I just read “Lands of Lost Borders” by Kate Harris, which describes her bike touring trip(s) along the Silk Road in Asia. It’s incredible, and it stoked my desire to be in the wide-open spaces I’ve missed since I moved from the Western (red rock desert region) to Eastern US for grad school last year. I need an adventure, stat.
I decided to plan my own (much smaller) 5-day bike tour across my new state with a friend, which we won’t be able to do until summer 2025, due to grad school and the fact that I am out-of-shape (also due to grad school). I ride my road bike on local paths recreationally, but I’ve never done something quite this grand on two wheels. I’d like to get a touring bike soon to get used to the feel and make a serious step towards this goal. I’ve found a bike that I’m interested in buying on Craigslist in preparation for this trip:
[https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/d/alexandria-49cm-novara-randonee-steel/7704584729.html](https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/d/alexandria-49cm-novara-randonee-steel/7704584729.html)
The ad doesn’t mention the year, but I think it’s a 2012 or 2015 based on the paint. Is this a good option for getting into touring and something that can last me long-term for longer trips? Is the price reasonable? What should I look for when I check it out in person?
Also, does anybody have any tips for me as I prepare for this? I’m a big fan of outdoor adventures, but touring is new.
by woolfandthehare
10 Comments
Hey, that’s my bike! I have same and cycled South East Asia, India, Georgia to Italy, San Francisco to San Diego and Baja Mexico to Cabo San Lucas. It’s a great bike and the price is very good too. Make sure to get fit for it (saddle/ handle bars/ peddles) at your local bike shop! Get some front panniers and some Schwalbe tires and you’re good to go! Good luck. enjoy
I’d buy that. Looks like in great condition. As long as it fits you, should be great for adventures small and big – go for it!
I don’t know your future plans and preferences, but I have one caveat. The Radonee is an old-school touring frame. What that particularly means is that its tire clearance is limited by today’s standards. With the rise of the bikepacking approach, it has become more popular to ride rougher offroad routes, and for sandy terrain it is good to be able to fit wider tires.
For example, the other poster mentions that he cycled Baja, but he must have been on the asphalt highway, because the Baja Divide route that is now popular for traversing the peninsula requires minimum 2.60″ width. You can run that width even on some modern touring frames not marketed as distinctly bikepacking frames, but the Radonee’s design predates that development.
Great bike. You need to talk them down to $400 so you can buy a pair of Schwalbe Marathon Greenguard (700 x 35mm)tires & some lightweight dry bags for inside the panniers ( they dont look waterproof).You might find someone to buy the current tires as they look new. REI should tell u what size bike u need.
Also do a search on Cannondale Tourers T800 ST1000 T2000 might get a nice one for that price?
If it was me I’d buy it to just ride around your area while you finish up grad school. I would seriously take it to a good bike shop to have them check it over, then see a pro bike fitter to get the bike sized for you fir the type of riding you’ll be doing on your future tours. With their help you can get the type of touring bike decided on before you buy it. Always best to go with a steel frame unless your planning on touring minimalistic. If you are then look at an alloy frame or maybe carbon fiber if your touring on roads. But if you want a bike to do practically everything then check out the bikes that Surly makes. They have road, gravel, touring and some MTB….maybe not full suspension. Check with your colleges adult education department to see if they have classes in bike maintenance….always a great thing to learn if your out on the road on tour…and will save you money at the LBS if something breaks.
Ok, we can’t really tell if the drivetrain needs replacement or the wheels are out of whack or anything – but if it fits you it’s a very nice bike, and would probably take a lot of luck or patience to find at a better price.
Can’t help you with the price, but it’s a nice looking bike. On the pic of one of the rims, there is a spoke that looks like it’s caused cracking around the rim hole. Get a bike shop to have a look at it. If that’s the case you could be up for a new wheel or 2.
Enjoy!
If you’re new to touring I highly recommend disc brakes and the ability to run at least 40 tires, 45 would be better. Both give you much more control and a better ability to ride dirt roads.
Yeah, for the price, that one looks very nice! Love the wide range 3x – it’s perfect for touring.
From the pics, the front chainring looks worn and will probably need replacement either now or pretty soon. Excellent comments on larger tire size and frame size. I just built a semi custom tourer from a base Masi Giromondo 3×10 $1500. Added flat bar, shifters, saddle, pedals, and better tires (totaling ~$400).