Touring with Giant SCR2

crafty

I'm touring Wales in July with the SCR2. Previously we have enjoyed the luxury of van support, where all the tents and equipment are carried onto the next stopping (camping) point.

This year however, we have decided to do it without the van support, so everything must go on the bikes. I have fitted a rear rack and a pair of Altura Orkney (34L the pair) panniers to the SCR2 and was amazed by the extra weight on the back wheel - before being packed.

The wheels on the SCR2 are DA22 with 700x25 tyres. The wheels have just been tensioned. Do you think the added weight will be ok for the wheels, considering the SCR is not strictly a tourer? I'm genuinely surprised by the weight difference so a bit of reassurance would be appreciated.

Thanks all.

Ed

andyjp

Hello, I have the model down from your bike the Giant SCR 3.0 and I have so far had no problems with touring (touch wood). I like you carried a large weight on the back for C2C and my bike handled the extra weight fine. I am in a couple weeks setting off for Rome on my Giant so I like you am putting my trust in my bike.

Just make sure you hae a quality rack because with all that extra weight it makes the difference having agood rack that doesn't break as my friend found out on a trip to Spain.

Don't worry about the difference in how the extra weight feels, it is a lot harder going up hills but I like riding on the flats as once you build up the speed the weight gives you that extra momentum to keep on rolling.

Anyway I am no expert by all means but I hope this helps a bit.

Have a good trip.
Andy

crafty

I bought a 20 pound ally rack. I'm wondering whether to get a steel one...

Thanks for the reply.

Ed

tarpaullynn

Aluminium is a specialised repair if it breaks, cro mo or steel can be fixed by anyone with a welding set, might be better getting a different one.

bob1965

Hi what part of Wales are you going to?? as I can recomend down west wales way as I live down that way let me know if you want any route advice,,,Bob

andyjp

My rack is this one http://wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx? ... ear%20Rack

Not really sure on what differences the metals make I just know this one did me proud while my mates had to be held together with cutlery and cable ties!

amaferanga

I'd say worry less about the rack, worry more about the wheels. The stock wheels on a Giant SCR are definitely not up to carrying significant touring loads.

crafty

OK chaps. Thanks for the advice.

Bob. The route starts at the second severn crossing by way of Usk, Llanellen, Crickhowell, Talybont, Brecon , Llandovery, Rhandirmwyn, Soar y Mynydd, Tregaron, Llandewi Brefi, Llanybydder, Newcatle Emlyn, Eglwyswrw and finishes either at Newport (Pembs) or further on at Milford Haven (my birth place).

Any recommended routes would be always welcome for further excursions, Bob.

In the light of a conversation I had today and your suggestions, I'm going to fix a rack to my GT XCR Mtb and use that instead. I know the added weight will not be an issue with the GT and I can still ride it comfortably all day. I don't want to put the SCR back wheel under any undue pressure. By next year I will have a dedicated tourer so it will be interesting to see how the GT stands up to it this year. Thanks again.

Ed

crafty

Grrrrr.....

Can't fit a rack to the MTB. Will get a a heavier spec back wheel for the SCR. Should be about 80 quid.

Ed

choppertron

amaferanga wrote:

I'd say worry less about the rack, worry more about the wheels. The stock wheels on a Giant SCR are definitely not up to carrying significant touring loads.

ditto.

I wouldn't risk touring on the stock wheels at all. Although the wheels handle me on my own (6'3"/92kg), me and panniers I'd be worried. Depends on your weight I guess.

I was looking at a rear of these £56 until I went for this through Cycle2Work

crafty

I'm having a rear wheel buit by my local bike shop here in Bristol. Will be ready Friday. I'm 11 and a half stone, so wieght should not be a prob. My riding partner is a lot heavier than me and has had a rear wheel built to tandem spec. Horses for courses and all that....

Ed

timbooth

Have a look at Ribble - they've got some deals on handbuilt wheels at the moment - Shimano 4400 on Mavic CXP22 should be strong enough. I've used these rims for cyclo-cross, touring and commuting and they are really strong.

If in doubt, buy them (£50?) and then get them tensioned by the best local builder you can find. Should see you right.

chronyx

Hi all,

No point starting a brand new thread - I have the same question and looking for some 2010 answers! I'm planning a ride to Cornwall at the end of June and as it's my first ever long, multi day bike trip I'm starting to prepare now.

Very excited, slightly nervous!

I have considered replacing just the rear wheel as that is where the luggage is - is it possible to buy single wheels? Or is it just as important to upgrade the front too?