u/webby264

hello! i'm an American planning a solo tour in europe this summer and need to decide if i am bringing my own bike (custom built Surly cross check, pictured in comments) or not. i don't have my exact route planned yet but am thinking of doing sections of the eurovelo 3, 7, and 13 in france and germany. the problem is that i'll be starting my trip travelling by train (paris -> marseille -> reims) and likely not bike touring until a few weeks in. I'm worried about lugging my bike around - especially if it needs to be boxed up for certain train trips - and keeping it safe for multiple days in major cities while i travel with friends. 

i would rather acquire a bike in europe if possible, but friends have insisted i won't find anything as suited for my needs as my own bike. i'm open to acquiring a bike in paris, reims, berlin, or hamburg, and would spend up to €700-800 (or more for the perfect set up). i have absolutely no idea what the used bike market is like in other countries and would love advice from experienced tourers. thank you so much! 

Also if anyone has advice on picking a route I would greatly appreciate it - I'm feeling overwhelmed with the number of possibilities and facing decision paralysis 🙃