Some impartial advice...

jh1978

Hi,
I'm hoping I can call on some expert knowledge to help me make a decision! For years I've used an old mountain bike for everything, but a friend and I have decided to spend 4 days cycling down Scotland, so I've decided its time to upgrade. Essentially I need a bike that will be a tourer (i.e. do this ride, and do it comfortably), plus be a nice bike to go for days out cycling afterwards and get to work on. I don't really go off road, but from time to time have been known to take detours down canal tow paths etc, but not much more. I'm 95% on rode. I've been around a few shops and I had the following recommedations:
1) Specialized Tricross Sport '09
2) Dawes Audax
3) Ridgeback Horizon

I wondered if anyone has any advice? I've seen a few negative posts about the Specialized Tricross, and one post that worried me said that with mudguards on there isn't enough clearance so you end up catching the wheel on your foot when turning - that put me off. I've ridden it - it felt comfortable, but more upright than the Dawes and Ridgeback and had more twitchy steering. The only thing that put me off the Dawes was the fact that it was heavier and that the brakes seemed a bit useless.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
James

alfablue

The Audax bikes (Dawes and Ridgeback) should be comfy mile eaters, though I would prefer a steel bike for comfort, even if slightly heavier.

Audax bikes tend to be okay up to about 12 or 15kg after that they can flex a bit in the rear triangle.

The cross bike (Spesh) is said to be suitable as an all rounder, the alu frame may make the ride a bit harsher over longer rides. I don't know about it's load carrying credentials or tyre/mudguard clearances.

For some alternatives, what about the Condor Fratello - a lovely Italian steel audax bike, or the Condor Heritage tourer (also Italian steel, same as Fratello frame except beefier rear triangle). These cost a little more than the ones you have cited, but they are beautiful bikes with many fans.

I have a Dawes Audax (quite an old one, 1997, 531c Reynolds steel frame), it is very comfortable but I have got into touring with camping gear and it is not up to this job. Newer Audax's have different frame materials and may take more weight, but you should consider carefully if you are ever likely to want to do fully loaded touring and if so go for a tourer. If just light touring and day rides then Audax or Cross.

Spa Cycles have a good price on the Audax Supreme at the moment.

The brakes are standard road caliper brakes and if set up well should work as well as any road bike. If anything I would expect the tricross brakes to be more suspect.

jh1978

alfablue
alfablue
Thanks for your advice on bikes. The condors look lovely, but they don't have dealer anywhere near manchester. Sounds like the Dawes Audax would be the best option - I've noticed that the cross/hybrids aren't popular! If anything I'm likely to do day rides and 5/6 day tours on the bike, so sounds like that might be the best one.
Thanks
James

alfablue

Yes, they are really just their London shop, Cycle Republic in York do them, but I don't even know if the shop is up and running yet (it is a posh Halfords franchise). I am considering going to London for a fitting then paying £25 delivery when I get a Heritage Tourer later in the year (that's 120 mile trip for me).

But the Dawes will probably do you (when I get on mine it is comfy like an old armchair ), I presume your 5-6 day tour plans are not for really heavy pannier loads...

Hang around and see if any one has any different views.

jh1978

alfablue
I think I'd do the same, but I'm running out of time and need a bike fairly fast! Not sure what counts as heavy. We were thinking of finishing off the UK after we've done scotland and might end up with sleeping bags and a light tent and clothes, but then the machine also has to get me to work everyday.
Thanks for the advice, might pop over to spa cycles as Harrogate is home!
JAmes

alfablue

Hi James

I tour with two panniers (maybe 12kg loaded) a tent (2.5kg) sleeping bag (1kg) thermarest (800g) and this is too much for my Audax - I am currently using my converted mtb, but the steering is twitchy when loaded and I don't like flat bars for long miles. It may be that you need the Dawes Super Galaxy, which is a proper tourer. Good thing is, though, Spa Cycles are experts in touring so if you have a chat with them about your needs I am sure they will point you in the right direction, whether that be Audax or tourer.

They also do excellent wheel builds and if you have the cash it would be worth getting their recommendation of handbuilt wheels as an upgrade right from the start (my original wheels only lasted a year). They may do a good deal for you.

While you're there, pick up some Ortlieb Back Roller Classic pannier bags, they have the best price around.

As for racks, for cheap go for Tortec, for the best, go Tubus.

alfablue

ps. either would make a superb commuter.

TiBoy

Hi James, I can only comment on the Ridgeback. I bought one 4 years ago as my 1st "proper" bike and got it without really knowing what I should be looking for. I must admit I have been really impressed with it. Not sure what the current spec is like but mine has Sora groupset and weighs about 11.5kgs. I have done over 4000 miles on it through some shitty weather and all I have had to replace is 1 chain and a gear cable, its still on the original sproket. It is now my winter hack and I still love riding it, it has previously taken me across France with a bob trailer loaded with 25kg. They only negative thing I would say is that it is quite twitchy loaded up but you do get used to it.
I would recommend the bike but guess that they are all much of a muchness these days.

Hope this helps