Touring Bike for cheap

In this video I misspell the myth that a good touring bike will set you back thousands of dollars. I show off my own touring bike that I have used for eight years and that initially cost under $ 100. You will learn about what features really matter for touring, such as the lugged chromoly frame and the simple 18 speed gearing with friction shifters. There are still lots of good bicycles from the 80's and 90's out there that can be turned into excellent touring bikes. You too can have a touring bike for cheap. You can order the seat I have on my bike from Amazon here: www.amazon.ca/...

[@25inspector]

You are inspirational to all us working people who can't afford an expensive bicycle to tour.

[@the1andonly]

Thanks. Well, I've been there and realistically I'm there now. But here is the secret (with making a video about): How badly do you want to go on tour? You'll eventually have to sacrifice something and make the big tour your priority. That may be the hardest part.

[@TheRDMagee]

I bought an old Bridgestone MB2 about 11 years ago for $100. Past about $200 in upgrades to it. My other bike is a Rivendell Atlantis, which was around $3000. And you know both bikes rode exactly the same, smooth and comfortable. The beauty with the Bridgestone is that it was so beat up that no one would pay attention to it, but every once in a while I’d get a knowing ‘nice bike’.

[@debaucheryonpiano7144]

now go get an MB zip with all the money us saved

[@ukpaul9221]

Dear Jorg - you are a breath of fresh air in a world where style and 'designer labels' often override good sense. I mourn my self-modified Dawes Streetwise which I gave away after doing some long UK rides to a colleague who wanted to do similar charity rides. At a church Jumble Sale an UNUSED 1990 imported bike didn't sell and so I picked it up for £40GBP! (ca $50 US) I didn't use it for years and then decided to give it a real service and 'going-over' and add carriers etc to it. The drivetrain incl shifters are all upper mid-range Shimano as were the brakes - the bars and stem I replaced (from stock) with added horns, all softly padded. The main additional cost was basic front and rear panniers, Schwalbe Range Cruiser tyres, a h/bar bag and a small top bar tool bag and a few gismos like cycle PC, horn, lights and flashers etc. (all 'economy' items). I already had bottle carriers and other bits and pieces beforehand from my own stock. Over a few years I probably spent another £75-100+GBP - roughly

[@peterweikel7123]

I am guilty of riding a 3000 dollar touring bike. I did however start with a bike I had in the garage and didn't ride much. I added a couple racks, tuned it up, and lost the low spoke count wheel set for a 36 spoke wheel and off I went with the wife and dog. People do tent to way over think what they need for a bike. Just about any bike you like to ride will get it done with just a little thought

[@joearnold3594]

The more mechanical skills you have the less money you need to spend on your bike. Just like a car. If you are a great auto mechanic you could head out on a 3000 mile journey in a $500 car. If you have zero mechanical skills then it is advisable to invest quite a bit more. A 1980's bike might actually be a better choice for someone with mechanical skills as quality began to decrease during the 2000's as price pressure forced manufactures to lower costs to keep bike prices down. New bike prices are way lower than they were decades ago. The biggest issue can be obtaining parts for older bikes. If you have limited skills and are on a tight time budget then you may not be able to wait for parts to show up for an older bike. If you are a decent mechanic it is much easier to jury rig these older bikes to keep moving down the road. Also, old cheap is way better quality then new cheap. Tire and wheels are something I don't recommend going cheap on. Safety factors first as a tire or wheel failure can be deadly. With a bit of shopping on eBay and in local shops you can find something new or newish that is less likely to fail. I actually love friction shifters and had a set on my touring bike until they finally gave up the ghost after tens of thousand of miles. Almost never need to adjust anything when running friction shifters. My current touring bike is a single speed with a steel frame that I paid about $200 for it new. Almost zero maintenance issues as there are no gears or cables (other than brakes) to worry about. Transferred my racks and bags off the old bike and hit the road. Hills are a bit more work and a bit slower, but I'm loving it. I plan to take it on many tours in the coming years. I agree that most people spend way to much on a touring bike. I encourage people to take what they have or can afford and start with trips close to home. Ride out to the state park and spend a night camping there. You will learn very quickly what you need and what is excess weight or money. Upgrade as you go. Thanks for the video!!

