Is there any reason I would regret touring with my 80s ATB?

[ClementineCake]

Hi! This is my first bike since I was a kid, so I really have nothing to compare the feel of it to. However, it's mechanically in great shape, fun to ride, fits me perfectly (not easy at 5' tall) and has a long wheelbase (108.5cm). Heavy, but a similar weight to common Surly options for touring (though mine is mangaloy, not chromoly).
My plan is to spend a few months touring next year (and some short trips this year), but before I spend the money sorting out racks and bags, I thought I'd check here. Is there any major reason why this would be impractical for fully loaded touring (roads, paved bike paths, easy gravel)?

 

[Paulus]

Hi! This is my first bike since I was a kid, so I really have nothing to compare the feel of it to. However, it's mechanically in great shape, fun to ride, fits me perfectly (not easy at 5' tall) and has a long wheelbase (108.5cm). Heavy, but a similar weight to common Surly options for touring (though mine is mangaloy, not chromoly).
My plan is to spend a few months touring next year (and some short trips this year), but before I spend the money sorting out racks and bags, I thought I'd check here. Is there any major reason why this would be impractical for fully loaded touring (roads, paved bike paths, easy gravel)?

View attachment 784802

Non whatsoever.
Is the gearing low enough for touring? Other than that, maybe get some mudguards for it.
Almost any bike can be used for touring, as long as it's in good shape and is comfortable for you.

 

[figbat]

If it’s comfortable and reliable then it’s perfect! Being familiar with it is also a good feature.

 

[biggs682]

As long as the fit is right then go for it .
You might need a rear rack

 

[All uphill]

That is a cool bike!

I think it would make a great tourer.

 

[Jameshow]

I don't know how old it is but if you really load it up a cheaper free hub rear wheel isn't as strong as a cassette one. But chances are it will be fine.

 

[T4tomo]

Non whatsoever.
Is the gearing low enough for touring? Other than that, maybe get some mudguards for it.
Almost any bike can be used for touring, as long as it's in good shape and is comfortable for you.

Looks like it's a triple chainring with very low bottom gearing

 

[raleighnut]

Yep, rack and mudguards and it should be fine.

 

[ClementineCake]

Thanks all for the reassurance! I've put so much work into already making it a fun day-tripper, it's nice to know that I can take it on adventures with me too.

 

[PedalPedantic]

I recommend installing some slick, 1.25", high-pressure tires. Some 559's (26") that are good but increasingly hard to find: IRC Smoothie, Hutchinson Top Slick and Bontrager SR1. Don't go with cross-country tires. That, you will regret.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Main thing with touring is not to be over ambitious with daily distances, to have a comfortable setup, low gears, and balance the weight as best you can. I’d suggest some shorter mini tours to start to see how you get on. With it setup as in the photo, you could do a short two day tour with a hotel or bed and breakfast overnight to see how it feels.

 

[froze]

Older bikes are just as capable if not more so than newer bikes. Just make sure before you leave you have the bike gone through by having a complete overhaul done, and make sure you communicate with the bike shop what you are going to be doing with it so they can be more meticulous about it. Once that overhaul is done ride it for about week before you go to make sure they did everything right.

Carry a multi-tool and make sure that every day you're out you check all the bolts to make sure they remain tight, I do this every night after camp is set up so I don't have to worry about it in the morning, the only thing I have to do in the morning is check the psi.

I do a post trip like I said every night, and I ride a newer bike, nuts and bolts can loosen as the rig bounces down the road and vibrates which has nothing to do with the age of the bike. Pannier racks and bottle cages are famous for coming lose frequently, but check all the bolts.

 

[MichaelW2]

Looks fine but the cranks may be too long, how long are they?.
Long cranks will force little legs into big pedalling circles, knees too high and inefficient.

 

[ClementineCake]

Looks fine but the cranks may be too long, how long are they?.
Long cranks will force little legs into big pedalling circles, knees too high and inefficient.

152mm 😁 It originally came with 175 which was truly unrideable for me. Got myself a junior crankset and my joints are MUCH happier for it. I will refrain from venting about the industry's hatred of short people, but just know that I'm big mad about it 😂
It does require a higher cadence to make up for the loss of torque on climbs, but so far so good, I haven't run out of gears yet.


Better racks and mud guards acquired! I'll be moving to France in the spring and it's coming with me. There is so much touring I want to do, so hopefully we're a good team. I managed to do a lot of riding before the weather turned, but nothing loaded, so there will be a lot of finger crossing at first.

 

[biggs682]

@ClementineCake I have wanted to cycle around France for years so I hope you enjoy it.
Your bike sounds ideal to me as well