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Touring bike - which to choose???

timkenxtimkenx Posts: 13
edited September 2011 in Tour & expedition
Hi guys - need to get a touring bike and have been looking at two Dawes bikes, the Sportif Comp 2010 and the Clubman 2011.

Sportif comp:
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/29468/Dawes_Sportif_Comp_Bike_2010

Clubman:
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/39795/Dawes_Clubman_Bike_2011

The sportif comp comes in at around £450 with the clubman being more expensive at £680. Obviously the clubman has some better components and looks a hell of a lot nicer, but I'm really struggling if it's worth the extra money?

Anyone have any views on this? Which should I go for?

Cheers

Posts

  • random manrandom man Posts: 1,518
    The Sportif has been reduced from £930 and the Clubman from £850 so the Sportif is more of a bargain, but it doesn't have a triple front derailleur.
    Have a look at the Revolution Country Explorer: http://www.thebikelist.co.uk/revolution ... lorer-2011
    I've got one of these and it's great - lots of low gears for climbing with weight on, and it's got disc brakes, which are a matter of preference.
  • culverwoodculverwood Posts: 256
    As it says the Sportif is designed especially for Sportif or Audax riders. If your touring is going to be ultra light-weight not having the triple may be fine. If you are loading the bike chose one with a triple.
    http://www.pilgrimstorome.org.uk/index.html
  • mz__jomz__jo Posts: 398
    I can't see what in the Sportif specs makes it more expensive than the Clubman. If I were in the market for that sort of a bike the Clubman would win easily (even if I don't habitually go for carbon forks). But neither of them is what I would call a tourer!
    http://rctl.ffct.org/
  • apsykesapsykes Posts: 11
    Have you thought about a Ridgeback Panorama? See http://www.apsykes.com for more details about mine (I call him Reggie btw).
    8)
    Andrew
  • beattsbeatts Posts: 20
    Thanks Andrew, I have just purchased your book and look forward to reading it, namely for two reasons, it looks like a very good read according to the reviews and also because I am thinking of buying the same bike! :D
  • apsykesapsykes Posts: 11
    beatts wrote:
    Thanks Andrew, I have just purchased your book and look forward to reading it, namely for two reasons, it looks like a very good read according to the reviews and also because I am thinking of buying the same bike! :D

    Thanks for that beatts. Hope you enjoy it when you get around to reading other. Please put your own review on Amazon as well if you can (unless it's really bad of course :( ) Or feedback directly to http://www.apsykes.com would be great. Enjoy your Ridgeback if you get hold of one. Reggie is still going strong and he will probably accompany on my next adventure along Eurovelo 8 in 2013... Cheers
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