[@the1andonly]

That's very true. Thankfully bicycles are relatively simple and most of us can learn the basics, which also helps a lot once out we're out there on the roads, regardless of the type of bike we're riding.

[@fredtroutman2252]

Jorge I am 100 percent with you I only tour around my area I have some vintage touring bikes in my collection but when you can take a decent frame and piece your own touring bike together and you can ride that bike you built is gratifying you won. I enjoy building and riding my own creations also. Great story!

[@the1andonly]

Fred Troutman Hi Fred. Thanks for the encouragement. Those old lugged chromoly frames are tough to beat when it comes to touring. Bikes have changed a lot, but simplicity never goes out of style! Happy trails!

[@mycatisdog]

Just stumbled on your vid. That was great. I loved you used a tree branch to fix a part on your bike. It gives me hope in the coming year

[@the1andonly]

Thanks, Blake. Sometimes you have to get creative to keep going. 😉

[@josefkapelj3842]

This is one of my Favourites seem to always go back to this one.How true old school cro moly mtb are the best. Keep up the good work.

[@the1andonly]

Thank you! Yes, I'm a firm believer, just like you 😉

[@elwynanderson9947]

Outstanding message. You have accomplished more touring than most of the folks I know with their expensive bikes. Inspirational!

[@BrianRPaterson]

You are a man after my own heart. The challenge of making the most out of what you've got can be very satisfying. It certainly beats just throwing money at it. Plus you can fix the bike easily and cheaply when it goes wrong.

[@the1andonly]

Thank you Brian. It sure helped a great deal for my tours. We are in Mexico at the moment, still touring with that bike 😉

[@themadatheist1976]

Been looking at getting a dedicated front pannier rack, glad to know a rear one can be made to work to save me some money.

[@the1andonly]

It works quite well, but you'll have to make sure your rack has enough clearance. I recently put on another, slightly larger one, which seemed like a good idea, but the one in the video was abetter fit and I might go back to it. We had to push our bikes through rivers in Colombia and never had to take off any panniers. It was great.

[@themadatheist1976]

@@the1andonly ya, was looking at front ones and they seem to be far more expensive than rears. And the cheaper ones might interfere with disc brake on a bike I'm planning on getting. I might salvage the rear panel on my old bike to see if I can get that to work.

[@dazzasp3]

Iv got a diamondback topanga 1992 still going strong 👍

[@timporter8886]

Wonderful video, plain, simple, down to earth &honest! Can't help but like this man.

[@RameshSingh-ps8oy]

Love from India 🇮🇳 🔥

[@dr.terrible]

ive built 2 very similar touring bikes, and they are amazing. rear rack mounted on the fork is all you need for a touring bike! the megarange freewheel is also a great investment

[@POPPASHANGO]

Hey Jorge! I remember that bike back in the days when we worked together. Glad to see you still enjoying it! Keep the videos coming!

[@the1andonly]

Hey Tony. Thank you for watching and saying hello. Yup, that's the same bike and it's seen a lot of territory by now.

[@POPPASHANGO]

@@the1andonly I can certainly agree with that! Be well Jorge. All the best for you and yours!

[@craigwideglide5669]

I converted my 1994 diamondback traverse in to my touring bike. It is comfortable, strong, and reliable. Paid $10.00 at a yard sale. It is unbelievable how much we could spend on a new bike.

[@the1andonly]

So true, Craig. A lot of the new technology is not rugged enough for touring on rough roads.

[@louiskirby4266]

Spot on cobba , a good quality old school bike Can do the busines I rode from Baili to japan on a mtb 26 inch wheels 11,000 IN 6 MONTHS

[@the1andonly]

That's pretty awesome. Must have been quite an adventure. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@yardsalecycles]

I got my touring bike frame for $20 and build it for about $150

[@the1andonly]

That’s awesome! Happy trails👍

[@user-mx7sb7kx1j]

Thank you Sir nice video very inspirational I'm a new fan here from the Philippines. 🇵🇭

[@dogmatictales]

Great video. Cycle touring should be accessible to all

[@paulfroome3530]

I agree it is not necessary to spend loads on a touring bike. I worry about taking expensive bikes on touring holidays. I prefer to be comfortable with giving my bike away at the end of my trip it I'm not needing it to get me home.

