Fast Tourer / road bike, London to Rome.

iPete

Hi guys,

In late May me and a friend will be embarking on a fast tour from London to Rome (see other threads at the end). We currently plan on carrying all gear, tents etc. so roughly 10-12kg each on the rears, covering approx 100 miles a day.

Looking at what bike to purchase.

I already own a Specialized Allez Sport Double 2010, which has pannier mounts etc. Its not ideal and I'm sure I'll be advised against this so here is a picture of another allez doing the same::
http://www.allroadsleadtorome.co.uk/images/allez.jpg (thanks Jonny_road for the picture)

However, I am tempted to change the rear cassette for better climbing but am rather clueless on this. So any help here appreciated.

Now my partner in crime doesn't have his bike yet.

So can anyone recommend a fast tourer or much preferably a road bike that can take to panniers and manage 1000+ miles with weight, as after all is done he would like to end up with a fast road bike. He weighs 86kg, so I've already advised that stronger wheels could be a must do upgrade carrying extra weight on top.

Budget is £500-£800. Preferably somewhere in the middle.

So far I've looked at:
Trek 1.2 - have spoke to other happy users who have toured on this.
Trek 1.5
Kona Honky Tonk
Surosa Audax

Happy to go down the P-clip route to get more bike for the money if needed.

Any help much appreciated.

Other related threads.

What Kit:
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12670354

What route:
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12668401

huuregeil

With that kind of budget, you want to be spending your cash on both the frame and the wheels. Decent new touring-suitable wheels can be had for around 150, maybe you can find cheaper secondhand ones. Lots of options for the frame - e.g. Surosa, Kinesis Racelight T2/TK2, maybe even a steel frame. Just make sure you get one that fits, and that has the necessary braze-ons. A friend has a Racelight T, excellent bike for what it is. Obviously, a touring frame will be better (better able to carry the load without flex, particularly if you're heading through and, most importantly, down the alps!), and more stable to ride, but if you're looking to end up with a decent road bike, well, you're in a world of compromises!

http://www.epic-cycles.co.uk/kinesisT2.htm

(Another way of looking at it is to buy a touring frame and, on return to the uk, split the frame out and replace it with a more road-oriented model, keeping the wheels, groupset etc. You probably won't lose out that much and then you end up with something that fulfils your needs exactly.)

Let's say 350 for frame and forks, 150 for wheels. 500 total so far, likely less if you're a smart buyer. So, up to 300 to buy the rest. I'd go on an ebay hunting mission with that! Should be entirely possible to buy decent nearly-new secondhand parts for that.

Remember, if groupset bits break on the trip, then no real issue, because you'll easily find parts en route and repairs can be cobbled together to keep you moving. However, if frame and or wheels fail, then you have a far bigger issue - hence spend the cash there.

huuregeil

PS Wider tyres too, if you're carrying load. Essential for comfort and puncture avoidance! Make sure your frame has enough clearance for at least 25mm with guards, if not 28mm. This is where a more road-oriented frame will be compromised.

huuregeil

Surly frames? All designed for multi-use practicality and come with rack mounts. Long Haul Trucker, Caserolle, Cross Check would all be suitable.

iPete

Thanks for the suggestions & tips, have been having a good look at the Long Haul Trucker.

MrBlond

Condor fratello?

MrBlond

Oops, probably over budget

iPete

Looks good but a little our of reach, anyone have any opinion on something like a Tifosi CK7 Classic?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Tifos ... 360045766/

huuregeil

It's very similar to the Kinesis. Which is very similar to a number of other alloy audax-like alu frames made in taiwan. E.g. Ribble. Ridley also make something similar. I went round this loop with my friend, who ended up with the Kinesis simply because it was the best looking and best finished of the lot, plus Kinesis UK have a very good rep and were very helpful.

tenor

The Tifosi got a 10/10 rating in CW a while ago.
Unlike almost all the cheap Taiwanese alternatives, ii also comes with a decently long head tube, which means you will be able to get a good touring riding position without a stack of spacers or inverted stem. Best recommendation here for the purpose you describe.

iPete

Thanks, I'm somewhat jealous, I love the look of the bike and would probably make a better commuter/tourer/racer than my Allez, the problem with hobbies, you always find the good stuff after you get started!