Tourer or road type bike?

timmyflash

Am planning on cycling from Paris down to Slovenia and over the Alps.

Not planning on camping, and would like to take as little as possible.

I have a Comtat Bedoin, but it seems a bit overly sporty for this and quite fancy something more relaxed for long days in the saddle (and i don't want to damage my lovely bike!) BUT, not a full on tourer. Just a more relaxed version of my road bike.

Any recommendations of an alright second hand bike i could look into?

Happy to spend up to £500 if i can get a good resale value for it when i get back as well as can't keep it in my tiny flat..

AidanR

Get something that can take a rear rack and has a triple if you're planning on taking it over the Alps. Buying second hand means that recommending specific bikes may not be that helpful as you're limited to what's available.

Why don't you want a full tourer? Sure, the frame may be a touch heavier but you won't notice that when you've got a couple of panniers on there. Other than that there's no reason a tourer should be any slower than a road bike if it's got the same tyres.

You might want to check out the Dawes Galaxy - there's always tons floating around on eBay so you can find one in the right size, and selling it should be easy.

timmyflash

Still debating a full on tourer. But am trying to take as little as possible, and i know if i have the space, i'll fill it..

What i'd really like to do is just take a normal road bike with a compact, but assume that my ar$e would be in tatters by the end of it, plus i do need to carry a few bits and pieces..

Hmm - cheers pal, will check the Galaxy. Did have that in mind already actually

AidanR

I'd recommend panniers as they'll be much more comfortable. You could always just buy small ones if you want to minimise the amount you take.

You could theoretically fit a rack to your current bike - you can get racks that mount on the rear axle and seatpost clamps with inbuilt rack mounts.

Other than being able to carry panniers rather than having to wear a rucksack, there's no reason why a touring bike should be any kinder to your arse than a road bike. Just make sure you have a saddle that works for you and be sure to test all your equipment thoroughly before you head out.

Andrew N

Sounds like a great trip you have planned. I have heard the hills in Slovenia are great.

A compact road bike with rear panniers did me just fine on a recent tour down the coast of California (Trek 1.2). San Francisco to San Diego over the course of a few weeks.

I would avoid carrying anthing on your back (hot and uncomfortable) and certainly take only the essentials with you.

I hope that helps... :?: