Thank you so much for the following information.

I found one that is in Charlotte, NC. I  will give them a call today.

I have been looking at all the links that everyone has provided me with. Thank you and I am grateful. I have looked at the the other entries on this forum and I think they are past my knoledge base at the moment.

Your right, I do need to get a bike, and just get outside with it. In looking at other sites and what I prefer to ride on a 29'' inch tires seems to be what I'm leaning to.

Question: on long distance bike trails would this type of bike be suitable. I'm not interested on going on hiking trails/ dual use. From what I have seen in the Pisgah ranger district of NC that looks to be over my head.

The more questions I ask: the more I realize I do not know.

Please keep the information coming..... I do appreciate it and I'm learning.

Thanks

Thank you folks for your help.

One problem..........I only have one bike, and that is a Schwinn cross bike with skinny tires.  I bought it twenty years ago used at a bike store. I rode it plenty, but I don't think that would work.

To show you how out of touch I am, I really don't know who makes a decent mountain bike. I have heard of diamondback, but that is really it. When I said I'm starting from scratch, I meant it Could you recommend any other brands that I might find used. There are bike stores near me but they do not have anything used.

Are there any other ways, and means of getting information about this?

Any videos on youtube anyone could recommend?

I want to learn.

I want to get outside.

I know I'm in for a steep learning curve.

I appreciate any help. It is most welcome and gratefully appreciated.

Been a ground pounder for so long, I have no idea of a bike I would need.

Thanks

Hello to all.

I am a complete newbie to the bike packing scene. I am coming from the backpacking world, and due to health reasons cannot really do it to the extent that I would, and was use to doing. I was told about Bike packing and thought I would like to explore this.

I have gone to my local bike shop, rei, and was pointed to bikes that cost 1700 hundred dollars and up. I get the "you get what you pay for mantra" but I cannot afford that to start out since I know nothing.

My question is what kind of bike? I guess that is determined by what I want to do........at least that is what I gathered? I have a lightweight backpacking systems, so I'm good with that, but the bike part I don't know.

I live in NC and I am interested in longer excursions out.......what I used to do by foot. Not really interested in true mountain biking, or what is called single track?, but going on logging roads, gravel, paved roads. The NP near me are Pisgah, Natahala, Cherokee, and others if that gives you an idea.

Can someone point me in the right direction?

I backpacked since I was a boy so I have been familiar with the terminology and what was needed. As time went along I became more proficient and pared down what I needed. I assume that is the same for this as well.

I look forward to any input. I know I'm really setting myself up, but I need to learn.

Thank you for any help! It is gratefully accepted and very welcome.