Is it doable - in broad terms; yes it is, albeit there are details about China (basically if on a bike needing to be part of a group) and Russia (how the visa system works) that need to be well understood.

Now the answer to the unasked question - should you do it? Yes, but by bike I'd probably say not.
(i) You want to cover a lot of country in a relatively short time. One thing is certain about using a bike it may be more flexible but it won't be cheaper than hitching using the train etc. Cost of buying / shipping/ mechanical wear and tear quickly adds up.
(ii) All forms of travel has risks - thats part of the attraction - but travelling by bike has its own and if you don't have on-road experience and the mechanical knowledge that might be adding too much too quickly. Also what happens if you find you are not enjoying it; the reality is some people find the travelling life intoxicating whilst others quickly get fed up - with a bike you are more committed and its harder to bail without loss for awhile. On my first trip at closer to your age I caught hepatitus in Nepal- because I was travelling by public transport I was able to bail out for 3 months get well and then return and finish.

So my advice for what its worth - is keep planning your trip but this time focus on just getting to the countries. Public transport has its ups and downs but it actually a really good way of meeting locals. People on this site wax lyrical about the freedom a bike gives you to explore, and thats true, but it can in its own way sometimes can be insulating.

Now if the budget permits learn to ride a bike anyway - and you are all set up for the next trip.

Final comment - good on you for even considering the trip. Get out there and see the world, you will never regret it (and remember - all this advice comes from someone who is old enough to be your father, would have a heart attack if my own 17 year old wanted to do it, but will very happily do it himself - and therefore should be treated with appropriate scepticism).

PS - What about a bicycle? Cheap to buy and transport, and easy to dump if you get fed up with it?

__________________
Martin

finally back on the road again


http://awayonmybike.blogspot.com/