realistic differences between tourer and mtb tourer

scottgeniusltd2005

hi all,

may need to accept the fact that riding my brommie long distances (regular 40+ and quite a few 60+ all really hilly) is hurting my health. therefore may be no good for my 40 mile a day commute starting march. so i am looking into the idea of a tourer so i can do camping out trips as well.

what is the difference between a 26" mtb based tourer (eg cannondale) and a traditional tourer? are the 26" tourers the same frames as hardtail mtb's? what will the difference in average mph be compared to an audax? a lot slower over 20 miles or just a bit?

cheers

JamesB

Regarding avergae speed differences...I have found that a MTB on slicks with rigid forks (which will be an equiv to a MTB tourer) is about 10% at most slower than my road bike...based on looking at occasn MTB sportive times I`ve done and matching road bike times; used to use an MTB as above to commute 30 miles round trip, took about 2 hr; road bike 1hr 50 min roughly.
Traditional tourers will have drop bars most likely; MTB based flat bars and disc brakes, and will probably have a much more solid and unforgiving frame

scottgeniusltd2005

when you say an unforgiving frame, what do you mean? i do have an expensive mtb which i have had for quite a while and needs money spending on it to become my commuter (new full gear train ( currently ss as last drive train wore out and xtr is about 300 for 3 rings and cassette) forks need servicing). i am now thinking it may be better to spend the money on the mtb and put the slicks back on.

riding the brommie long distances seems to be hurting my knees (currently can hardly walk). i have got the seat at the right height and the knee above peddle spindle. now this could be just down to the lack of a low enough gear for the hilly area i live in. however i was riding the mtb prior ss with 32:16 and had no problems. might just be time to admit that dragging the brommie up the hills is just too much, it does weigh over twice the weight of my mtb.

so in your view a hardtail mtb and tourer 26" is pretty much the same frame?
touring wise i could always tow a trailer behind my fs mtb.

andrew_s

They are pretty much the same.
Assuming similar tyres, the larger wheel size on a trad tourer will roll slightly easier, and drop bars allow a lower and narrower position into headwinds than MTB bars do.
Other than that, it's mostly a case of suitable fittings (rack mounts incl forks, multiple bottle cages etc).

JamesB

My commuting MTB was based on a Van Nic Ti frame, and because of increased strength rqeuired (>> fatter tubes, stays) it is not as smooth riding as my Van Nic Ti road bike which has slimmer seat and chain stays = more flex and cushioning in the frame= more forgiving!