What makes an old mountain bike a touring bike?
Another reason these old mountain bikes make great touring bikes is the wheels. They are durable because they are built to handle off-road use. Look for wheels with the following characteristics: 26-inch wheels- Most mountain bikes of this era use 26-inch wheels. These were built before 29ers became popular.
Do you need braze on old mountain bike?
Braze-ons- If you plan to use panniers and racks, make sure the frame and fork have the necessary braze-ons for mounting them. Most old mountain bikes have braze-ons. If you plan to use bikepacking bags, braze-ons aren’t required. For more info on bicycle touring luggage, check out my guides: Bikepacking Bags Vs.
Do you need camping gear for a bicycle tour?
Unless you are planning on a “credit card” tour, you will need camping gear. Apart from saving money, bringing your own sleeping equipment will provide you the freedom you need to explore the more remote regions, normally the best ones for bicycle touring.
What makes for a good mountain bike tour?
A good mountain bike tour always has some walking. If you know you’ll face monster climbs, make sure you’ve got low, low climbing gears. The added weight of your gear can make tough climbing a lot tougher. A 20- or 22-tooth small chainring can make everything better.
What’s the price of a mountain bike build kit?
There are price points that brands strive to hit because consumer segments are fairly consistent year after year. Beginners buy affordable bikes. Enthusiasts and athletes will spend more. There are usually predictors that make it safe to offer similar price points on build kits every year.
What kind of gear do I use on my bikepacking trips?
Here, for your curiosity, is a complete list of the equipment I currently use on my cycle tours and bikepacking trips, together with manufacturer and retailer links (affiliate links are marked with an asterisk; full policy here ). The list reflects the personal preferences I’ve developed over 14 years of road-testing and refining.
A good mountain bike tour always has some walking. If you know you’ll face monster climbs, make sure you’ve got low, low climbing gears. The added weight of your gear can make tough climbing a lot tougher. A 20- or 22-tooth small chainring can make everything better.
How long does a premium mountain bike last?
Regardless of the cost or components, any premium bike should last years, and if maintained correctly it should outlast the buyer. Still, there’s debate about what a good build is and is not.