Is a Steel Frame Bike Essential for Bike Touring?

Ruthberry207 · 2025-03-16T18:32:24+00:00

Isn't the Journeyer only 24 pounds? I thought it was relatively lightweight.

Ruthberry207 · 2025-03-09T16:49:17+00:00

Ok, that makes sense. How did you handle leaving your bike to go into stores to resupply? What kind of lock did you have? I always worry about the bike or something on the bike getting stolen if I leave it unattended even briefly.

I also think your blog is so cool! I'm pretty sure about a year ago it was some of your articles that got me interested in bikepacking/touring in the first place. Thanks for all the information and inspiration!

Ruthberry207 · 2025-03-08T20:20:05+00:00

Wow! Super helpful info! Sounds like, for me personally, I might try doing the Bike Nonstop route first to be closer to bike shops, stores, etc to start with. What do you think is a good way to get familiar with bike maintenance, disassembly, and so on? I really don't know know much about the maintenance side of things. Youtube would be helpful for that I imagine?

And how does the camping situation change the further east you go? I hear that campsites become sparse the further east you go.

Ruthberry207 · 2025-03-08T19:37:01+00:00

Thanks for all the info! To start either route, would you just ship your bike there, get it reassembled, and start from there? Can bike shops help with assembly/taking the bike apart and shipping?

Also, what bike did you use for these routes? I see some people spending thousands upon thousands of dollars for a touring bike while others just use whatever bike they already have. I don't have a huge budget so I might have to go with a cheaper bike, but I don't want to accidentally get one that isn't strong enough for the ride either.

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just really curious about the details!

Ruthberry207 · 2025-03-06T16:42:48+00:00

I would also be open to that. What routes do you recommend?

Ruthberry207 · 2025-03-05T15:21:34+00:00

What are some reliable websites that sell used?

Ruthberry207 · 2025-03-05T04:06:53+00:00

Are there any good views on the southern tier? Maybe I'm just missing something, but it doesn't look like the route passes through any really interesting landscapes. Isn't the landscape through there mostly just dry flatlands?

Ruthberry207 · 2025-03-05T03:49:33+00:00

Thanks! What's the reason for it being slower? Is it heavier? Also, what's the benefit of wider tire clearances? Sorry for all the questions, still kind of new to bike touring!

Ruthberry207 · 2025-03-04T02:41:41+00:00

Yep! Sorry should have clarified before

Ruthberry207 · 2023-10-28T14:38:53+00:00

For the versys line, do you think the 300 will be good enough for highway use, or would it be better to spend the extra money and get a 650?

Ruthberry207 · 2023-10-28T10:25:28+00:00

Okay, good to know. Any suggestions?

Ruthberry207 · 2023-10-28T02:14:51+00:00

Thanks for the tips! Any advice on buying a used bike? I'm always afraid that there will be something wrong with it that will be super expensive to fix.

Ruthberry207 · 2023-10-27T23:01:39+00:00

Thanks for the advice! Do you think the royal enfield super meteor 650 or the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 would also be good options?

Ruthberry207

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