Africa Touring Bike Selection

[jrpepper]

My friend and are are leaving this week for a tour from Johannesburg to Nairobi via Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and a train across Tanzania (due to time constraints).

 

We are choosing bikes to take but have heard conflicting advice about what is best. We found 2 Giant Elwoods. One is a size too small but is much cheaper. If we raise the seat high enough, would this work?

 

We also considered buying road bikes with lugs to attach rear racks and putting on thicker tires (26Cs, maybe?). We don't know much about taking road bikes touring however. Advice?

 

Finally, if anyone knows anything about the road/traffic conditions on this route, any advice would be priceless.

 

Thanks,

Josh

 

[KDEE]

You are leaving this week and you dont have bikes yet??

[Moab]

First problem: no bikes = no training = beeeeg problem

 

Second problem: an unfamiliar bike = you have not bonded with the bike so you dont know if and where its gonna bite.

 

Third and biggest problem: you are only coming to us now

[Moab]

Oh! Welcome to the hub! And when you land in South Africa: WELCOME and have fun!! Come ride with us Hubbers if you get a chance.

[Tumbleweed]

maybe the smaller bike could also do with a longer stem...