[@the1andonly]

I once had that in mind for this particular bike, but couldn't part with it

[@samuelmjlfjell]

Thank you this video was so good I have a 1989 Cannondale touring that my dad gave me. And I'm using it as my touring bike. The racks are 40$ front and rear. I put handlebars from a street cruiser. And aero bars too.

[@the1andonly]

Hi Samuel, that’s awesome! Glad you enjoyed the video 🙂

[@samuelmjlfjell]

@@the1andonly I got schwalb marathon tires.

[@tlister67]

I have been collecting various 80s era bike available for cheap. Even bikes that do not fit can be good for parts.

[@SimpleTrax]

I love my old rustbucket bike, it has dents, it has history, I will probably never part with it. I have made long trips with a dented rustbucket. Bike does not matter, the simpler it is, the better. Cheap bike allows more freedom.

[@alexfunes1466]

Hello Mr. Jorg. Great video showing how an inexpensive bike can still be saved and used on a regular basis. It looks like you've gotten your money's worth and then some with this unit. I hope that at some point and time you would consider doing a complete restoration of this bike back to pristine condition as a way of thanking it for all of the travels it has given you. I'm sure your sentimental side has you thinking of this possibility, I sure would like to see you do it. Greetings from California USA, Happy New Year to you and yours !!

[@the1andonly]

Hi Alex. Thank you. Yes, that bike would sure be worth this kind of restoration. However, I’m not done touring with it. I have actually rebuilt this bike twice, pretty thoroughly. Wishing you all the best and happy trails!

[@DIY-DaddyO]

A bit of hard work and patience helps. After a bit of eBay hunting I picked up an old 80’s mountain bike frame made from Reynolds 531 with canti bosses. Never thought of using a rear rack on the front. Great idea, great video.

[@the1andonly]

You may have to modify it a bit for clearance, but some will fit just like that. Happy trails!

[@nickdavis9280]

Great video! How to get the best out of a bike for sure. Easy to maintain!

[@the1andonly]

Thank you for the feedback, Nick. It means a lot.

[@BluecollarBackcountry]

Hi Jorg, I just found your channel while surfing KZbin and watched this video which caught my interest because I recently restored and modified a 1984 Schwinn. I haven't toured with it but have done many miles with it so far. I subbed your channel and look forward to seeing more. ATB, Tony

[@the1andonly]

Hi Tony, thanks for the encouragement. I'm a big fan of those older bikes and their simplicity. They allow you to do a whole lot of great cycling on a modest budget. Thanks for the sub and welcome to the family ;)

[@p.g.reitsma7245]

Hey Jorg. I like your enthusiasm for touring on old steel bikes. My expedition touring bike is a 1988 Norco Kokanee frame that's been modified with extra rack and bottle cage braze ons and also powdercoated. I'm pretty sure I've seen you in Bike Edmonton. I've been a loyal customer for 6 years, and have found many useful parts and components there.

[@the1andonly]

Hi and thanks for the nice feedback. Those old mountain bikes are fantastic for touring and they can be found and modified for a fraction of what a "real" touring bike will cost you. Yes, you may have seen me at Bike Edmonton, but most the time I'm volunteering during "closed" hours to build up bikes.

[@tatlongbikekalang1390]

I have a 1993 touring bike, a 1993 single speed mtb and a 1983 road bike that I restored and use. All three probably cost me around $250 after restoration and will definitely last another 30 years.

[@SuperJohnfoster]

Best video so far on touring bike

[@the1andonly]

Thank you, John.

[@mazditzo]

yup, mostly agree with your perspective, I started with my old 90s mtb upgrading to decent components cost was 200$.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Great video. If you do find another touring frame for disc brakes, try hydraulic discs, they are very powerful, easy on your hands, and the modulation is better. I had a 26" wheel touring bike with downtube shifters, and cantilever brakes. My old hands and neck are much better with thumb shifters, and hydra disc brakes. Happy trails!

[@josefkapelj3842]

I always come back to this early video gives me inspiration. I do have a question how many kms do you change out your chain? I'VE done 5000km and the cassette was still fine with the change.Your 25000 km on the Norco is very impressive .Did you use same chain and rear cassette or free wheel cluster gears? I ADMIRE your thinking and knowledge. Once again keep up the great work. 👍

[@the1andonly]

When on tour, I try to keep an eye on the chain and the kilometres. Here at home however I just check the chain periodically without paying attention to kilometres. The chain I have on right now needs to come off, but it's been on since April and the freewheel still looks good. I've changed my shifting habits a bit to use more of the sprockets and thereby avoid wearing out my favourite gear all the time. I simply check my chain with a ruler. It it's "stretched" by 1/16" over a 12" section, it's time to retire it. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@rodrodriguez460]

Hi, Jorg. I believe we share the same philosophy about bicycles. If it works and we have a passion for it, go for it!

[@the1andonly]

Hi Rod. Thanks for your encouragement. Glad you share the same passion. There are a lot of great older bikes out there.

[@johnshaw8228]

I have a bicycle right now. I paid $19 for the frame and changed wheels and tires and mounted racks. I had another real cheap frame that I fitted for touring. I got to where I was going just as fast as somebody riding a bike that cost $3000 who had more expensive fancier equipment than me. I went from the south east coast of Florida near West Palm Beach To San Diego California and a total of 54 days with 43 days cycling. I read many journals by people who did basically the same route. I got there faster and just as well. Do not be tricked into thinking that you have to pay $2000 to go on a long distance bicycling tour.

[@the1andonly]

Awesome! You did the tour without going broke. My first tour also took me from Florida on west, but I went to Mexico via Brownsville, TX. I have written about the tour and what it taught me. The book is "Destinations are Fake" and I'm planning to talk about it more in upcoming videos.

[@johnshaw8228]

Jorg Schlagheck Besides doing Florida to California five times, I also cycled Florida to El Paso twice. On one trip to El Paso I followed Roads close to the golf of Mexico and over to Brownsville. From there I went north and then someone west to El Paso.

[@reeceholmes8546]

i got my bike given not 2 days after i decided i wanted a bike again, cosmic!!!

[@rockgsxr]

Your bike looks cool, it has a story to tell, it has more character than a modern bike in a shop.I'm sad i sold my 1995 steel kona

[@the1andonly]

You might be able to find a great old bike that fits you and make it yours for the long haul 😉

[@shawncoventry5377]

Nice bike. I'd like to try my hand at touring someday soon.

[@the1andonly]

Thank you, Shawn. Touring is awesome. You can start off small and go as much as you can enjoy, at your own pace. I'll never get tired of it.

[@mpt12345]

Great video, thanks for sharing! Good luck and safe riding!

[@the1andonly]

Hi Mikheil, thanks for the encouragement and welcome to my channel.

[@wishnuwardhana6583]

May I guest: Stem: alloy insert 21,1 mm made in Taiwan Tire: i'm not sure but i think this is Deli Tire / Lucky Stone skinwall made in Indonesia frame absolutely this is familiar for me, i think maybe this frame made by Federal Cycle Mustika from Indonesia for Norco brand. But, since 1997 Federal Cycle Mustika is stop production.

[@the1andonly]

Thank you for this insight. I think Kuwahara had almost identical frames at one time.

[@wishnuwardhana6583]

@@the1andonly Kuwahara Japan and Federal Cycle Mustika was join production in 1990. Good job brother

[@the1andonly]

@@wishnuwardhana6583 They made good bikes. Thank you my friend.

[@filipeteixeira6707]

So inspiring! Great narrative

[@the1andonly]

Thank you 🙂

[@HikingFeral]

A lot of people need to see this video lol. My bike was also cheap. Yeah I've upgraded loads of the parts but it rides like a dream and I don't care when stones scratch it etc. I look after it though and it looks after me.

