Will my bike be able to handle touring?

I've got a 5 year old Shogun Trail Breaker 3 that hasn't been ridden much and is in good condition. I was thinking of doing a 3 month cycling tour in Europe this winter, and was wondering if this bike will be able to support full panniers for such a trip...

Yes it could, lots of people tour on mountain bikes. Pannier racks can be fitted to mountain bikes and to suspension forks. If your only riding on the road the suspension forks will add a few extra kilos of weight that isn't necessary and there's also the possibility of having mechanical problems with them, you might want to get some non suspension forks instead. Bar ends can make riding more comfortable as they let you vary your grip on the handle bars. The gearing on the bike shouldn't be a problem as you'll find plenty of mountains in europe. You'll need some good tyres, Schwalbe and Continental make good touring tyres that are long wearing, puncture resistant and are made to carry heavy loads.

Have a look at these links:

http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.p...

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/

From what I could find it looks like hard tail mountain bike, with suspension forks. If it has braze-ons for securing panniers, I don't see why you couldn't use it, however if it is a mountain bike and the position will be a little more aggressive then what you would want for touring, and it might not handle as well with weighted packs on it. I think too the suspension would wreak havoc when weighted down, that bike is not designed to do what you want it to do, much like using a Miyata for a family vacation. . .

It is prob'ly be a little heavier then a true touring bike, like a Trek 520, which is designed to carry panniers with a long wheel base, and is tried and true.

Good luck, your trip sounds fun.

Get out and ride!

i rekon this bike might not survive three months lol

shogun is not exactly a make known for touring found places for long periods of time...if your on the road i would definitly reccommend perchasing a road bike as it would be much easier for you and you would get around quicker

if u have to stick with this bike.. bring spares lol and by the way....if your new to this kinda thing...bring puncture repair kits where ever you go!! and and a pump obviouusly

dont let your bike keep you from experiencing something like that. i would do it on a bmx bike if i had to. modify your bike the best you can with your budget and go and have a blast of a lifetime. good luck, have fun be safe.