Bike for Long-Distance Ride

[starman314]

Hi all,
I have done most of my riding on an MTB, but I'm planning on riding across the US this summer so I'm looking into getting a new bike for the trip. The trip is going to be van supported, so I think a sport-touring or road bike probably makes the most sense. I've been looking at the Bianchi Eros or Veloce Triple. Does anybody have any opinions on these bikes or suggestions on other bikes that I might want to look at?

Thanks for your time,
Starman314

[Scott'sTrek1000]

No suggestions, but DAMN that's a long ways. More power to ya.

[Triodelover]

Hi all,
I have done most of my riding on an MTB, but I'm planning on riding across the US this summer so I'm looking into getting a new bike for the trip. The trip is going to be van supported, so I think a sport-touring or road bike probably makes the most sense. I've been looking at the Bianchi Eros or Veloce Triple. Does anybody have any opinions on these bikes or suggestions on other bikes that I might want to look at?

Thanks for your time,
Starman314

OK, you've got my admiration for even thinking about it. You might want to look at framemakers/bikes that focus more on touring/randonneuring. In the US, Heron, Rivendell, and Waterford come immediately to mind, as well as the host of custom framebuilders, like Sascha White at Vanilla. Mercian in the UK has been building hand-made touring frames in a variety of styles since 1946. Mercian prices are very reasonable, IMO, and they'll build to customer specs for no extra charge. Peter White Cycles in NH carries a complete line of components and accessories aimed at the touring/audax/randonneur market.

If I were going to put that much time in the saddle on a daily basis, I would think that a custom frame would more than be justified (and so would my tush ;) ). And I wouldn't think twice about a triple.

[gruppo]

Hi all,
I have done most of my riding on an MTB, but I'm planning on riding across the US this summer so I'm looking into getting a new bike for the trip. The trip is going to be van supported, so I think a sport-touring or road bike probably makes the most sense. I've been looking at the Bianchi Eros or Veloce Triple. Does anybody have any opinions on these bikes or suggestions on other bikes that I might want to look at?


Two good books about long distance cycling that discuss equipment, among other things, are:

THe Long Distance Cyclist's Handbook by Simon Doughty
The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling by Burke & Pavelka

I think both are worth a look for both bike advice and all the other things you want to consider on your quest.

[Brunswick_kate]

Another place to look for information is a site entirely dedicated to cycle touring and that's at www.crazyguyonabike.com

[keydates]

What about the Bianchi Volpe? I think that's a touring bike.