Could I Tour on This?

[willem]

Well, by the looks of it those are 48 spoke wheels, and the tyres are not that narrow either. So the bike may be old, but pretty fit for purpose. I think you should still fit the widest possible tyres. They are way more comfortable, and that will also protect the bike from vibration. Also, you will have fewer punctures, and on real roads they are faster.
Have a close look at your gearing, and see what you can change. Steel chainwheels don't cost much, and 48-38 instead of 52-42 would make a difference. Similarly you may need a new cassette anyway, and if you do, get a wide ratio one, perhaps even an mtb one (a cheap mtb rear derailleur does not cost an arm and a leg). For the brakes, maybe change the cables, and perhaps the brake pads: on my old road bike proper Koolstap Salmon pads made quite a difference.

 

[mjr]

Have a close look at your gearing, and see what you can change. Steel chainwheels don't cost much, and 48-38 instead of 52-42 would make a difference.

The traditional double was 53-39, wasn't it? So even replacing only one chainring to get 52-38 should just about be possible.

a cheap mtb rear derailleur does not cost an arm and a leg

Bit of a shame to put cheap MTB kit on if it's got a nice road one and you can get along without it, IMO.

I agree on upgrading the brake pads. So many road bikes have horrible pads on, it's annoying. Shimano pads are surprisingly bad.

 

[earlestownflya]

The traditional double was 53-39, wasn't it? So even replacing only one chainring to get 52-38 should just about be possible.


Bit of a shame to put cheap MTB kit on if it's got a nice road one and you can get along without it, IMO.

I agree on upgrading the brake pads. So many road bikes have horrible pads on, it's annoying. Shimano pads are surprisingly bad.

nah...the tradition certainly in england was always 52/42 for a very long time...pretty much obsolete nowadays.53/39 has been around for ages now ,and the choice of the pro rider..and a much better combo....you're just a young pup.,mrjay
oh..sorry,that's mjray...dam these old eyes

 

[Drago]

I know a guy who cycled on the river ouse down its entire length using a bicycle strapped to a canoe. If you're determined and resourceful you can tour on pretty much any bike. Fortunately the one you've chosen looms like a reasonable starting point anyway.

 

[earlestownflya]

I know a guy who cycled on the river ouse down its entire length using a bicycle strapped to a canoe. If you're determined and resourceful you can tour on pretty much any bike. Fortunately the one you've chosen looms like a reasonable starting point anyway.

he must have been darned determined to cycle a canoe,when he could have used the bike strapped to it!....only joking..i think i know what you mean

 

[raleighnut]

Well, by the looks of it those are 48 spoke wheels, and the tyres are not that narrow either. So the bike may be old, but pretty fit for purpose. I think you should still fit the widest possible tyres. They are way more comfortable, and that will also protect the bike from vibration. Also, you will have fewer punctures, and on real roads they are faster.
Have a close look at your gearing, and see what you can change. Steel chainwheels don't cost much, and 48-38 instead of 52-42 would make a difference. Similarly you may need a new cassette anyway, and if you do, get a wide ratio one, perhaps even an mtb one (a cheap mtb rear derailleur does not cost an arm and a leg). For the brakes, maybe change the cables, and perhaps the brake pads: on my old road bike proper Koolstap Salmon pads made quite a difference.

It'll be a 36 spoke wheel with a screw on freewheel on a Raleigh of that age, it might be possible to get a 7 speed one to fit (depends on how much clearance there is between the end of the freewheel and the dropout)
Gearing range will be limited by the short cage rear mech though.

 

[jay clock]

Personally I would struggle with a 38 chainwheel even with a 28 or 32 at the back.

Do check heel clearance if you use panniers

 

[mjr]

nah...the tradition certainly in england was always 52/42 for a very long time...pretty much obsolete nowadays.53/39 has been around for ages now ,and the choice of the pro rider..and a much better combo....you're just a young pup.,mrjay
oh..sorry,that's mjray...dam these old eyes

You're very kind calling me young and I've a 52/42 on the vintage but it looks like the front cage could handle a bigger difference between rings which would make sense if it's meant to cope with 53/39... anyway, the OP will have to look at their own bike and measure stuff if they're considering changing gearing... I'm considering touring on 52/42 with 14-28 but I'd be travelling fairly light if I do - maybe 15kg luggage if I can.

 

[bigjim]

I've toured on a bike like this but more original. The OPs bike has already been modernised with those STIs and I suspect that is a cassette hub at the rear. If not, the bike will take a 14-34 megarange freewheel on the back. I never changed the rear mech on mine. I'd fit the freewheel first and see what happens. A megarange mech is about a tenner if you need to change it. The brakes will be fine if they are serviced and fitted with modern blocks. Those single-sidepull Weinmanns are pretty powerful. I have them on one of my bikes and they are fine. I'm a big heavy chap and have no problems.

 

[Gert Lush]

I've toured on a bike like this but more original. The OPs bike has already been modernised with those STIs and I suspect that is a cassette hub at the rear. If not, the bike will take a 14-34 megarange freewheel on the back. I never changed the rear mech on mine. I'd fit the freewheel first and see what happens. A megarange mech is about a tenner if you need to change it. The brakes will be fine if they are serviced and fitted with modern blocks. Those single-sidepull Weinmanns are pretty powerful. I have them on one of my bikes and they are fine. I'm a big heavy chap and have no problems.

You are correct, I had a 11-32 fitted at the back.

 

[jonny jeez]

You can tour on anything.

So, Yes.

 

[Gert Lush]

You can tour on anything.

So, Yes.

I did say this might be a stupid question

 

[jonny jeez]

I did say this might be a stupid question

Sorry, I didn't mean to sound patronising. It was meant as a vote of confidence as in, don't overthink it , just go for it, , you'll be fine.

In hindsight perhaps I should have just written that.

Also, as others have said, your bike is far better equipped for touring then most.

Enjoy

 

[Gert Lush]

Sorry, I didn't mean to sound patronising. It was meant as a vote of confidence as in, don't overthink it , just go for it, , you'll be fine.

In hindsight perhaps I should have just written that.

Also, as others have said, your bike is far better equipped for touring then most.

Enjoy

I know I was just messing. That's the problem with written word as we all know. It's all okay my end

But thank you, I might try and grab a cheap pannier and rack and give it a go. I've put a lot of money into this bike already and don't want it to be left unused when the new one comes in.

 

[TheDoctor]

Yes! If you like it and it'll carry your stuff somehow, then it can be toured.
I've got a fixed, a flat bar hack, a road bike and a Brompton. Toured on all of them.