Bike for tour and 'one off' long distance
andrewaaa5
Posts: 3
hi, I am looking to buy a new bike with 2 purposes : Tour & Road
I want something that can handle racks (front and rear) that I can use for Touring (light touring, circa 80km per day with camping gear), but has the possibility for a longer road trip (with no luggage ), such as the yearly 300km Vätternrund (one day event) in Sweden.
Am I asking too 'multi-tasking' much from 1 bike??
Anyhow, I am thinking of the Focus Mares AX3.0 and replacing the 'cross' tires for the 300km trip with more 'racey' rubber, and of course removing the racks. The Vätternrund is not a race as such, but it is 300km in one [long] day. (I guess you call these 'sportives')
The Mares has eyes in the forks/rear for racks, but I hear that the components of the Mares are not so great.
Does anyone have any input in my current idea (Mares AX 3.0) or perhaps some other suggestions?
I am not so concerned about mudguards, and lights can be added later as needed.
I am hoping to spend £500 to £950 (I think the Mares is about £700)
Although I have enjoyed it a lot, my old bike (Skeppshult STC, with dynamo dub) is old, heavy (about 20kg total and steel frame) is due to replacement...
I want something that can handle racks (front and rear) that I can use for Touring (light touring, circa 80km per day with camping gear), but has the possibility for a longer road trip (with no luggage ), such as the yearly 300km Vätternrund (one day event) in Sweden.
Am I asking too 'multi-tasking' much from 1 bike??
Anyhow, I am thinking of the Focus Mares AX3.0 and replacing the 'cross' tires for the 300km trip with more 'racey' rubber, and of course removing the racks. The Vätternrund is not a race as such, but it is 300km in one [long] day. (I guess you call these 'sportives')
The Mares has eyes in the forks/rear for racks, but I hear that the components of the Mares are not so great.
Does anyone have any input in my current idea (Mares AX 3.0) or perhaps some other suggestions?
I am not so concerned about mudguards, and lights can be added later as needed.
I am hoping to spend £500 to £950 (I think the Mares is about £700)
Although I have enjoyed it a lot, my old bike (Skeppshult STC, with dynamo dub) is old, heavy (about 20kg total and steel frame) is due to replacement...
0
Comments
-
Don't know if it's any help but this bike got a really good review for both of the things you need. Think it was in this months Cycling Active where it had the review. Very comfy, well built and looks classy.
http://www.dawescycles.com/p-597-century-se.aspx0 -
-
Thanks for those tips.
The Dawes Century SE does not seem to have the eyelets in the fork for front racks, and I'm not sure a carbon frame would handle 3rd party rack attachments(?)
I've looked at the Galaxy before, but the weight puts me off, and I doubt I can get to try one in Sweden.
I should have added a bit more information initially:
I'd prefer a simple 'double' chainring with 50T (not a triple), and an aluminum frame (but would not rule out steel).
I've since seen there are several other options for me, including some that I can try over here, such as the Specialized Tricross. I'll try them out and see what feels good...0
