Skeptic
Adventurer
Hi everyone,
I'm getting back into biking after a period of inactivity following some surgery. I know those of you that are involved in the type of riding I am looking to engage in can offer some advice.
I am in the process of selling a Canonndale road bike and a Trek 8000 mountain bike. Both bikes are 30 years old, and I'd consider keeping the Trek if it could be fitted with disc brakes. From what I've researched, this doesn't seem to be practical. In the meantime I bought a Trek DS3 for general riding and fitness. It's a great hybrid, and I'm currently doing 60 to 70 miles a week on it, generally on weekends.
I'm interested in bikepacking, and the proximity of the North Georgia Mountains offers me a lot of opportunities to ride FS roads and some light trails. I'm not particularly interested in singletrack or hard core trail riding but rather to explore and camp along the way.
I need a bike that's suitable for this, but can also support longer self-supporting rides during vacations, which include segments of pavement and non-pavement. An example of this type of ride would be to ride the length of the Outer Banks in an upcoming trip I am planning.
Something like the Surly ECR or Troll seem ideal. They appear to be very capable and of good quality, but I don't want to rule out any other practical alternatives.
Any thoughts on these bikes or alternatives would be helpful.
Also, how important is a suspension fork to this type of riding? I am aware that the higher volume tires absorb much of the shock, and a front suspension fork limits front mounting options for packs and accessories. Any comments on this?
Thanks
I'm getting back into biking after a period of inactivity following some surgery. I know those of you that are involved in the type of riding I am looking to engage in can offer some advice.
I am in the process of selling a Canonndale road bike and a Trek 8000 mountain bike. Both bikes are 30 years old, and I'd consider keeping the Trek if it could be fitted with disc brakes. From what I've researched, this doesn't seem to be practical. In the meantime I bought a Trek DS3 for general riding and fitness. It's a great hybrid, and I'm currently doing 60 to 70 miles a week on it, generally on weekends.
I'm interested in bikepacking, and the proximity of the North Georgia Mountains offers me a lot of opportunities to ride FS roads and some light trails. I'm not particularly interested in singletrack or hard core trail riding but rather to explore and camp along the way.
I need a bike that's suitable for this, but can also support longer self-supporting rides during vacations, which include segments of pavement and non-pavement. An example of this type of ride would be to ride the length of the Outer Banks in an upcoming trip I am planning.
Something like the Surly ECR or Troll seem ideal. They appear to be very capable and of good quality, but I don't want to rule out any other practical alternatives.
Any thoughts on these bikes or alternatives would be helpful.
Also, how important is a suspension fork to this type of riding? I am aware that the higher volume tires absorb much of the shock, and a front suspension fork limits front mounting options for packs and accessories. Any comments on this?
Thanks