a bike to endure 3500 kms of central asia

[bolivar]

HI,
as i mentioned in another post in another thread, i will be undertaking a bicycle journey through central asia.
a bicycle journey requires a bike, which is the reason for my endless search and dilemma.
I want a steel frame bike, for the reason that these regions are very remote and steel frames can be repaired even in a small village with a welding torch. there are contrary point of views which assure me tht aluminum frames are sturdy enough and can take the beating of harsh terrain. "nothing will happen" is the usual response to my query "what if it breaks or gets distorted?"

what do you guys say? any recommendations for Steel frames or aluminum frames?

bolivar

[Minkey Chief]

I was reading an interesting perspective on a touring site (sorry just can't remember which one). It was by someone who had essentially ridden around the world and had had his steel frame break.

He was saying that the ease of repair of steel as well as the skill of village welders is a little overblown. Your steel frame will most likely be repaired by a guy out in the open with a big hammer and welding rig that he uses to make tractor trailers. There'll be little finesse and workmanship. You could have alignment issues as well as a great chance of it breaking again. I think his frame broke two or three times more. However, at least his tour didn't end--he was able to keep going.

My point I guess is that just because you can repair it, doesn't mean that it'll be an easy trip after. A broken frame will be a big problem no matter what the material. I'd say, go for a well-regarded touring bicycle that fits you and the budget, whatever the hell it's made of.

[hitanshu]

if you buy a royal enfield for repairability that's all u'll be doing with it in the indian interiors.

tihnk of it.

and re-read the last sentence of MC.

bikes if used sensibly last for tens of thousands of miles. it all depends on the nut connecting the handlebar to the pedals.

[maheshv]

You have an excellent source of information here.
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=3259
The frame and the IGH gave a few problems for them but they managed to complete the journey safe and sound. Incredible read.

[nukeu666]

http://www.bikechina.com/heinzstucke1z.html
He briefly mentions his bike specs somewhere as an old steel frame 3 speed
The biggest problem he had was it getting stolen once

[deepakvrao]

You have an excellent source of information here.
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=3259
The frame and the IGH gave a few problems for them but they managed to complete the journey safe and sound. Incredible read.

Yes, incredible read. Been thru the entire journal a while ago. Wonder how they are doing. That honeymoon would test the strongest of relationships.

[bolivar]

so here are some of the bikes i have considered:
1. Surly LHT: Steel frame. thoroughly acclaimed, but difficult to get in india
2. Trek 520: Steel Frame. difficult to get in india
3. Fuji tourer: difficult to get in india
4. Canondale and Schwinn: aluminum/ alloy. available

what do you guys think?

[kk27]

Like chief said, it may break will let you continue. personally I have no idea how you could break a Good steel bike just by riding, possibly either getting it overloaded or may be very old & not very much cared for. In any case steel still allows you to have an option of getting it fixed again.

How about a Surly, there have been people who have toured the world on those, they are great Value for Money bike.

[deepakvrao]

This guy is leaving in a month, and he doesn't have a bike yet? Have serious doubts about this trip

[vkalia]

Bikes don't "break" just like that. 3500km is a few months of riding for a lot of people, and frames usually outlast that by a BIG margin. Buy steel or Al based on how much load you are going to carry.

What might break is parts - derailleurs, cables, etc. Not in general course of usage, but due to accidents. You can carry some spares and also hope for luck to some extent as well.

[abhi]

3500kms over a period of how many days is the question? Also, what do you plan to do with the cycle once the 3500 kms is done?
If you are not rushing through, you may not have to constrain yourself to touring bikes also. Even a decent MTB can do the job and take you through some nice paths.

[shankarbn]

3500km is hardly any riding to be worried about. Unless you do something really stupid like overloading the bike, carrying more people than one etc.. or get into an accident, there is no way you'll destroy an AL frame in 3500km of riding. Fwiw, TBA has an XDS touring bike on sale - great value at 19k!