Considering cross country this summer - questions

[gone_fishin]

ok, here's the deal...we don't mind getting you started in the right direction, but this "traveling" topic has quickly become "technical" in nature...and a bit repetative in some cases...let's start taking these seperate questions about seperate components to the proper areas...start browsing "rack-mount" to learn a lot of what you're asking, the "Garage" is chock full of good techie stuff, lots of engine info's already there...then "bump" what you find with your specific questions

when you have a specific answer, come back to this topic and tell us what you've leaned and/or decided

 

[Cutwolf]

You're right, augi. Thanks for all the advice guys.

I'll be back

 

[gone_fishin]

cool! i'm looking forward to watching the show...have fun

 

[Roy Carpenter]

I don't know guys...he he...all that long distance stuff sounds like a sore butt to me...lmao.

 

[Cutwolf]

Going back to my original question of which bike to buy...

http://www.rei.com/product/744804

vs

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI401G00-Surly+Long+Haul+Trucker+Bike.aspx?sc=FRGL


Which is, on paper, the better buy for my purpose?

 

[gone_fishin]

26" is the only choice...way more options on beef-i-fying it.

and, there may be a small "flaw" in your intitial concept...altho it will still be a bicycle, you are going to be building a motor-vehicle...try a bit of shopping with "heavy-duty" frame in mind. the surly's a neat "road" bicycle, but it's been designed for "road" lightness. only my opinion, & only trying to help

 

[Cutwolf]

This may be totally ignorant, but I thought the Surly's frame was one of the heavier and stronger frames out there being steel and all?

 

[gone_fishin]

i was speaking of the entire bicycle...sorry for being vague. i shouldn't have specified "frame." i just feel (imo) that if you started there, you'd be changing out so much of the other components.

however, there may be a "flaw" in my idea of your idea...i just don't usually equate full-on roadbike with motorizing, but why the heck not? if you're an avid pedaler, then go for it. consider something lightweight for your power-assist, like the golden eagle zenoah 25cc, and create a whole new sub-genre

 

[Cutwolf]

And there may be a flaw with my idea of bike engines - equipping an engine to a pure road/touring bike is uncommon/not recommended?

 

[gone_fishin]

traveling by motoredbike is becoming quite common...i guess it's time the "class" defines itself.

shoot, almost burned another dinner, that was close. ok, i'm back.

most use a mountainbike style ride, then accessorize for road trips. i think it's the suspension that does it for 'em. but, if you're already a road-biker, then let's DO think about this from your point of view.

i don't own or have any experience with the more popular chain-driven rack-mounts, altho i know they're heavy-duty and quality. but i can again highly recommend you consider the lightweight golden eagle system as a marvelous match to a built-light roadbike...the more i think about this, the more sense it makes...and if we (or i) have led you to think you're limited to certain styles, then we've done you a disservice.

i say rock on, and build for distance if that's your thing