First Tour... Just need a frame

[jakecundy]

Right, I am currently riding around on a Giant OCR3 that is about 5 years old. I also have a full set of parts from a mountain bike that I used, and then broke the frame of!
I am hoping to ride from Durham to Glastonbury over 4 or 5 days to raise money for Oxfam and Cancer Research. Now the OCR has no pannier points and also I don't want to overload a road bike. So I am looking for a frame with forks to do up as a tourer, ie use my mtb parts minus suspension and a skinny wheel set I have. The one stickler in the mix though is I only have V brakes and don't have the cash to buy a set as I am a skint student.
So what I am asking is, does such a thing exist, and if you happen to know where one is that would be handy as well!
Cheers!
Jake

 

[andym]

I'm not convinced you need a new bike/frame as I think you could do that ride on the OCR but...

Planet-X Kaffenback? Surly Long Haul Trucker? On-One Inbred?

You're still talking about at least £250 I'm afraid.

 

[jakecundy]

Ok maybe that is something to look into but I will defiantly not be able to afford that... So if I were to adapt the OCR would it be best to use a saddle bag and handlebar bag, as some users have suggested, or go for a seat-post clamp converter and p-clips? I am just worried about putting all the weight on the back, and as I will be doing this light I don't think a pannier would be a good option on a road bike.

 

[pkeenan]

I think you should stick to the Giant OCR3 because you're raising for Oxfam and Cancer Research

It's clearly a sign!

 

[andym]

I am just worried about putting all the weight on the back, and as I will be doing this light I don't think a pannier would be a good option on a road bike.

Most of your weight goes through the rear triangle. I think saddle bags versus panniers comes down to personal preference - the weight still goes through the rear triangle wherever you hang it. There may be some differences in handling as with a saddlebag the weight is further inboard - but also higher up. If you go for panniers try to keep the weight lower down and closer to the centre of the bike if you can.

Lots of people ask about using p-clips etc and I've never heard anyone come back saying 'I used p-clips and it was a disaster' (although equally seem to come back to help other people with the same question).

 

[bigjim]

Have a read of THIS. The guy cycles around the world using OCR/SCR road bikes. Put a stronger/wider tyre on the rear if you wish. The SCR [I,ve got one] has carrier fittings on the rear triangle, though the rear brake sometimes obstructs the carrier arm on one side, but you can use a P clip to overcome this or you can use a carrier that uses the brake bridge for a fixing point.

 

[jakecundy]

Had a read and that has really helped. Think I will be going for a good saddle bag option as I would rather have the weight closer to me, than hanging out crazily over the back.

My next problem though is I have is wheels... The wheels are getting very old, and need replacing. I have found some Mavic Open Pro's handbuilt on sora hubs for £100 for a pair. But also with tiagra hubs for £116. Which do you reckon would be the better buy...