Touring bikes?

CyclingBantam

I'm in need of help!

I'm planning to do 1500 miles over 3 weeks next May/June, from home, through France to Italy. I am able to get a bike off the Cycle to Work scheme (Hellfrauds). The only problem is I don't really know what I should be looking out for in a Tourer?

Does anyone know anywhere I can look to get a idea of what is a good bike and any reviews etc? Any help would be great as I feel a spot stuck at the moment.

I don't have a set budget in mind at the moment. I can spend up to £1k and will if needs be. Ideally I will want something on the 'faster' side as opposed to strong as I will be only using it on good roads.

Thanks in advace for any help.

Ben

Wooliferkins

Your in the right place to check out the reviews. Just click on the bikes and gear link at the top of the page. Shame about Hellfrauds it really limits you as they dont have anything you'd want to ride all day with your luggage on the back. My choice would be a Hewitt Cheviot a Tifosi CK7 or something from the Thorn range.

andymiller

I bought an On-One via Halfords Cycle to Work scheme. SFAIK (things might have changed) you aren't limited to buying from the Halfords range. The staff running the Cycle2Work scheme were very helpful.

What you should be looking for in a tourer:

- rackmounts (though not essential);
- clearance for larger tyres (although again not essential - you can tour with 25mm tyres)
- triple chainring - personally I'd go for MTB ratios but people tour with higher gearing
- I'd go for a steel frame, but again plenty of people tour on aluminium frames.

And as for 'fast' vs 'strong', someone may correct me, but, SFAIK the difference between a 'heavy' frame and a 'light' frame (excluding carbon) is at most a pound or so.

cpeachey

You are looking at a high daily mileage so something like an "Audax" machine. 28c tyres that take a high pressure (90-100psi) 32/36 spoke wheels MB gear ratios. As above look for something "conventional" ie steel, "proper wheels" (not 18spoke factory jobs!)
Comfort is important and reliability.
Your budget is ideal but allow for the extras..mudguards, rack, computer, waterproof panniers (Ortlieb/Vaude) frame fit pump, spare tubes and a tool kit. Also a decent waterproof! The Hewitt choice looks good.
Chris

xilios

I've put together some tips on my page http://www.bike-journeys.com/touring_tips/Tips.htm
You can also buy "The essential touring cyclist". Its where I got many of my tips.