Touring bike?
MiniMalts
Posts: 266
Bare with me, I'm a noob at this...
I'm looking to buy a touring bike, or a touring frame and build it up to the spec I want.
I only have a couple of requirements..
Fully hydraulic disc brakes or mechanical operated hydraulic brakes
If I buy a frame, then I would like to buy it from a company that doesn't just specialise in frames, but also sell complete bikes. The frame has to accept the brakes mentioned above.
Frame and forks to be steel.
No more than £700 for a frame.
What do people think of the Ridgeback Panorama Deluxe Frameset? http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bike/panorama-deluxe-frameset I like the Ridgeback tourers but none of them have disc brakes but the frameset has the ability to add them. Also, why do the specs for the frameset list things like spokes, bottom brackets and rims? :? :?
I'm looking to buy a touring bike, or a touring frame and build it up to the spec I want.
I only have a couple of requirements..
Fully hydraulic disc brakes or mechanical operated hydraulic brakes
If I buy a frame, then I would like to buy it from a company that doesn't just specialise in frames, but also sell complete bikes. The frame has to accept the brakes mentioned above.
Frame and forks to be steel.
No more than £700 for a frame.
What do people think of the Ridgeback Panorama Deluxe Frameset? http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bike/panorama-deluxe-frameset I like the Ridgeback tourers but none of them have disc brakes but the frameset has the ability to add them. Also, why do the specs for the frameset list things like spokes, bottom brackets and rims? :? :?
0
Comments
-
The Jamis Aurora Elite at Evans looks good. Was thinking of one just for commuting0
-
Genesis Tour de Fer? Seems to tick your boxes.
http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/adventure/frames/tour-de-fer-725-frameset0 -
I like the Ridgeback tourers but none of them have disc brakes
This model has disc brakes
http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m115b187s860p15283/RIDGEBACK_Panorama_Deluxe_Touring_Bike_2015/RS_GB/51954?gclid=CKK6x-7BsMkCFYOfGwodbbQKkA
You could fit these TRP Hy/Rd cable-to-hydraulic calipers
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/trp-hy-rd-cable-actuated-hydraulic-disc-brake-caliper/why do the specs for the frameset list things like spokes, bottom brackets and rims? :? :?
They just copied and pasted the info from their full bike page. Ignore it.0 -
My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
Don't know about your budget for the full bike, But Kona Roadhouse also looks a good un.0
-
If you take a look at Evan's website there are quiet a few touring bike with disc brakes ranging from about £700 to £1900
http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/bikes/touring-bikes/f?page=1
Almost everyone who has a Surly (disc) Trucker says they are impressed with them. Although I think you would have to be the bikes mother to think it was good looking.
http://surlybikes.com/bikes/disc_trucker
With regards to brakes it is rare to find a tourer with hydraulic brakes, most have cable operated one. Most due to concerns about failure and being able to fix them whilst on tour. Whether these concerns are grounded in fact is another matter. A few years ago it was madness to have STIs on a tourer for the same reason. Here's one with hydraulics.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/touring-ultegra-2016-touring-bike-ec121635
There are also different types of tourer depending on the amount of stuff you are taking (hotels or camping) and what you are riding on (tarmac in Europe or dirt track in India).
Both of these are touring bikes but differ greatly.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/jamis/bosa-nova-2015-touring-bike-ec072111
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/dawes/gran-tour-725-2015-touring-bike-ec1146230 -
Also, why do the specs for the frameset list things like spokes, bottom brackets and rims? :? :?
Because this is the spec for a complete bike, contact a Ridgeback dealer and ask if they can get a complete bike and how much it is. Unless you want to make a lot or a fundamental change to the spec it will probably be cheaper than buying a frame and building it yourself.0 -
Thanks guys.
I bought a 2015 Genesis Croix de Fer today for £1,300 :shock:
Not quite a 'touring' bike the reviews I've read suggest it's up to the job. Does anyone have any input on this?0 -
Yes, it's perfect for the job. I've got 35mm touring tyres on mine, Vittoria Randonneur Pros. SKS Chromoplastic mudguards (P45) will fit although you need to take a chunk out of the rear guard to accommodate the swing of the front derailleur.
I haven't fitted a rear rack yet but a scan of the Web seems to suggest people recommend the MPART one.0 -
As a bike-designed-specifically-for-the-job, I think you'll struggle to find anything better than a Surly Disc Trucker for the price. I have owned a Surly Long Haul Trucker (non-disc) and it was simply fabulous as a tourer. If i was to return to touring, i'd have another and i wouldn't look at anything else.
Sometimes a less-than-fabulous looking tourer can be an advantage in less salubrious locations as they will be less of a theft-target.0 -
Yes, it's perfect for the job. I've got 35mm touring tyres on mine, Vittoria Randonneur Pros. SKS Chromoplastic mudguards (P45) will fit although you need to take a chunk out of the rear guard to accommodate the swing of the front derailleur.
