Aspects for choosing a bike to ride across Europe I've been planning to do an &quot;Orient Express&quot; tour for a while now and I realised it would be a good idea to ask for advice regarding choosing the bike.
I was born in a mountainous area and used to ride a lot up until I was around 23, mostly on road and gravel, but featuring hills. &quot;A lot&quot; is subjective, I'm talking about 300-500 kilometres a month. I could do a 100 km day without issues.
I am now 29, have a sedentary job, did not cycle for a couple years, and choosing big goals is generally how I am able to make progress. I'm not planning to do the tour next week.
I need a proper bike for it, however.
The itinerary is Paris - Istanbul, a lot of flat areas, on the road, but I would also like to challenge some passes in the Alps, like the Furka in Switzerland.
I've travelled before with very little stuff and I don't need much luggage, just the basics.
I've been looking at a few bikes, the Trek 520, the Surly Disc Trucker and the Kona Sutra seem to stand out.
What are the aspects I should pay attention to when it comes to making a decision?
The one I like the most is the new 520 Grando, but I can't even try it since it's not available on European markets and I'd have to find a way to get it transported to me from the U.S.
I feel like I might be making a vanity decision here and for the purposes I need the standard 520 might even be a better choice.
TL;DR: I've fallen out of touch with the biking world and I would like to make a smart decision and not just pick something that looks &quot;cool&quot;. Thank you for your advices
There are a few factors to consider.
How much luggage do you want/need to carry?
Stopping in hotels, or carrying a tent etc?
Is speed/efficiency important?
Can your flexibility/core strength support long periods in a more aerodynamic position?
You certainly can't go wrong with a traditional touring bike like the ones you mentioned, but there are other more modern and lightweight options available.
My personal preference for such a trip would be a race orientated gravel bike (like a Cervelo Aspero for example) fitted with bike packing bags. Fast, efficient and fun to ride, but with features that are good for touring like extra bottle cage mounts and top tube bag mounts.
But that is my preference for how I like to ride - others would have different ideas and priorities.  The best we can do is give ideas/options, but only your own preferences and experience can tell you the right answer for you.