For the past couple of decades, I’ve been using my Giant hard tail mountain bike for long distance touring. This bike, which I love is getting really worn out and my local bike shop (Giant shop) has suggested an upgrade to avoid catastrophic failure when touring in remote areas. Since I’m primarily a mountain biker when not touring and love the geometry, they have suggested the following: New Roam or Tough Road SLR2 or used Expedition LT or AT. My son has the Surly Long Haul Trucker which looks interesting, but not really in my wheelhouse. My budget is up to $2,000 CAD / $1,400 USD. I’m currently running 26” tubed tires (The upgraded Marathon Mondials) and would like to continue with those as they are more universally maintainable in remote regions. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. (Note, photos are screen captures from the web of a Tough Road SLR2 and an Expedition LT)
I usually run with 2 Arkel rear panniers and an Arkel handlebar bag. (3rd photo is my old blue Giant in Thailand)
by DragonfruitWide3740
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I have converted my Specialiized Rockhopper 29er to touring bike and have been riding it for nearly a decade now like this, so don’t fret much about frame choice, you can mostly adapt anything.