Post by siyashova on Jun 19, 2010 10:19:23 GMT
Hi guys
Myself and two friends will be cycling the Cape to Cairo route next year, up the African East coast and unsupported.
I've been reading lots about bike choice, touring bikes, Thorns, brookes saddles, steel frames, rohloff hubs.... lots! I'm still not convinced I need to shell out all of this cash and get the best or a even a cheaper touring bike for that matter. Perhaps if I want to cycle the world then yes, but its just 12000kms I'm looking to do. Currently I have an entry level mountain bike - a Trek 3700. I'm thinking that I should just use this, get an extrawheel voyager trailer and a rear rack and set of rear panniers (again I'm just thinking of getting the extrawheel panniers for both the trailer and rear wheel), and maybe a Brooks saddle. Perhaps I could also upgrade the gear system but otherwise keep the bike the same. Am I being stupid and will this turn out to be hard lesson for me? Perhaps a pennywise now, but pound foolish lesson, if you know what I mean?
Alot of people seem to think because its Africa that its going to be hectic offroad and sand riding. Personally I dont think this will be the case, as primitive as Africa maybe be to other areas, there are roads. So I question whether I need a bike that Rambo will be proud of.
Am I being stupid? I'd love to hear your comments and words of wisdom.
Blue skies and stay safe
Ria
Myself and two friends will be cycling the Cape to Cairo route next year, up the African East coast and unsupported.
I've been reading lots about bike choice, touring bikes, Thorns, brookes saddles, steel frames, rohloff hubs.... lots! I'm still not convinced I need to shell out all of this cash and get the best or a even a cheaper touring bike for that matter. Perhaps if I want to cycle the world then yes, but its just 12000kms I'm looking to do. Currently I have an entry level mountain bike - a Trek 3700. I'm thinking that I should just use this, get an extrawheel voyager trailer and a rear rack and set of rear panniers (again I'm just thinking of getting the extrawheel panniers for both the trailer and rear wheel), and maybe a Brooks saddle. Perhaps I could also upgrade the gear system but otherwise keep the bike the same. Am I being stupid and will this turn out to be hard lesson for me? Perhaps a pennywise now, but pound foolish lesson, if you know what I mean?
Alot of people seem to think because its Africa that its going to be hectic offroad and sand riding. Personally I dont think this will be the case, as primitive as Africa maybe be to other areas, there are roads. So I question whether I need a bike that Rambo will be proud of.
Am I being stupid? I'd love to hear your comments and words of wisdom.
Blue skies and stay safe
Ria