Geometry for Touring

smiley_boy2501
smiley_boy2501 Posts: 126
edited January 2012 in Road beginners
As above. I appreciate its a personal thing, but I can't go and try bikes for 3 hours at a time. Or can I?
Help and thoughts please.

Comments

  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    If you buy one from Epic Cycles I imagine they'd let you. They seemed to think I hadn't been out long enough on either of my test rides. Before you set off they make sure you have their phone number so if you have a mechanical they can come and get you!
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Might also be worth phoning Spa Cycles; they are a touring friendly lot too.
  • MichaelW
    MichaelW Posts: 2,164
    Are you talking about bike fit or handling whilst loaded.
    The best advice on bike fit for tourists (as opposed to racers) is here.

    As far as handling goes, you cant tell from an unladen test ride. Bikes handle differently when they are fully loaded.
    Typical English tourers such as Dawes Galaxy are always a safe bet but the US style such as Surly LHT is more expedition oriented with wider tyre clearance, longer chainstays so handles better with a full load but not as sporty when unladen. Thorn make both kinds.

    Decide if you want a specialist loaded expedition tourer or a general purpose commuter/club tourer that is good for a few weeks of Euro touring and more if you accept the compromises.
  • smiley_boy2501
    smiley_boy2501 Posts: 126
    Cheers. Was thinking more about bike fit really. Ill check out spa cycles as its near my home town.
  • wishitwasallflat
    wishitwasallflat Posts: 2,927
    smiley_boy2501 wrote:
    Cheers. Was thinking more about bike fit really. Ill check out spa cycles as its near my home town.

    If its bike fit that matters to you rahter than finding a touring specific bike try Specialised Concept store in Harrogate - I got my Secteur from there (v comfy geometry) and they gave me a test model for a week to try first.

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