Hello, I’m planning to at some point in the next year go on my first tour. I have been looking for bikes on the second hand market that fit my needs and wants for a bike, and I recently found these two older model touring bikes. Would any of them would hold up as a good touring bike? Not sure if they’re too old to ride for such long periods of time or not. Just want some input. First bike is a Cannondale ST400 touring bike and the second is a 1980s Nashbar Le Toure. I am open to changing parts and improving the bike itself. Thank you!
by Gullible-Fig1580
6 Comments
Hard to see because you’ve made no effort to give us a photo showing the actual components. Maybe take the photos from lower down?
any particular reason you’re looking at such old bikes?
Cannondale is cool. It’d fit racks front and back which is nice, but has pretty tight tire clearance. Depending on how high the bottom bracket is it might be a good 650b conversion, but if you do all that I’d recommend just getting a more suitable bike from the get go. The Nashbar is a fine bike but it’s gonna be squirrelly with any kinda load.
These bikes can be used for touring like any other bike, but I wouldn’t call them ideal touring bikes.
Personally, I prefer bikes with wider tires, but these don’t have enough clearance. Also, a handlebar that offers multiple hand positions is important for longer rides-I’d swap the straight bar for an alt bar. And there is more to change…
That said, if you can get one of them at a very good price, it might be worth trying. Otherwise, I’d recommend saving up for a more suitable touring bike.
Sorry should’ve added more info, Cannondale has an aluminum frame and the Nashbar is steel. Cannondale owner told me that it has a suntour shifter, sugino crankset and derailers. Sorry if that doesn’t help much. Both posts for these bikes have limited pictures, and sadly the other pictures didn’t show more than the ones I’ve provided. Also I’m more interested in the vintage bikes because I enjoy the look of them, the amount of mounts, and the price is really low. Though I’m still fine with getting something modern and better. Just wanted to know if these worked.
Are they the right size for you? One looks like a 54, the other a 56.