I haven't fitted a rear rack yet but a scan of the Web seems to suggest people recommend the MPART one.
I was under the impression that ALEX Rims were strong rims but I've read around the internet that they aren't all that good. Does anyone have any opinions on them? Also, they are only 32 spoke, I'd have expected 36 spoke for such a bike? :?
I don't like the MPART one as the two top stays that attach below the seat are just a flimsy pieces of metal with a twist in them.
0 -
Also, they are only 32 spoke, I'd have expected 36 spoke for such a bike? :?
The Tour de Fer does have 36 holes rims. The Croix de Fer was designed to race cyclo-cross.0 -
Also, they are only 32 spoke, I'd have expected 36 spoke for such a bike? :?
The Tour de Fer does have 36 holes rims. The Croix de Fer was designed to race cyclo-cross.
Exactly, for cyclo-cross I would have thought it would have had 36 to be stronger... It's not as if 8 spoke are going to add much weight to a bike.0 -
Not really - people race cyclocross on some fairly light wheels with relatively low spoke counts.
The higher spoke counts are used for touring bikes due to the extra weight being carried and the need for reliability. You might be ok on the stock wheels depending on how heavy you are and how much baggage you intend to carry. 32 spokes is still a decent spoke count when you consider that some road bikes come with 16/20 spoke wheels.0 -
Thanks guys.
I bought a 2015 Genesis Croix de Fer today for £1,300 :shock:
Not quite a 'touring' bike the reviews I've read suggest it's up to the job. Does anyone have any input on this?
Which model Croix de Fer did you get?0 -
Not really - people race cyclocross on some fairly light wheels with relatively low spoke counts.
The higher spoke counts are used for touring bikes due to the extra weight being carried and the need for reliability. You might be ok on the stock wheels depending on how heavy you are and how much baggage you intend to carry. 32 spokes is still a decent spoke count when you consider that some road bikes come with 16/20 spoke wheels.
Yeah I'm 133kg and estimating 10-15kg of luggage. I guess I could spread the weight and add some front panniers so the weight isn't all on the back wheel.0 -
Thanks guys.
I bought a 2015 Genesis Croix de Fer today for £1,300 :shock:
Not quite a 'touring' bike the reviews I've read suggest it's up to the job. Does anyone have any input on this?
Which model Croix de Fer did you get?
The 30, 2015 version.
It was reduced from £1,750 at a LBS in Hull.0 -
Yeah I'm 133kg and estimating 10-15kg of luggage. I guess I could spread the weight and add some front panniers so the weight isn't all on the back wheel.
I been touring with full camping gear (10kg-15kg in front and rear panniers) for the past 12 years on a bike with 32 spoked wheels without any problems. However, the wheels are 26" and I'm 70 kg.0 -
Yeah I'm 133kg and estimating 10-15kg of luggage. I guess I could spread the weight and add some front panniers so the weight isn't all on the back wheel.
I been touring with full camping gear (10kg-15kg in front and rear panniers) for the past 12 years on a bike with 32 spoked wheels without any problems. However, the wheels are 26" and I'm 70 kg.
That's good going. My touring load came out to 18-20kg and that was without having to carry the cooking stuff. And I was pretty brutal with the weight cutting. This was for the far north so, to be fair, I needed clothes for all temperatures but there's no way I could have got to 15kg let alone 10 despite a small and light tent!Faster than a tent.......0 -
The Croix de Fer was designed to race cyclo-cross.
Not really? It's probably capable for cyclocross racing but that's not what it is designed for nor marketed for (I did read a review from an MTB'er who took it on MTB club runs and said it was capable for trail centre riding etc.). Has too low a bottom bracket for a CX race bike for a start.
It's marketed as an "go-anywhere, do anything" bike, and has been used for round the world tours (look up Vin Cox), so it's got some pedigree as a tourer - even if it's not an "out and out" tourer.
They have the Tour de Fer as well, which is a more touring-orientated version (longer). But the CdF is still a capable tourer, particularly if you want a bike you can use for other things too.0 -
You need to give some thought as to the range of touring you want to do, asking which touring bike to buy is a bit vague? I did an unsupported jogle on a cx but if you want to do the pan american you might want something a bit more heavy duty like the Surly LHT mentioned in an earlier post. Salsa do some nice bikes too, the Vaya is nice. They are part of the same group as Surly. Also consider if you need 26in or 700c wheels?0
-
The Croix de Fer was designed to race cyclo-cross.
Not really? It's probably capable for cyclocross racing but that's not what it is designed for nor marketed for (I did read a review from an MTB'er who took it on MTB club runs and said it was capable for trail centre riding etc.). Has too low a bottom bracket for a CX race bike for a start.
It's marketed as an "go-anywhere, do anything" bike, and has been used for round the world tours (look up Vin Cox), so it's got some pedigree as a tourer - even if it's not an "out and out" tourer.
They have the Tour de Fer as well, which is a more touring-orientated version (longer). But the CdF is still a capable tourer, particularly if you want a bike you can use for other things too.
