Indecisive - Hybrid or Tourer??

[NorthDave]

Its time for the next bike (n+1) but I can not make my mind up!

I currently have a Ribble Road bike and a Rockhopper MTB. I would like to do some touring in the summer through France with paniers etc. The route may well include bridleways, canal paths etc.

I like the idea of a tourer but wonder if a hybrid (flat bars etc) would be better? I seem to prefer the idea of a sat up position and potentially being able to build a better quality lighter bike than most tourers seem to offer.

Can't decide which I need! Anyone else been in a similar position?

[Johnny]

CX bike.

Thank me later.

[MadDad]

Johnny said:

CX bike.

Thank me later.

+1, you can thank us both later.......

[NorthDave]

Oooh Interesting! I did look at those but read somewhere they could be a little twitchy on the road. It does seem to do everything I would want though.

I'll go off and do some research now then!

[NorthDave]

Just phoned my favourite bike shop who have offered to build one up with a Kinesis frame - looks very nice so going to go with that!

Thanks for the help. I have been chewing this over for a good few weeks and not quite getting to a decision!

[MadDad]

I have a CX bike and love it! Stick a couple of 32/35mm semi-slick tyres on it and point it off road and it is very capable and HUGE fun!

Stick some 25 or 28mm slicks on it and hey-presto you have a comfy and quick tourer/commuter - best of both worlds!

I don't know where the comments about them being twitchy come from but on a personal note I find mine very sure-footed on tarmac, towpaths, bridleways - wouldn't want to do downhill on it though!

[NorthDave]

Good news. Just popped in and put a deposit down on a Kinesis frame which my friendly shop will make up for me. Can't wait now!

[NorthDave]

Just researching disk brakes and the LBS seemed to think I would need to go cable disks. Looking round there are conversions from cable to hydraulic but seems like a faf. What is the view on using flat bars rather than drops? Seems to open up another league of options. I never use the drops anyway on my road bike.

[Roman]

For any longer rides or any climbing I much prefer the greater number of hand and body positions facilitated by drop bars. You start to feel a bit confined with the limited options of flat bars and being able to move around helps prevent aches when you're touring over several days.

I'd consider cable discs or mini Vs on a CX/Tourer, cantis can be a faff to get performing well.