[@angelopiccinelli7455]

Hi Jorg: Good video! You are absolutely right. Everything that you say is true. You also have a nice headset on your bike - an old Tange. Get a CrMo steel bicycle that once (in the1980s/1990s) cost USD 1'000,- to 2'000,- new in store - and one is good to go. Brands: Norco, Scott, Trek, Giant, Specialized, Schwinn and so on. It must be CrMo steel frame, because is very long-lasting, comfortable and can be repaired/welded. Aluminum or Carbon frames are not recommended. Like you, I prefer these non-friction top-mount shifters, because with these more or less every front and rear derailleurs and cassette or flywheels are possible. More or less every front derailleur, that fits, does the job. About rear derailleurs there are many that are good. Long cage type is important. Shimano Altus and up. The older Shimano Tourney are also fine, the newer ones are not so good. 9-speed a Shimano Shadow rear derailleur like the Altus reaches 36-teeth-sprocket, which is very good. But 6- or 7-speed cassettes and chains last way longer than 9-speed. I prefer cranksets with 44 or 42/32/22 teeth, because they are very good for climbing. V-Brakes have more brake power than Cantilevers. Cheap and good V-Brakes: Shimano Alivio or the basic model and up. Very good: Shimano Deore. Good tires: Schwalbe Marathon Plus. Good rims: Ryde Andra40 or Ryde Sputnik, they last up to 65'000 km. Highly recommended, but not available everywhere. A lot of good bicycle parts are not expensive. Fancy and expensive stuff does not mean that it lasts longer. Good and long-lasting parts have a certain weight. There is also no high-security bicycle lock that is lightweight. One can consume bicycles. Buying a Carbon bike today and another tomorrow. Spending thousands of dollars. There always will be a fancier one. Or one can buy a CrMo steel one for cheap and ride it forever. Also: For the price of 1 fancy bicycle one can buy many old-school CrMo steel ones. With an electric bicycle for example one is getting in a trap. With an electric bicycle is always something. Battery, controller, motor issues. Charging problems. Decent motor, bad battery. Decent motor and battery, but bad derailleurs, shifters and brakes ....and so on... And even if the whole technical setup is fine, one is thinking all the time of where to charge the battery next. Compared with electric bikes almost no issues with the old-fashioned bicycles. Cycling can be freedom. Cycling must be freedom. But batteries and motors kill the feeling of freedom. One is not independent, not free anymore. And to reach a good training level, being in a good shape, one has to pedal with the own human power. As you say, the whole bicycle industry always wants to sell new bicycles and stuff. Therefore they are selling and telling a lot of lies. But everybody can think and decide.

[@the1andonly]

Thank you Angelo.

[@djeasy5899]

I bought a Focus cross bike used 4 years ago for the equivalent of $140. It still rides very well. A week ago it got an upgrade. However, the old Shimano deore LX derailleur lasted 32,000 km. I can leave my bike anywhere without worrying about someone stealing it. If you take care of it and maintain it regularly, then you can always stay mobile with little money and also go on long tours.

[@the1andonly]

Yes, those older bikes are pretty much indestructible. Thanks for sharing.

[@Dziku888]

Brooks saddle is the 2nd well invested little pile of money to the touring bike, 1st one are wheels. Rest (maybe exept brakes) may be dirt cheap.

[@the1andonly]

Thanks for the feedback, Daniel. I agree with you, but would add the frame. It pays off to have a quality frame. Personally I look for chromoly tubing, lugged and with forged dropouts

[@Keithrock-c7y]

Very nice video, thanks for making it, it`s cool you developed your own touring bike, I did the same over the last 16 years on a bike I got fairly cheap (Cahill explorer).

[@the1andonly]

Glad you enjoyed the video. There are many great older bikes out there that are perfect for touring. Happy trails 😉

[@jeffcamungao5488]

thank you for this video. I'm also planning to do touring next year ( Winnipeg to Calgary ) but i want to build my set up first. will do follow your video for sure! You truly inspires us!!

