doog
....
- Location
- The beautiful south
I have a Raleigh 4130 Cromo framed mtb (circa 80/90's) sat on my turbo in the garage that I fancy converting to a touring bike. Ive toured for a few years on a Tricross so have all of the gear inc racks.
The Tricross isnt ideal, carbon forks etc, and I could probably do with lowering the gearing with where I fancy going in the near future (love mountains) Also the spesh attracts a lot of attention and could do with a wheel upgrade.
I have worked out I can achieve a 26" steel framed rugged tourer for less than £200 and I would interested in anyone's views on my proposed purchases.
Wheels, 26 inch , Mavic XM317 hand built 36 spoke -£86 for both from Rose.
Chainset - Shimano Alivio 44-32-22
Cassette- Shimano HG41 11-34 --- with the above gives gear inches of below 17"
Bottom Bracket -BB UN 55 - plus a new chain
SRAM MRX - Comp swift shifters - the original arent great.
Butterfly bars
New cables
I carry 20kg in the panniers fully loaded and weigh 14 stone.
There are lugs for the racks on the rear and my low riders will fit on the front with a clamp on the forks (lugs at bottom)
I am just about to retire, so will be upping my touring big time (perhaps US coast to coast but certainly another big Europe tour quite soon). Mainly on road . Am I best doing this or spending out on a Thorn/ Surly LHT or similar. I appreciate these components arent top notch but are cheap and easily upgradeable and the frame fits for the turbo in reach (but notice the saddle height)
I think I would get more satisfaction out of progressing on something I made rather than blowing a grand or two on something purpose made.
Any thoughts?