Firs post need feedback

[Elsteven123]

So I've been planning a trip from California to Argentina but I have a question about my bike. I have a specialized crosstrail. Didn't do too much research basically went from just riding mountain bikes to this and a hybrid seemed like the right choice. I've ridden with weights/ vests dumbbells in my bags 45-50 lbs at the most and it's harder to ride but it's not impossible. I've been thinking of upgrading either parts or bikes but not really sure where to start. I saw a salsa Fargo and that looked pretty cool especially since 29er mtb are my preference. Any info would be awesome. I don't want to get into my trip and have the bike just crap out on me. Because it can't handle the weight.

[JRA]

The Fargo is a good all-around bike.  It can work well for touring/bikepacking on the road, non-technical trails and gravel roads.  It wouldn't be my first choice for more technical singletrack trails - but people do ride them there.  What type of surface and terrain do you plan to ride most?

If I were planning a trip of that distance, I certainly would want a new (or newer) bike with a proven design and components.  A new Fargo could meet that requirement. 

 

[Elsteven123]

I have a bike for single track riding already. It's down the pan American road so a lot of it is going to be paved road or gravel road.

[JRA]

I have driven the PanAm highway as far as Panama.

If it were me, I would ride a Fargo (or something similar) with fairly wide road tires.  Something like the Schwalbe Marathon in 40's or 45's.  It's paved all the way to Panama at least - but the road surface isn't always the best.

[mountainjah]

So I've been planning a trip from California to Argentina

How are you dealing with the Darien?

[FatCloud]

So I've been planning a trip from California to Argentina but I have a question about my bike. I have a specialized crosstrail. Didn't do too much research basically went from just riding mountain bikes to this and a hybrid seemed like the right choice. I've ridden with weights/ vests dumbbells in my bags 45-50 lbs at the most and it's harder to ride but it's not impossible. I've been thinking of upgrading either parts or bikes but not really sure where to start. I saw a salsa Fargo and that looked pretty cool especially since 29er mtb are my preference. Any info would be awesome. I don't want to get into my trip and have the bike just crap out on me. Because it can't handle the weight.

My advice, get 26" wheels (you can find tubes, tires, and rims for these everywhere). I'd take a Troll over a Fargo to Central America/South America (or a Long Haul if you're not looking for technical bikepacking riding)

[jhl99]

You might want to search
www.crazyguyonabike.com for ideas and experiences.

From my prior readings there are arguements for and against going for the least common denominator (26" wheels, schrader tubes, rim brakes, steel frame) when traveling in less developed countries.

The Surly Long Haul Trucker is a touring bike that is available with 26 or 700c wheels, I think.

[Adam Alphabet]

Here's a link to my touring bike. It's been to a few places. It would be perfect if it could fit 2" rubber otherwise it's tough to beat the ol' reliable LHT.

Definitely go with Schwalbe Marathon __________ something's in as big as your frame can fit. They are low volume compared to any mountain bike tire but they are so hassle free compared to anything else out there, especially for that long of a go that it makes them worth it.

http://churningbutter.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/panamacosta-rica-bike-touring-setup/

[chrisx]

Sir, the Pan America highway is the main truck route from North America to South America.  All the trucks travel that route.  Perhaps you could find A more interesting and scenic route.  

You will need to purchase many bike parts in route.  What bike parts are most commonly available in route?  26 inch tires?  Cantilever brake pads?  Square taper bottom brackets? etc... ..

Alternate routes... http://bicyclenomad.com/route-information/  They started with trailers and piles of stuff, finished with much less.
http://www.ridingthespine.com/

I bought a Fargo in March of 09.  A fine machine to be sure.  I recomend 26er for your trip.

[Elsteven]

How are you dealing with the Darien?

The people I've talked to that have done this trip before took a boat across.

[Adam Alphabet]

The people I've talked to that have done this trip before took a boat across.

How are you dealing with the Darien?

It's quite easy to arrange a sail boat trip from Panama City to Cartagena Colombia. I stayed at a hostel in Panama City (Luna's Castle) and they had trips going to and from through the San Blas Islands almost daily. Trips were around $400-500 for a week long inclusive (food, lodge) sailboat trip. A backpacker I met patched his own northbound trip together for about $200 by taking motorboats and the like. He said it was rough and not for the faint of heart...or stomach.

If you really want to ride to the very end of the road on the Panama side to Yaviza it's about 300km, harder to arrange travel across the gap from there (I've heard).

Or you could get inspired by one of the gnarliest bike videos in existence and just go for it....(hard man!)

Crossing the Darien Gap by Bicycle - Ian Hibell.