know if it's the 26" wheels, the geometry, or whatever.
I've considered converting the Stumpjumper (actually, that was the bike I originally was thinking about- I saw a Long Haul Trucker with that color and it looked as cool as all get out... However, my Stumpjumper feels much heavier than my High Sierra.
For whatever it's worth- some people are fantastic with distance on these bikes... I'm not.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#20
My 84 Schwinn Sierra turned touring bike ended up being sold for the same reason pretty much. It looked AMAZING, but it wore me out to ride it. I don't know if it was geometry, or just weight. It had decent components, adjusted to the nines. Shifted like a dream, no brake drag. It seemed like the brakes were lightly against the rim any time you rode it, when both wheels spun freely.
My C'dale M1000 is almost road geometry, so it rides much differently with drop bars. I am working on another C'dale M500 at the moment. It will be more of an offroad bike, but with Origin 8 Gary Bars, alloy 600 headset, hollow Titanium Specialized BB, etc. Going for as light as my stash will allow.,,,,BD
My C'dale M1000 is almost road geometry, so it rides much differently with drop bars. I am working on another C'dale M500 at the moment. It will be more of an offroad bike, but with Origin 8 Gary Bars, alloy 600 headset, hollow Titanium Specialized BB, etc. Going for as light as my stash will allow.,,,,BD
__________________
So many bikes, so little dime.
So many bikes, so little dime.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,954
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Liked 4,322 Times
in
2,382 Posts
Trekking bars work well with MTBs. It is an easy swap as all the parts go over. Your position on the bike doesn't change much either which is a big plus. Drop bars do change your position on a mtb and that may (or may not) be an issue. I put drops on my stumpy comp. I really like it but I had to fiddle with the fore/aft position on the saddle (long rails help) and I have to let myself get accustomed to it. I'd consider touring on it. Great for rough roads but won't handle quite as well as a dedicated touring bike:
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 1,744
Bikes: Miele Azsora, Kuwahara Cascade
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Furthermore, like I said above and as others have echoed, the ride on these is not nearly as nice as one would hope for a bike of this level. Sluggish and dead feeling, IMHO. I gave mine away for free to a friend who didn't have a bike.
If someone wants a beautiful, interesting vintage mountain bike because they like to collect things.... Yeah, maybe $350 isn't bad. For someone like the OP who wants a bike to actually ride on tour and on trails, this is a high price for a mediocre bike. Just my humble opinion.
#23
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,766
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Liked 1,791 Times
in
988 Posts
A pretty finish and a couple of fancy stickers will make a dud desirable.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#24
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,558
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Liked 1,009 Times
in
650 Posts
+10 If on a budget and practical, there are a lot of "better" choices. But if it is the bike you want, and it fits within the budget, why not? Worst comes to worse, you try it, you don't like it, you resell it and move on. Its not life altering money we are talking here (and if it is, then don't buy it!!)
If you want to probe the value for the $$, someone needs to explain why a made in Japan celeste Bianchi MTB is worth 2X what a similar era and equipped made in USA Trek mtb.
I have a chrome Katakura Silk (road bike) right now. If you add up what I have spent on it, I could have easily gotten a MUCH "better" bike. Do I regret it? Not for a second.
"In the old days", people toured on anything. One of my favorite youtube videos is the promo video of a group of college students riding cross country on total crap JC Penney's road bikes.
If you want to probe the value for the $$, someone needs to explain why a made in Japan celeste Bianchi MTB is worth 2X what a similar era and equipped made in USA Trek mtb.
I have a chrome Katakura Silk (road bike) right now. If you add up what I have spent on it, I could have easily gotten a MUCH "better" bike. Do I regret it? Not for a second.
"In the old days", people toured on anything. One of my favorite youtube videos is the promo video of a group of college students riding cross country on total crap JC Penney's road bikes.
Last edited by wrk101; 06-29-14 at 08:32 AM.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Incheon, South Korea
Posts: 2,835
Bikes: Nothing amazing... cheap old 21 speed mtb
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I've put a rack on that and taken it touring with a tent for two days. In fact until recently it was my long distance bike. Done up to 400km in one go with that one. More often 200km in a day.
Recently I got this...
Soma Double cross dc. Setup with 29 inch wheels (26 in that picture) its the ideal distance bike. I tried drops but really can't stand them. Both bikes are hand built and modded just to my liking. I care not what I could get if I sold them only that they are effective for the job I give them. Jack of all trades take me anywhere I want to go tourer/brevet/commuting bikes. The fuji also makes a fine xc bike with the right tires.
Last edited by krobinson103; 06-29-14 at 08:35 AM.