Returning to drop bar bikes after 25 years !!

strathy

I,ve decided to come back to drop bar bikes, after a break in earlier this year, where I had 3 mtbs stolen.
Not done any riding for the last 6 years due to injuries that have now healed enough to get back on a bike.
Looking for some thing multipurpose and preferably steel, as I,m thinking of starting bike touring again.
I,m currently looking at the Genesis Croix de fer, 20 or 30 and the Dawes 26" wheeled touring bike.
The Croix is my first choice, but are there any others worth looking at ?
Also have some other questions too, re touring bike use ;-
10 or 11 gears? is 11speed durable enough for out of the way tours, in harsh conditions ?
Hydro, cable/hydro, or all cable discs, which would be best for reliability/roadside bodging ?
I,ll be building the bike with 165mm cranks, any good sugestions for cranks, double or tripple, probably max 46 tooth chainring for my knackered 52 year old hips and knees ?
Thanks all,
Mike

keef66

Have a look at Spa Cycles charmingly antiquated website, and if you want any advice on touring, just phone them. It's what they specialise in. You can have a triple with any size chainrings you like!

I returned to road bikes aged 50 and after a 25 year absence / a brief flirtation with knobbly tyres. Apart from marrying my wife it's the best thing I ever did.

strathy

Thanks for that Keef, completely forgot about them, was last in their shop probably 25 years ago !
They have a very interesting take on a double chainring with bashguard based on a tripple crank, saves my ankle from chain ring chews if it works.
Will mean a square taper BB instead of the fancy Shimano thing on the Croix.