Hey guys

[bikehog164]

Hey guys I'm new to the whole cycle thing that is not to the shop Anyway I wouldn't mind having a little go at touring but am not sure if my Dunlop special edition mountain bike would be good enough? Thanks.

 

[welsh dragon]

Hi. Welcome from Powys. Hope you enjoy CC.

 

[bigjim]

You can tour on any bike but some bikes make it easier than others. Are you thinking of touring off road or on?

 

[Gravity Aided]

Offhand, some bikes make it easier to attach panniers to them. This one does not, due to the considerations for the suspension, as well as the added weight of the suspension. But if you are off-road touring, you may need this. There are many sites on S24o Touring, or Sub 24 Hour Touring. Many people there use ultra light backpacks and seatpost and handlebar bags to get things done. A backpack raises your center of gravity, though. If you like touring, and plan to do a great deal of riding like this, a purpose built tourer may be useful.

 

[boydj]

Cycle touring is a great way of spending time, so go for it. However, I think you'll find that bike very hard work after a fairly short distance. Anyway, you'll need to build up a bit of fitness before embarking on any touring, so get some mileage under your belt on your current bike, building up slowly and getting to know how your bike handles. After a few weeks, get down to a bike shop and ask to try out a road bike - preferably a tourer - and compare the difference.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Hi @bikehog164 and .

As mentioned already, you can tour on any kind of bike. However, this isn't the ideal bike for touring as very cheap bikes like your Dunlop are heavy, slow and hard work over longer distances.
I speak from experience as I had this as a runabout for 5 years:

The difficulties you'll have are that although it has the eyelets down by the wheel to take a rack it can't have the upper eyelets because of the suspension design. It may be possible to custom make stays to make a rack fit the rear triangle of the bike but I don't know how secure it would be.

The other option would be to use a rucksack (the option I had to go for) which is obviously much easier but is usually less comfortable for carrying luggage. Rucksacks designed to keep an air gap between your back and the body of the bag are available and would help reduce the sweatiness.

The best option of all would be to use a more suitable bike. A tourer would be best but may be more than you'd like to spend. Alternatively a rigid framed mountain bike can be converted into a reasonable tourer. For example, this is my current knockabout bike:

 

[bikehog164]

Thanks for all the help will have a look at converting my bike if I can't find a cheap enough replacement, thanks again guys.

 

[bikehog164]

Another thing is would it be a good idea to go with a friend or should I not bother? I don't mind going without company, but I was just thinking about if there was an accident or some such thing.

 

[Old Plodder]

Three things against your present mount - weight, suspension, & tyres.

However, I think most of us started out on a heavy(ish) bike & enjoyed ourselves, so don't worry about changing anything yet.

What you want to do is get some gentle miles in first. Be that on or off road, don't expect to do more than around 10 miles, unless you have fitness from another sport.

Build up the mileage slowly & enjoy the riding. Once you have a better idea of what is involved, then will be the time to think about your next bike. the one you have now will serve you well as a hack bike in the future.

 

[Old Plodder]

Another thing is would it be a good idea to go with a friend or should I not bother? I don't mind going without company, but I was just thinking about if there was an accident or some such thing.

If you like company, or if you are unsure, yes. The more you ride, the more your confidence will build.

 

[Gravity Aided]

I think it may be a good idea to give some short rides a try, Friends are always nice to have along. It used to be a near necessity, so you both could carry all the spares and such you would need for touring, but cell phones, and the ability to call someone can be a great thing. But if there is someone you can ride with that you get along well with, that always shortens the miles.

 

[bikehog164]

Thanks again guys just looking to sort out a route to cycle now.