Sportive v Tourer

Hondated

Sorry yet another question.

This time its about the difference between these bikes.Now I know that the Tourer has carrying luggage capability but the question I have is do you think that they are comparable for comfort. I mean lots of Sportives are 100 miles now and I cannot see me even doing that in 1 day and yet many riders seem to do this distance in comfort on a Sportive without any problem.

So am I right in thinking that unless you are going to set off on a Tour a sportive is as comfortable as a Tourer and at the same time Sportive bikes look and ride far better.

AidanR

Comfort depends on many things. Fit is most important, then contact points, so saddle, bars, bar tape and pedals/shoes, then vibration damping so tyres and to some extent wheels, frame and fork material and design.

Touring bikes tend to have slower, more stable handling and are stronger to cope with the loads. None of this necessarily affects the comfort.

Hondated

AidanR for such a quick response to my question and the very good points you make.
I seem to be facing the same problem I have with motorcycles. I love the sexy look of the Fireblade, Gsxr 1000, RI but my sensible head says the comfort of a RT1200 would be preferable. So as a compromise I ride a Honda Blackbird. It seems especially give your reply that to make my heart beta that bit faster everytime I go out into the garage I need to buy a sexy CF Wilier or comparable.

You would think at 59 I would be grown up by now wouldn't you.

Enjoy the sun.

AidanR

There's no reason why a sporty carbon bike can't be comfortable so long as the fit is right for you. Given you're 59 perhaps something with a longer head tube might be appropriate unless you're particularly flexible for your age. If you're looking to buy a bike and have struggled to get comfortable in the past I'd get yourself to a good bike fitter. You should be able to find on off-the-peg bike that fits you properly with a bit of tweaking of the stem, spacers, seat post, bars etc. If not, there's always custom steel.

mallysm

why not get the best of both worlds and go for a titanium frame.

alfablue

They should be as comfortable as each other when you start, but I would suggest that on a fast hilly sportive ride you would find the lighter bike more comfy as the miles pile up and your legs get heavy.

Hondated

Thanks everyone again for your replies.Plenty to think about now.