Touring Bike

at106

Hi I'm looking for some advice regarding touring bikes. Next year a group of us are planning on cycling from lands end to john o groats. We're looking to spend between £300 - £500 on each bike. I was hoping you could recommend some suitable bikes.

Thanks in advance!

unixnerd

Look at Edinburgh Bicycle's own brand range (shops in a few places other than Edinburgh now, even England!). I've done about 10k miles on mine and it's been great. They do them in disc or non-disc versions these days and should fit your budget. They come with a sturdy rack unlike some. I'd also recommend their own brand panniers, great value and they last really well.

keef66

have you read the "what road bike" sticky at the top of this page?

Are you doing it solo or supported? Carrying camping stuff or using B&B's? What speed do you anticipate riding at / how many miles a day? Do you want bikes just for LEJOG or do you plan to use them for other stuff too?

If it was me I'd want a road bike with room to fit proper mudguards and at least 25mm tyres, and not have too aggressive a saddle to bar drop. Above all, make sure you get a bike that fits you well; you're going to be spending a lot of time on it so you need to be comfy.

at106

We'll be supported and staying in youth hostels so we won't have to carry much. We plan to do between 70 and 100 miles per day but would like to use the bikes afterwards.

rich164h

at106 wrote:

We plan to do between 70 and 100 miles per day but would like to use the bikes afterwards.

For unsupported touring? If not and the support you're getting for this trip means that all you'll be carrying is the normal day-ride equipment (i.e. tubes, patches, mini tool, food, some cash etc), then just go for any road bike that's comfortable.

If you're planning on doing this in the summer I'm not sure I'd bother with things like mudguards or possibly even a rack. Slightly wider tyres might be good though to provide a touch of extra comfort. If you're doing a winter trip though then mudguards are probably essential just to make the trip bearable!

Do you have a bike already?

unixnerd

Agreed, if it's supported a decent road bike is better. Something comfortable for the miles such as a Specialised Secteur / Roubaix or a Cannondale Synapse maybe. Possibly over your budget though.

nevman

A Triban 3 from Decathlon with upgraded tyres would be suitable and leave some cash for decent weather gear eg Gore jacket etc.Comfort is the key to long distance rides so make sure to get the right size bike.

Hoopdriver

rich164h wrote:

at106 wrote:

We plan to do between 70 and 100 miles per day but would like to use the bikes afterwards.

For unsupported touring? If not and the support you're getting for this trip means that all you'll be carrying is the normal day-ride equipment (i.e. tubes, patches, mini tool, food, some cash etc), then just go for any road bike that's comfortable.

If you're planning on doing this in the summer I'm not sure I'd bother with things like mudguards or possibly even a rack. Slightly wider tyres might be good though to provide a touch of extra comfort. If you're doing a winter trip though then mudguards are probably essential just to make the trip bearable!

Do you have a bike already?

Get mudguards no matter what, summer or no. No less than 28mm tyres for comforts sake. I have toured all over the world and, believe me, you will want these things.