Hi, I have MTB/hardtail Giant atx 2 27.5. In last summer, I rode a lot of kilometres, but in this year I want to ride more and often (probably 50-80km or for Americans 31-50mil 🦅🦅🦅). But, I don’t know this distance would be comfortable for me. Here is my geometry frame measure in millimetres and degrees. I don’t want to buy new bike, because I’m poor student, I don’t have a lot of money. But if necessary, I will save money for new bike.
I think with the new drop bar and thinner tires will be more comfortable for longs trips. Also, maybe I can change fork for rigid. It will be minus 2kg in bike weight. Upgrade to 28″ tires is impossible unfortunately.
by redverstapqen
3 Comments
The best bike is the bike you have. Many people have ridden around the world on hardtails. All the Chinese cycle tourists ride Giant hardtails just like yours. Stop looking at gear, lock out the front fork, slap a pair of slick tires on and get riding.
2 kg is the equivalent of 3 glasses of water and a big poop. You won’t notice it.
Even if you cant lock the fork you can stil use it no problem. You are not racing. I started my touring career with hardtail mtb bike, first with normal fork, then I upgraded to fork with a lock mechanism. I liked the comfort of the fork when on rough roads. After some years I changed to gravel bikle so no more uspension for me but I would mind touring with suspension if I had to.
What is your practice and the terrain you ride on ?
What do you find incomfortable in your current bike ?
“The best bike is the bike your already have”
For example, you can change small things on your bike that will feel like you have a new bike:
– Change the stem and handlebars to have a more upright position (would not recommend switching to drop bars, it will be costly)
– Change the rear cassette to modify the gear ratio
– Change the tires, for lighter or more rolling ones (not necessarily thinner! big tires provide a lot of comfort)
Take a look at [bikepacking.com](http://bikepacking.com), study the rigs of race competitors and steal indeas and insights. Look at articles about mountain bike handlebars. If you’re broke, you may even find decent gear on Aliexpress (handlebars, transmission, peripherals).