I am planning to cycle the Americas (Patagonia to Alaska) next year. I would like to ride off-road on dirt roads as much as possible. Considering that in some sections like the Andes you can travel mostly dirt but in some sections you may have to stick to asphalt, what kind bike would you recommend using? I have the chance of getting this bike (see attached image) second-hand at a good price.
Surly ECR frame in 4130 CroMoly booster steel.Rohloff brand 14-speed hub derailleur, hub dynamo and Son headlight, Jones aluminum handlebars, Brooks saddle, Mavic 29″ wheels with 39 spokes, Surly Extraterrestrial 2.5″ latex tires (wheel passage up to 3″), Shimano XT hydraulic disc brakes, 18″ discs, SPD quick release pedals mixed.
What do you think about this? Do you think it would a good fit to cycle the Americas overall? Maybe the hydraulic brakes could be an issue on such a long journey? Or you would choose a more classical setup and would stick to panniers?
Please let me know you opinions.
Thank you very much for the help!
by Jackturkey23
1 Comment
Those are interesting bars! I wonder how they’ll be on gravel and at speeds given their more up-right posture.
I haven’t had issues on long rides with hydraulic disc breaks but to each their own—there’s a comfort to the reliability and ease of maintenance to mechanical breaks if you’re out for a while.
Looks like a great setup to intro, if you get a good deal I’d say go for it. Paniers are up to your own preference, I like to opt for straps (literally just strap dry bags haphazardly to my bike) but I do so to keep a narrower stance. There’s a movement recently that favours front loading over rear loading your bike, but it’s all to your own comfort and you can make those mods as you see fit after you’ve riden it for a bit.