Do I need another bike?

[kwackers]

I'm thinking about doing some touring next year (it's years since I last did any).

Currently I have a pair of road bikes and a MB. What I want to avoid is buying another bike.

So, obviously (I'd guess) the road bikes would make poor tourers. But I'm wondering if I could use the MB, what I was considering was replacing the wheels and cassette with something more road friendly.

I could probably buy a second hand tourer for the price of the wheels and cassette, but then I'd have another bike (and I'd be loathe to give it up once I'd gotten it)...

Any thoughts?

[AndyB]

So, obviously (I'd guess) the road bikes would make poor tourers.

That depends on the type of touring you want to do; I'm sure you could use any of your bikes if you really don't want another.

Come on Kwackers, someone with 374 posts under the belt should know that we need to know - how far, fast, long, lightweight or kitchen sink, and most importantly camping, B&B, ...! (Sorry - that's only meant to be a gentle dig!)

[zenzinnia]

What I want to avoid is buying another bike.

?????? I don't understand this statement!

[hamster]

It all depends on your MTB. If it's an oldish one with rack eyes then it's easily convertible:
1 Swap to fork to a rigid one
2 Add 1.5" or similar slick tyres
3 Add barends to give a choice of hand position

I rode the Pacific coast of the USA on a bike like that, with days up to 80 miles with camping kit.

Depending on the frame you might also be able to fit drop bars and mudguards which I find preferable. PM me if you wnat some photos to get the idea.

[kwackers]

That depends on the type of touring you want to do; I'm sure you could use any of your bikes if you really don't want another.

Come on Kwackers, someone with 374 posts under the belt should know that we need to know - how far, fast, long, lightweight or kitchen sink, and most importantly camping, B&B, ...! (Sorry - that's only meant to be a gentle dig!)

OK - I'll come clean. Reading the forums has made me realise I want to do LeJog. I'm a very light traveller and happy to camp, probably be on my own and would be looking at doing it in 2 weeks (could be pursuaded to take longer, but it comes out of my annual hols etc).
So basically, small tent plus whatever will fit into one (or two) panniers and a small rucksack.

I've a ali Raleigh road bike from around 1980 (which has done me proud over the years), a recent carbon Kuota (thank you bike to work scheme) and my MB is a Marin (Hawk Hill).

I can't imagine the Kuota will be up to carrying luggage (only because it feels so light) The Raleigh may do it - although I'd be tempted to put indexing gears on it. But obviously the Marin is much more robust which is why I thought with a change of wheels it may be my best bet.

?????? I don't understand this statement!

My bikes live in the hall - by the grace of her indoors. One more might just be one too many...

[peter236uk]

I am in the same boat sort of have 2 many bikes with 5 at last count