Updating a Bob Jackson

[dodss]

Hi ,I'm a newbie on here and this question in general might have been done to death before.If so please tell me where to search.
I'm 65 and did vet Triathlons till a few years ago on my Bob Jackson.More of a runner and a swimmer so don't know that much about bikes.Still go out once a week or so, cheaper than the gym.
I want to do some touring in Scotland and having been in the Yorkshire dales so I know my gearing is not up to steep hills.My question is:the suitablity of putting a triple ring etc to get me into Touring mode .I would go to my LBS to sort his out.The frame is Reynolds 531.
Or am I wasting my time and money and should I just bite the bullet and buy a new bike.I am on my second bike for Triathlons having bought cheap the first time.Otherwise the bike is comfortable.

Great site by the way.

 

[PpPete]

Not an absolute requirement, but touring is best on a frame with a fairly "relaxed" geometry, which typically allows clearance for mudguards as well as something a little chunkier than a "racing" tyre.
Does it have mounting eyes for mudguards next to the front & rear drop outs?
Mounting points for a rear (or even front) rack?
If yes to both, then definitely suitable for touring.
Or if you can post a side-on picture of the bike in it's in current configuration?

Whether you want to spend the money to change the gearing, as opposed to buying a new bike is another question. If the frame geometry is right then personally I think there is nothing better in a tourer than Reynolds 531, but whilst changing the gearing yourself might well be cost effective, having an LBS do it could well be an expensive proposition.

Anyway - first thing is to figure out if frame geometry is suitable. If you bought it specifically for triathlons then it may well not be suitable.

 

[dodss]

Thanks for the info. No mounting eyes; I fiddled on a clip on rear mudguard for my present winter use .The frame is a Reynolds 531 Competition if that adds anymore.
If I go on to buy a new bike I suppose you get what you pay for but do I really need to spend £700 plus to get a suitable bike.My main interest is in long distance walking but I will be doing a touring ride once year maybe more as I get older.I have in mind Inverness to JoGroats next year to extend my version of walking/biking JOGLE.
Although my present bike with add ons probably cost £700, its now looks a bit beat up so not so desirable.I am concerned about security of a new bike on trips.

 

[PpPete]

Sounds to me like your existing bike may be well be less than perfect for touring.
Security is always a concern - would be even on your less than immaculate Bob Jackon.
You could join your local CTC and see if any local members selling anything.
And put a wanted ad in the classifieds in here. Don't forget to give some idea of size required.
You mention Yorkshire Dales- although without saying if you live nearby. If within striking distance of Harrogate, Spa Cycles are probably worth a vist, they seem to specialise in tourers.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Have a look at the tourers on here. They all seem to get a reasonable write up and there is a good spread of prices.

 

[dodss]

I live in North Lincolnshire, I am going to let my LBS take a look at it. He has previously serviced it .The Revolution Country Traveller looks a decent bike.

 

[dodss]

My update was completed a couple of weeks ago and I am pleased with the result.Now a triple ring but needed a new head set,freewheel ,cables and general service.I bought front bag and rear rack and panniers.My bill wasn,t itemised so guess the update was around £180.

 

[PpPete]

Sounds good, that will be one seriously fast tourer.

Did they replace chain at same time?, I do hope so.