I've used my AR for multiple tours with various pannier/load configurations. It's the orange AR in the photos from these posts/write ups from a couple of tours that might be useful data points to see how I distributed weight/bags, etc. YMMV
https://www.addisonwilhite.com/rambler/category/bike-tour Kind regards, Addison in Albania On Thu, Jan 8, 2026 at 6:58 AM Stephen Durfee <[email protected]> wrote: > > Hi Kevin - funny you should mention it, because I was just making plans with > my son to do a GAP/C&O ride, but our trip will probably be in the summer. > Either way, though, I'll be riding my AR. It carries loads like a champ....in > one of the earliest issues of the Riv Reader, Grant was quoted as saying > "it's perfect for that." Here's a shot from last year's trip to the Erie > Canal. > > On Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 6:33:47 PM UTC-8 [email protected] wrote: >> >> Hi Justus. >> I'm 170 and plan to do the route using B&Bs, i.e. no camping equipment and >> relatively little food, so the weight won't be as great as it could be. >> I think this should work without any problems; I'll install a triple crank >> and maybe buy a heftier rear rack, but the AR seems plenty solid enough for >> the job. However, this'll be my first time touring by bike, and I don't >> want any surprises. >> Many thanks, >> Kevin >> >> On Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 5:53:26 PM UTC-5 [email protected] wrote: >>> >>> Would help to know your weight and how much weight you plan to carry with >>> what front/rear distribution, but my at a glance reaction is good to go. >>> >>> I have toured on the Expedition and it is very stout and loves a loaded >>> ride. Based on how overbuilt the Expedition was, I cannot imagine any >>> concerns with rail trail touring on an AR unless you are really big and >>> carry the kitchen sink. YMMV and all that. >>> >>> -Justus >>> Mpls, MN >>> >>> On Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 4:25:28 PM UTC-6 [email protected] wrote: >>>> >>>> I have a 1983 Specialized Expedition, a wonderful touring bike but one >>>> limited to 38mm tires. Given that this ride will be in the Spring, I'm >>>> concerned that the 38s won't handle the mud well, which is why I'm >>>> thinking of doing it on the AR. >>>> Kevin >>>> >>>> On Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 5:14:57 PM UTC-5 [email protected] >>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> The gap CNO a couple of years ago on a sport touring bike that was a 650 >>>>> B conversion running 38 mm tires. It can get muddy in some spots. I was >>>>> glad I had fenders. >>>>> I spread the load between the front and rear >>>>> Ride would havebeen a little better with my loaded touring bike, but >>>>> there was nothing dangerous or sketchy about this sport bike >>>>> >>>>> Get Outlook for iOS >>>>> ________________________________ >>>>> From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on >>>>> behalf of Kevin Lindsey <[email protected]> >>>>> Sent: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 3:56:58 PM >>>>> To: RBW Owners Bunch <[email protected]> >>>>> Subject: [RBW] All-Rounder as a Loaded Tourer >>>>> >>>>> Greetings. >>>>> >>>>> I'm thinking of doing the GAP/C&O Canal trip this spring on my >>>>> All-Rounder and would appreciate any thoughts on using the AR as a loaded >>>>> tourer. I use it for grocery runs and whatnot, but have never put a lot >>>>> of weight in the bags and don't know whether there might be handling or >>>>> other issues if I did. >>>>> Any thoughts welcomed. >>>>> Best regards, >>>>> Kevin L. >>>>> Alexandria, VA >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >>>>> "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >>>>> email to [email protected]. >>>>> To view this discussion visit >>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/7bd595fa-2317-40a9-84ae-51e82e8e1753n%40googlegroups.com. > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/b83d5cf2-a004-4af9-aac8-df2d60f88143n%40googlegroups.com. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/CAKO_jMmtp5bOb%2BzYmPetCUhGD7xtA%3DfhjbO4XTBuounJ7DZCEQ%40mail.gmail.com.