[@erikjohansson1488]

Really good video, thanks for sharing.

[@kennethcolbert2921]

Friction shifters are the best. I have them on my surly disc trucker people thinks I am nuts to put them on my bicycle it's like you said not much to go wrong with them.

[@yasboco]

Very good video.Do you have pic or video with luggage panniers loaded while on your journey

[@the1andonly]

Thank you, Mohamed. The most recent one is from last summer, when we did a camping trip. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIOcq4uLa52ZoKc. You can also go back further, to the Videos from Colombia or Destination Canada 150. The bike is still blue there, but it's the same one.

[@johnsshed995]

i wont tell you how much i spent on my touring bike , But I sware by old megarange freewheels (There a must have) a new one of those and a derailer cost more than the rest of the bike did . Modern marketing tells you you need the best of everything which is far from the truth . Ride what you have .enjoy the freedom and be happy ;-)

[@the1andonly]

Well said.

[@jpvillarosa9252]

I recently bought a $40 1995 Specialized Crossroads XP steel hybrid bike that I built up to be a touring bike. Upgrades were less than $100.

[@spacerconrad]

I picked up an old Bianchi Ocelot in trade for a clean/tune of two other bikes. Not the best deal given that I replaced everything but the frame, but I don't mind. With parts I had laying around, it became a 26x2" tired drop bar touring bike for the apocalypse.

[@the1andonly]

Beautiful!

[@peterumwelt6333]

Sometimes the music is too loud for me to understand your words clearly. im not native english and some lexic terms are new to me. thanks for this valuable tips and advice of yours! love it and your relaxed low budget aproach to life. missed that part with most the other cyclist if seen so far

[@the1andonly]

Thanks for letting me know, Peter. I've had some struggles improving the audio on my videos. This one wasn't the best, but it became very popular. I think my newer videos are better in that regard. I'll have to make an updated version of this one at some point. Little has changed on the bike though.

[@Korina42]

Hi Jorg; great video and it's amazing and wonderful all the touring you've done. Regarding your brakes; your bridles are a bit high, so you don't get the most leverage. Also, you might try some Kool-Stop pads; they're not that expensive and they work really well. If they're still too expensive, do you make sure and rough up your pads with some sandpaper every couple thousand kilometers? They can get glazed with use. I agree wholeheartedly about the versatility and durability of '80s and '90s mountain bikes. My sturdy steel street steed is a 1992 Specialized RockHopper (purchased for US$75) equipped with rear rack, swept handlebar, fenders, and of course a Brooks b17. Pretty Purple Princess Penelope takes me anywhere I want to go in comfort and style. 🙂

[@the1andonly]

Hi Korina, thank you for the feedback. Good tip about the brakes. I actually use Kool-Stop pads on this bike and it is amazing how well they perform and last. Happy trails!

[@ccwweeman3385]

Thanks for sharing sir very impressive im now on the hunt for a similar bike ,im in the middle of making one out of a 10 year old aluminum hybrid bike but loving your steel frame , can i ask what model is your norco bike ? Your videos are really interesting keep up the great work and stay safe out on your travels ...colin👍🏻🔥🏕🚴‍♂️ 👍🏻 🙏

[@the1andonly]

Yes, it is an early 1980's Norco Sasquatch. Those were originally pink and had wide handlebars. You can find similar bikes from Kuwahara and a few other brands. The frames were made in Japan. Thanks for sharing and all the best for your project!

[@ccwweeman3385]

@@the1andonly thanks buddy very much appreciated cheers...colin 👍🏻🚴‍♂️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿☀️🏕🔥

[@mikekilburn3552]

I agree all my bikes have the old derailers

[@greece2023]

excellent explanation

[@bikeandsee1647]

The true thing.

[@PAUL-uz9lq]

I got 10 Bikes and I spend for all this Bikes max 250€ (all with full DEORE LX, some STX ...) GUDEREIT, GIANT, UNIGEGA, WHEELER, FOCUS. It's my hobby and i able to fix all this BIKES, if i need this.

