Greetings,
This past warm season I dipped my toes into the world of bike touring, had a blast on my XXL rockhopper, and am now ready to jump into the deep end.
I am 6'6" / 290 lbs (198cm / 130lg), only a 36" inseam and 6'7" wingspan though.
The three options I am considering:
1) '22 Trek 520, 63cm, $950, marketplace. Comes with both racks pictured. My preferred option in terms of aethetics, price, and suitability for planned riding (mainly pavement and rail trails w/some moderate gravel Up North). My main concern is durability, as I am over the stated weight limit before adding in bike/gear. Could this be remedied by replacing back wheel with something sturdier? I also would paint over the trek logo of course, will never forgive them for how they treated Greg.
2) '21 Surly Ogre, XL, $1,300, marketplace. Comes with racks and bags pictured. Less optimal for road riding (though still an improvement over my hardtail?), but should be extremely durable? My main concern would be constantly wishing I had something faster on our paved dairy roads. I also feel like I see way more Ogres for sale than any other Surlys, maybe a bad sign…
3) New Surly Disc Trucker, 64cm, ~$2,700, local shop. Picture is concept, I would have shop build up from frame. Would probably go molokos with bar end shifters, tandem wheel in back. Obviously big down side is price here, could get new classic XC skis, skate boots, hammock, etc for difference in price vs others. Haven't seen any Truckers for sale even close to my size in whole Midwest, otherwise would be very down with used.
Thanks for feedback!
by OuisconsinVelo