Touring on a cross bike?

[Baalzamon]

Whoa! This generated a lot of discussion. Thanks for the feedback, at this stage I'm looking at a Kona Jake the Snake which in my size has a 425mm chainstay so probably within the region that I'll need to shift panniers slightly. I'm 6'3, 83kg and wear a size 46. That said I'm not looking at any really epic tours just yet, trying to ease a couple of mates into some serious riding so it'll probably be just 3-4 day treks at this stage.

What other options do I have around the Jake the Snake ($1700-$1900) mark as far as bikes go, given I'll probably need to budget around $500 for other equipment.

From what I can tell online Jake the Snake
Mudguards?
Front rack?
Can't see eyelets for them
And of for touring, steel is real

[il padrone]

This?




Alloy frame with no rack eyelets, nor mudguard eyes. Ovalised tubing to the extreme = very dificult to use p-clamps to fit racks.

I guess you could fit the Freeload racks to it, but these are really not ideal for fitting panniers either.

It does not look like an ideal CX/touring conversion, to me.

[Aushiker]

This popped up at Reddit. This guy is touring on a Surly Cross Check.



Andrew

[Uncle Just]

This journal on CGOAB is worth reading about a young man who did a long tour on a Surly Cross Check in 2010 .. http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1 ... =6976&v=pu

[jasonc]

it was suggested that I post this image here showing how strong a wheel can be:



sorry about the cross post

[J Quinton]

And of for touring, steel is real

Dream on...

[Baalzamon]

And of for touring, steel is real

Dream on...

Well I'd like to see you get Alu or titanium repaired in a rural town or even more remote.

[KenGS]

Surly bikes
Cross bikes.
I like to tour on my Happy bike

[il padrone]

Like all good travellers my bike is a Nomad