[@the1andonly]

We share that hobby. I love working on bikes almost as much as riding them.

[@davidp187]

Right On! Its like an old Harley man.

[@Chrisb8s]

I love it. That bike is epic.

[@the1andonly]

Thank you, Chris. They sure don't make them like this any more, but there are still plenty of those bikes out there. They're good to go for another 30 years with just basic maintenance and minor repairs.

[@terryleebo]

I have a similiar frame, a 1988 Trek 520 and want a front rack like you have. Is that made of steel? I have an alumnium rack on the rear, but would find steel easier to work with if modifying it to fit.

[@mistermatsuda]

My 1990 Bridgestone MB6 is still going strong. It needs a tune up though.

[@ARCTERYXSWEATSHOP]

Wicked video thanks

[@the1andonly]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@tomby513]

Thanks for posting this! Not planning on touring anytime soon but maybe in the future. Found a nishiki expedition bike from the 90s. It's not a lugged frame is this a deal breaker?

[@the1andonly]

Not necessarily, as lugged frames kind of disappeared due to TIG welding. If your frame has forged drop outs it is usually a good quality frame you can use for touring. The thin staled ones can be a "deal breaker". Thanks for the feedback, glad you enjoyed it.

[@johnshaw8228]

tomby513 I got a mongoose IBOK in a Goodwill store for $20. Knew it cost about $1400. I may have to put on new components on wheels, but that is a small price to pay. So many people believe today that they have to go out and spend $2000 on a touring bike to ride across the USA. You do need the right kind of bike, Yes, but you can get the right kind of bike in many different ways without having to mortgage the farm to do it.

[@tomby513]

@@the1andonly Really appreciate the reply. I was raised with a cheap Canadian Tire bike so don't really know how to identify a quality frame/bike

[@tomby513]

@@johnshaw8228 thanks John totally agree! Great find!

[@Korina42]

From what I found on a quick Google search, the Expedition was a lower-end bike, but it should still make a good road/townie/commuter/whatever bike. The old mtbs are extremely versatile; you can build them into whatever you want. HTH.

[@joeway8665]

Cool video. I have an 86 Norco with racks and a really bad Armour rust-paint, paint job. Your paint job looks pro.

[@the1andonly]

Thanks. It's not easy to repaint those frames. It took a ridiculous amount of time to prep and then the paint took really long to harden.

[@josefkapelj3842]

Thankyou .

[@BruceChastain]

I love it. the real deal here.

[@alirezafazeli8222]

Thanks for sharing. How did you protect yourself from bear attacks while cycling across Canada?

[@skidooomaas4296]

I really appreciate what you've done here, but as a short person (almost 5'2") I doubt finding small enough frame. Any tips or tricks? Of course shorter stem and other parts help but still... Luckily I got enough money for my current bike which is now adventure ready.

[@the1andonly]

Thank you for the encouragement. We actually had the same problem when it came to finding a good bike for my wife, Barbara. Hers is a late 1990's Schwinn Frontier. They were available with very small frames. We added an adjustable stem and we'll probably upgrade to thumb shifters for the next big tour.

[@Korina42]

Trek made the SingleTrack 900 series mtb. back in the '90s; very good bikes that came in sizes down to 15.5", which is plenty small enough. Scour CraigsList and eBay, and any local bike co-ops or other sources for used bikes. I found my ride at a pawn shop. The small sizes are harder to find, but if you really work at it, you will find one. You could even post a WTB ad on CraigsList.

[@skidooomaas4296]

@@Korina42 Yes! That's a great piece of advice at least if you live in US. I live in a small city in Finland. We have couple of internet market places too and some flea markets buy and sell used bicycles.

[@Korina42]

@@skidooomaas4296 It was a gamble whether you live in the US or not; your name vs. your very good English. I'm sure there are European mtb brands, and I'm sure they came in small sizes. Like I said, you have to work at it, but you can find them. I'm 5'4" myself, so I hear you about small bikes. Worse, they come with stoopid long cranks "for the leverage" like gears aren't a thing. They also have very long top tubes, so you'll want a very, very short stem and/or swept bars; I really like my Velo-Orange Porteur bar.

