Touring bike - looking for advice.

Hi,
In May next year, I plan to leave for a tour across Asia.
I want to put together a touring bike based on a mountain bike frame. And this is where the problem starts. I just don't know which frame to choose.

I'm sure I'm gonna go with a steel frame, but not sure which one yet. There are 2 bicycles (complete) that I have in mind. One is ELDRIDGE GRADE and the other one is BEAR VALLEY, both by Marin.

Does anyone know anything about these 2 models?
Are they good for touring after small modifications?

Here are the linkf for:
Eldridge Grade -
http://www.epinions.com/bicycles_200...y_~full_specs#

and Bear Valley -
http://www.marinbikes.com/html/spec_04_bear.html

Thanks,

Bart Z.

Do you intend to carry the load in a trailer?
What road surfaces do you plan on?
REI carries both of these bicycles and various stores stock different models. I have seen and ridden them there.
Disc brakes take a little time to break in, but have advantages in stopping power and staying out of water/dirt.
I think your idea of steel frame is sound.
I think these two Marin steel frames are the same but have different components and paint jobs.
I like shock forks for the absorbtion but I would be concerned about their servicability when/if you are far from a shop that has wear parts and trained/experienced personnel.

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David Ornee, Western Springs, IL USA

Thanks for your fedback.
The reason why I'd like the steel frame is the roads. I will spend half of the trip or more on dirt roads (backroads in Siberia, Mongolia, China etc.)
I thought about the front shocks and most likely I will replace them with a regular fork if I buy one of those bikes. Instead of a trailer I'm going to use racks. Why did you ask about it?

Perhaps there are other bicycles or steel frames that you could recommend for that kind of trip. Please, let me know.

Thanks,

Bart Z.

Bruce Gordon Rock N' Road Tour-Ex
http://www.bgcycles.com/rnr.html

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David Ornee, Western Springs, IL USA

although high quality steel frames have no rivals when it comes to long distance touring, aluminium ones are getting better and better. for example, koga-miyata now has some really great aluminium bikes designed especially for world travellers. the benefit is the weight. if you're more cautious, you may still enforce the frame by adding additional small diameter tubings welded between the head tube and the rear corner of the back triangle.

however, marin is a pioneer in mountain-biking and personally i wouldn't think they would manufacture any poor quality frame.

and one more good side of a decent hydraulic disc brake set is that it needs no repairs, as there are no wirings to tear apart. also if it would need some repair, it's much easier to access them without removing the panniers. and the last good point is that you will be able to use your brakes also in a heavy rain or mud.

good luck.

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Frank
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http://www.plitkorn.com

I'd go with the cheaper Marin-- too many things might happen to the bike and who wants to loose over a thousand bucks? Heck, have your LBS ready to ship you any parts or even a whole new replacemnet bike if your's gets ripped off.

I'd also go with the stock frount suspention fork-- - keep it as simple as possible

Just get a regular mountain bike cromoly kind of frame with all terrain tires. Ive done similar trek here in USA with such a bike before, very little problem or none. My nex proyect: Do "The 3er world" in a single speed fully loaded.
Im glad if can help
Matojo

Im going to be doing some of this ride "Naked"

Eldridge Grade is an excellent choice. This is my number two MTB. Ichiban is Jamis Exile (also a thing of steel and a joy forever). Try to get a 2002/2003 Eldridge Grade. The 2004 has disk brakes. Great for DH but maybe worrisome in Ireland or rural China where you are the LBS;-) Also check out Cane Creek's Thudbuster. This will convert your Eldridge Grade into a semi hard tail, especially if you mate it with a Brooks saddle. Also consider Cane Creek ergo bar ends. They will help you crank up hills. Finally, I would swap the WTB Motoraptors for Continental Verticals. The Motoraptors are superb tyres for rolling over Durango baby heads but you will find the Conti's reduced rolling friction superb for the rough going you anticipate. Try to get the Kevlar variant. Gambatte! On another bike forum I usually sign out as :roflmao: (emoticon-my head rolling down a Durango mesa ;-) May not work here- this is my first post.

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lowenherz