Touring Equipment

I need to spend as little as possible as I want to tour for as long as possible before emigrating to Oz, so I'm thinking spending £500 on a bike, 2 rear panniers, lock, helmet (apparently) and perhaps a cheeky saddle upgrade to a Brooks. Which puts the sutra out sadly.

A slightly different approach would be to keep it cheap with a basic mountain bike. Great gearing to get up hills. Some mods would have to be made but it is properly cheaper and more suitable than a hybrid or racer (my opinion). Although that depends on the type of touring, I like looking at the view and having good lunches, others go for speed.

Specialized Hardrock
http://http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/hardrock-2010-mountain-bike-ec019401

Rack
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/blackburn/ex1-expedition-rack-ec005638?query=rack

Panniers
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Bar bag and map holder
[url="http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/dryline-bar-bag-ec008430?query=bar%20bag"]http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/dryline-bar-bag-ec008430?query=bar%20bag](http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/arran-46-pannier-ec008435?query=pannier)

You would need new tyres, I tour on 1.75" mountain bike tyres and they are ace. Say £30.

Bottle cages £10

That's about £485.

Then you can decide what to spend the rest of the cash on.

Bottle cages.
Brooks if needed.
If the suspension folk is too annoying it would be £100 to replace it with a steel one from thorn, I don't guarantee it would fit but don't see why not. Though that's a big chunk if you want it to be cheap.
I'ld put on ergo grips and bar ends, about £35, as I find them so comfy.
And Arno straps. Never tour without Arno straps. They are so useful for tents, jumpers, bread. -- http://www.charliesdirect.co.uk/products/gelert-arno-straps-36-inch