[@skidooomaas4296]

@@Korina42 Oh, thank you! I feel like I can never be sure if my English is okay enough/understandable and my name is gibberish. And yes that is quite true, it sometimes feels like bike manufacturers think that short people don't cycle or if they cycle, they don't need that good bikes. Sorry for that rant! Luckily I've got my bike, and shout out to other short people finding their bikes!

[@guruluitel3823]

I need one.

[@SantoshSingh-rn4yj]

You are information is very helpful 👍

[@marcomcdowell8861]

Awesome!

[@the1andonly]

Thank you. Glad you liked it.

[@StarEssences]

Go on BikesDirect.com. Their bikes are half the cost of what they usually sell on the retail market. As for camp necessities, I ordered from e-bay from China. My whole cost for everything including a new bike is around $1800.00.

[@stephenlaws1836]

Hi Jorg , do you have any contacts where I could get a 6 speed cassette with a granny gear , please? I live in Spain & my 30 year old MTB is my main source of transport, although I'm mainly on tarmac, it's quite hilly here , I also tow a small trailer quite often , thanks Steve

[@damonthomas8955]

Geez! That seat is radically tilted up in the front, is that a form of birth control?

[@the1andonly]

Nope. It's a well broken in Brooks B17, tilted the way I'm comfortable on it. Thanks for watching 😉

[@streglof]

Super informative but the background music is waaayyy too loud and distracting.

[@lromeroyt]

Common guys ...who are you saving the money for? You are not taking it with you either....so, buy Surly, Salsa, Koga, Kona, ... aluminum, carbon, titanium, disc brakes, brooks saddles....hahahaha....I live being cheap too!

[@the1andonly]

That's fine if you have the money. For the rest of us, there are ways to have an equally good touring bike (if not better!!), for a fraction of the money. If you're wealthy enough to go on a months long ride and still buy an expensive touring bike, KNOCK YOURSELF OUT!

[@matthewlewis9356]

I still use v brake on hybrid bike and think i disk brake over rated on road bikes. mountain bikes i understand u need disk brakes

[@amit2897]

Nice bike...

[@hobocyclist]

Anyone can do this. good vid!

[@jonmagoo5986]

do you wear a helmet?

[@shaukatkhan1600]

How many prise

[@towtowstrailtalk6853]

I had a bike just like it put 5000 miles on it wish I’d kept it

[@the1andonly]

I almost sold this one before I put the Brooks seat on it. So glad I didn't.

[@towtowstrailtalk6853]

Jorg Schlagheck They’re hard to find,

[@freddiestubblefield8526]

👍👁❤☝️

[@somethingreal5042]

Can a alu buke work

[@the1andonly]

Yes, blue bike is awesome ;)

[@Korina42]

@@the1andonly I think they meant an aluminum bike.

[@PAUL-uz9lq]

in Germany Bike in this condition and w. this Komponens max. 10€

[@the1andonly]

I'd come to Germany to pick it up! However, something tells me that your $ 10 bike isn't anywhere near the quality and condition of my touring bike.

[@PAUL-uz9lq]

@@the1andonly I'm not kidding. I buy sometimes from Scrap Metal Yard. People in Germany bring old stuff to this Place and sometimes I pick a real treasure. Cost always 10 bugs. Last Raleigh Roadbike from 80z was original and in best shape, just dusty. After clean, polish and new Brakepads I sold it for 300 easy. And buyer was so happy to get something special like french vintage bike, like this Raleigh. Sometimes I buy on ebay in my Area. So I surch for Bicycle suround 50km and who put an Bike for 1€ i bit in last minute. So if this bike is in some Village, nobody will bit for sure. So sometimes I am lucky and get Bicycle for cheap money. So I got my Gudereit Trekkingbike DEORE 3x7 (like Touringbike with 700C Wheels and Schwalbe MARATHON 35c) I got planty good bikes in my garage. Price use to be 20 years ago 1000€ each.

[@roddinandracin1153]

Bike touring is a fun low buck hobbie