What difference does the extra length of a tourer make?0 -
More stable, particularly with a load, and less chance of bashing your heels on panniers.0
-
/\ that.
I tour on a Condor Fratello (which is marketed as a "fast tourer" amongst other things), and I do occasionally catch my heels on the panniers if I'm not careful when putting them on. Personally I like the sharper handling - but if I was doing longer tours regularly I would probably get something like the Surly (you can actually build the 700c version up to look OK, one of my mates has one).0 -
/\ that.
I tour on a Condor Fratello (which is marketed as a "fast tourer" amongst other things), and I do occasionally catch my heels on the panniers if I'm not careful when putting them on. Personally I like the sharper handling - but if I was doing longer tours regularly I would probably get something like the Surly (you can actually build the 700c version up to look OK, one of my mates has one).
I've already bought the CdF 30 so I'm kind of stuck with it. I like the bike, it's marketed as an all rounder. I might have to change the chainring to get some lower gears but no big deal. I've rode with panniers on my Ridgeback Speed which isn't a touring bike either I didn't have any problems catching my heel unless my foot was far too back on the pedal.0 -
The shorter the chainstays, the further back you have to put panniers on rear rack and the greater the risk of the "tail wagging the dog" effect on handling. If you balance out the load by using front low loader panniers as well as rear panniers, handling and stability will be significantly better. Lightweight B&B or hostel touring with a couple of medium sized panniers at the back is fine. Piling all 15kg of camping gear in two rear panniers and on top of the rear rack is not a good idea. This will also increase the risk of breaking spokes in the rear wheel, particularly for heavier riders.
I've toured all over UK, France and Spain for nearly 30 years and have occasionally met fellow cycle tourists complaining about their bikes suffering low-speed shimmy or even dangerously weaving and wobbling on mountain descents. It's often overladen short wheelbase cross-based bikes. Front and rear panniers, with all the weight balanced and low, is the answer to good handling.0 -
The shorter the chainstays, the further back you have to put panniers on rear rack and the greater the risk of the "tail wagging the dog" effect on handling. If you balance out the load by using front low loader panniers as well as rear panniers, handling and stability will be significantly better. Lightweight B&B or hostel touring with a couple of medium sized panniers at the back is fine. Piling all 15kg of camping gear in two rear panniers and on top of the rear rack is not a good idea. This will also increase the risk of breaking spokes in the rear wheel, particularly for heavier riders.
I've toured all over UK, France and Spain for nearly 30 years and have occasionally met fellow cycle tourists complaining about their bikes suffering low-speed shimmy or even dangerously weaving and wobbling on mountain descents. It's often overladen short wheelbase cross-based bikes. Front and rear panniers, with all the weight balanced and low, is the answer to good handling.
Can't say I noticed any wobble and they were hung back a bit. Not being used to the weight hanging off the bike I did wobble a bit for the first 50 metres. Hand no problems breaking spokes. I rode the mile to the train station then 21 miles along a canal tow path from Kings X to a friends house, then back again then 17 miles from Hull to mums house.
I'm guessing I should invest in some front pannier racks but I'm guessing they are going to be expensive?0 -
Blackburn low rider racks are about £30. They are the originals of this design. You can get copies a bit cheaper. Then you will need small to medium panniers to fit them. The custom type of low rider screw onto special bosses on the front forks. If you don't have those, you get the type with a U clamp around the fork and a connecting loop going over the front tyre. Low rider racks are better for stability than the high rider types which carry the load at the top of the front wheel.
As I said, balancing the load front and rear, keeping it low, with the panniers centred on the wheel hubs rather than pushed right to the back of the rear rack will give the best handling. I gurantee it will feel better to ride. It will also stop all the weight of rider and luggage being concentrated on the rear wheel and putting strain on the spokes. This is a good idea if you are a heavy rider carrying a lot of luggage for long distances over rougher roads and tracks, particularly if your rear wheel only has 32 spokes as opposed to the 36 of most purpose-built tourers.
But don't let me put you off. Plenty of people tour on the Croix de Fer. As long as you keep loaded weight reasonably down, you'll be fine with just rear panniers. The time to consider low riders is if you progress to more serious touring and heavy loads.0 -
/\ .
I might have to change the chainring to get some lower gears but no big deal.
It looks like it has a compact double with an 34t ring. This is the smaller 110 BCD that you can fit on this chainset. You may be able to change the cassette to one with a larger sprocket than 32 if the rear mech will accommodate it.0 -
/\ .
I might have to change the chainring to get some lower gears but no big deal.
It looks like it has a compact double with an 34t ring. This is the smaller 110 BCD that you can fit on this chainset. You may be able to change the cassette to one with a larger sprocket than 32 if the rear mech will accommodate it.
I have a thread about it here. viewtopic.php?f=40020&t=13040600
And the guys there seem to think a lower geared crank set from Middleburn will do the job. Are you saying this won't work?0
