Cycling UK Forum

I've just given my neighbour who is moving to New Zealand £30 for a dilapidated 2011 model GT Transeo hybrid. The only other bike I have is a brand new Scott Speedster S20, which I've just got for commuting and group riding and know is not the right bike to take touring. I'm going to Holland with my father in law in April for a ten day cycle tour and then in July I'm cycling down down to Chalon sur Saone in France where I'll meet up with my wife and kids who are driving there. So... I figured I'd buy the Transeo for 30 quid and do it up as a nice little tourer rather than shell out another few hundred on a new bike. Good idea?

Trouble is, the bikes been left in a damp shed for a while unused. It has no front brakes, no pedals, no seat or seat post and no handlebar grips. I have no idea what could have happened to these parts as I've never even sen the guy ride this bike. I got to spend an hour with it yesterday cleaning it up thoroughly on my stand and what is there seems ok. Mainly rust free too (except for a little on the chain) and all remaining components in good condition.

I am willing to spend a couple of hundred quid doing this bike up as a decent tourer but I'm not sure where to start really, having litlte experience touring or doing up bikes. Could I have some recommendations on decent seats, grips, pedals and anything else that would be essential for touring bearing in mind my budget of 200-300?

Thanks.

Shimano A530 SPD Single Sided Touring Pedals

Ergon Grips GP2 Standard Large

Brooks Saddles Imperial B17 Narrow Saddle

Rear Rack and Possibly Front as well, does your frame have fixing mounts for racks ?

Panniers

Possibly new chain and rear cassette

*Just my thoughts, nothings cast in stone*

road tyres then ride it for a bit to see if other things need doing. Wire type bottle cage (it takes 1lt supermarket plastic bottles).

The wheels should be checked / spoke tensions adjusted. It maybe that bearings need cleaning / lubrication too but probably don't. I guess the cables are ok.

Write a list of things to check and parts needed. Don't buy the parts until its all checked out. Try to buy bits that are reasonable quality, common and durable. These tend not to be the lightest. Also simplicity is good as you want to be able to fix/adjust/replace on the road.

Don't forget the cost of luggage.

Thanks,

I was wondering about the wheels. They seem ok though the rear runs a little out of true. The tyres are the original with a little wear so i'll get them changed. Popped into my LBS this afternoon and he said he would kit the bike out for me, complete with rack and mudguards and Ergon grips, new tyres (schwalbe marathon), new front brake (Tektro), M520 pedals (as I clip into MTB pedals on my roadie), saddle (basic) and new chain for £230.

Was tempted, but honestly was looking forward to getting in the garage and undertaking this refurb myself, so I said I'd get back to him.

Gave lots of advice though, so plenty of food for thought!

Seems (to me) a lot of money just to make it "tourable", I bought a Sirrus hybrid to ride across Spain and it only cost £200 ready to roll! I have an old GT too, an Outpost MTB, that cost maybe £50 to make tourable. All Ebay or Asda stuff, new chain, new tyres, guards, a Blackburn rack and bar ends. It's given 3 years service............so far.

Use the net and DIY.

seriously consider butterfly handlebars!

Yeah sorry I forgot to say it included a full clean and service of the existing gear set by the LBS as it is covered with crudeven after I scrubbed and degreased it. Anyway, I think I'll take all your advice and have this a do-up project. I'll learn a bit along the way as well which always helps. Considering getting a Dawes tourer on the cycle to work scheme as well - just as a backup and also a commuter! Maybe I can include some parts on the scheme that will fit my GT... or is that frauding the system?