Touring bike
Author
Discussion

macp

Original Poster:

4,823 posts

212 months

Monday 13th February 2017
quotequote all
Morning all

Im buying a touring bike and as their seems to be virtually no option to test ride im interested in opinions on the following bikes.I should point out that im not intending to traverse the globe or anything too serious.I think any of these would make a good choice but what are your thoughts.

Trek 920


Kona Sutra


Ridgeback Panorama


Jamis Aurora



TwistingMyMelon

6,506 posts

234 months

Monday 13th February 2017
quotequote all
Hi OP whereabouts are you? In swindon at my LBS they have a sultra on display

What kind of touring do you want to do?

I fancied a Sultra as a commuter in the past, but when I saw it in person and read up on it, it was very tough and designed for heavy duty touring and was almost a MTB/tourer designed for tough conditions and as such was overkill for me and indeed light touring. Great bike but heavy and tough.

I would think about weight of the bikes and how much you want to carry, also what terrain will you be riding?

Im the first to laugh at people when they go on about "weight saving" but some of those bikes are very heavy, the kona is around 32 pounds.

Genesis bikes get great feedback on here, might be worth adding one of those to the mix, even if it is non touring specific, you can add a rack.

Maybe post on an Audax group, I know the Facebook audax group is popular.

smifffymoto

5,186 posts

234 months

Monday 13th February 2017
quotequote all
Do you want a traditional English type tourer with drops or flats like the continentals,26 or 700c wheels,tourer or expedition bike,alu or steel frame.
Breton bikes has some good info and write ups as does cycling about.Thorn cycles also have a very good website with loads of good advice about bikes.

macp

Original Poster:

4,823 posts

212 months

Monday 13th February 2017
quotequote all
TwistingMyMelon said:
Hi OP whereabouts are you? In swindon at my LBS they have a sultra on display

What kind of touring do you want to do?

I fancied a Sultra as a commuter in the past, but when I saw it in person and read up on it, it was very tough and designed for heavy duty touring and was almost a MTB/tourer designed for tough conditions and as such was overkill for me and indeed light touring. Great bike but heavy and tough.

I would think about weight of the bikes and how much you want to carry, also what terrain will you be riding?

Im the first to laugh at people when they go on about "weight saving" but some of those bikes are very heavy, the kona is around 32 pounds.

Genesis bikes get great feedback on here, might be worth adding one of those to the mix, even if it is non touring specific, you can add a rack.

Maybe post on an Audax group, I know the Facebook audax group is popular.
Unfortunately im oop north but terrain wise it would mostly be tarmac.Having done a bit of research a touring bike would suit my needs for commuting with a more upright stable ride.It would get used for all sorts even nipping to the shops.Any touring I did would probably be in the UK and a night or two with a tent.I love the look of the tourers and the thought of comfort and stability.Does that sound lame ?

macp

Original Poster:

4,823 posts

212 months

Monday 13th February 2017
quotequote all
smifffymoto said:
Do you want a traditional English type tourer with drops or flats like the continentals,26 or 700c wheels,tourer or expedition bike,alu or steel frame.
Breton bikes has some good info and write ups as does cycling about.Thorn cycles also have a very good website with loads of good advice about bikes.
I would prefer drops and love the look of the trad tourers.Not concerned if alu or steel although I read steel is comfier.

smifffymoto

5,186 posts

234 months

Monday 13th February 2017
quotequote all
Do't be put off by weight,once you aare loaded up it won't matter.

macp

Original Poster:

4,823 posts

212 months

Monday 13th February 2017
quotequote all
smifffymoto said:
Do't be put off by weight,once you aare loaded up it won't matter.
I agree weight doesnt bother me that much but what I want is:

Disc brakes
A relaxed geometry with a more upright riding position
I want to be able to fit guards & racks.

smifffymoto

5,186 posts

234 months

Monday 13th February 2017
quotequote all
Touring bikes haven't really been affected by the rediculous price rises that have hit road bikes,they still offer good value for money.

gazza285

11,112 posts

237 months

Monday 13th February 2017
quotequote all
No Dawes Galaxy?

Salsa Marrakesh looks good as well.

I do the occasional touring on an old Diamond Back steel MTB. I've fitted a shorter stem and some riser bars, as well as slick tyres and mudguards of course. Weighs a tonne, but as said, that is irrelevant once you have loaded the panniers up...

smifffymoto

5,186 posts

234 months

Monday 13th February 2017
quotequote all
Whilst I see tha appeal of disc brakes they could be a pain in the arse when you have racks fitted,especially low riders.