Touring - Do I really need a tour bike?

Hi there,

I've just booked myself a one-way ticket to the south of France, leaving next week, with hopes of riding as much as possible through the country, possibly up to Paris. My current bike is completely unsuitable, and though this will be my first biking venture, I hope to do alot more of this in future years. My absolute budget is £500, but I would ideally like something half this price!

Most tour bikes, however, seem too big (I'm 5ft 2in, and reckon I would need about a 15in frame) and are definitely at the top end of my budget, but seem perfect otherwise (particularly as the idea of drop handles really appeal). My local bike shop recommended two hybrid bikes: the Scott Sportster P6 at £249 and the Globe at £259.99, of course I would need to replace the pedals, gets racks fitted etc to both. Any experience of either of these?

So, was just wondering if anyone had any advice, knows of any smaller tour bikes or thoughts on whether I'd be fine with any cheaper alternatives?

Look forward to hearing,
Thank you!

For a one week tour through France, any bike will do.

If you want to do a lot more of this sort of thing in the future, then investing in a good ride is advisable.

Where are you located, Britain?

I live in Leicester, which admittedly doesn't have the greatest range of bike shops known to man! There's an Evans bike store in Nottingham, about 30 miles away, they have a Dawes tour bike for £449, but again, the smallest it comes in is a 48cm (which I think is about 19in) so I reckon it'd be too big?

I've no idea how long I'll be in France for, it could be up to four weeks, I'm just going to see where my legs take me and how long my money will last!

5'2", 17" trek 520, for what it's worth.

I'm 5'3" on a 46cm Surly LHT, but the size frame you need varies by bikes. Go test out the Dawes and see if you like it.

I'm planning for my first tour, so this isn't from personal experience, but people have done tours on all kinds of bikes. You don't NEED a specialized tour bike, but they are nice to have. Especially if you are doing a credit card tour (staying in hostels, B&B, not camping), you can pack light and fit everything into a saddle bag and handle bar bag, and not even need racks.

What is wrong with your current bike?

they have a Dawes tour bike for £449, but again, the smallest it comes in is a 48cm (which I think is about 19in) so I reckon it'd be too big?

Please check again! I think 48cm is around your size, if not "the" size.
If you can go and give it a ride it can be very good.
You should post your inseam in order for people with this inseam will tell you what size Dawes they ride.

Good idea, I think my inseam is about 30cm...?

I'm slowly being converted to paying the extra for a tour bike, despite what my local shops are saying. I suppose it'll eventually be more cost effective if I get a lot of use out of it....

You may also want to consider buying your bike in France. Your pounds will go further there than in Britain.

Converting a 48cm frame to 19" as a frame size is VERY misleading. I ride a 54cm road bike (21") and a 17" MTB (43cm). They're measured differently. (HH) Sheldon Brown doesn't have a guide YET, but do check around.

What is unsuitable about your current bike?

Good idea, I think my inseam is about 30cm...?

I'm slowly being converted to paying the extra for a tour bike, despite what my local shops are saying. I suppose it'll eventually be more cost effective if I get a lot of use out of it....

How to measure your inseam: (Go down to the A section)
http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/index.cfm
It should be accurate.

As for the touring bike. I'm from Israel and here if I will buy MTB, it should sale for good price, but if I will buy proper touring bike it will not sale and I will have eventually give it as a present :D
You can buy a cheaper bike and tour with it. Then decide if you want to continue. Ether way you can sale the bike and return most of what you paid.
If you then, want to continue touring, you now have time to decide what frame will fit and what bike to buy and...
If the touring bike will sale quick and return much of the investment, you can buy them and experience what is touring bike. Then decide what you really need.
If you can do the last, its the best.

If you're at all contemplating making an investment in a bike that will last you a lifetime, I would suggest you strongly consider Mercian (in Derby - not far from where you are). They can custom-build you a frame in ANY size to meet your needs.

Rachel...what kind of bike do you have now?

It's possible to modify many different bikes to use for touring...

Wow, I just had a look on the Mercian website, their bikes look beautiful! No mention of cost though? As I am a complete newbie, I do quite like the idea of buying a middle-priced bike that I can potentially sell or upgrade when the time comes around...

Evans in Nottingham have ordered me in two bikes - the Dawes (as mentioned above) and the Trek 7.2 FX for £299, which they're going to let me test ride with no obligation to buy...though this will be three days before I leave so hopefully one of them will be suitable! (Though perhaps, as you say becnal, I can always buy a bike in France). It now also slighty depends on which bike I find easiest to disassemble/assemble, as it seems as though I'll need to do this to even make it across to France on the Eurostar!

My current bike (which I've had since I was 10!) is a Raleigh MTB, the reach has always been too big for me (I've never really rode sitting down for this reason, so looking forward to being able to do this on a new bike!) and it's just suffering the general wears and tears of time. I also share this bike with my dad, and as I'm starting university in September I'd like to buy a bike that I can take with me...

Buy the Dawes if it fits you and you have the cash. There are reasons I advise this, (starting with the steel frame) but don't get all hung up on all the crazy bike specs mumbo jumbo.

Just buy, ride and enjoy!

Wow, I just had a look on the Mercian website, their bikes look beautiful! No mention of cost though? As I am a complete newbie, I do quite like the idea of buying a middle-priced bike that I can potentially sell or upgrade when the time comes around...

Evans in Nottingham have ordered me in two bikes - the Dawes (as mentioned above) and the Trek 7.2 FX for £299, which they're going to let me test ride with no obligation to buy...though this will be three days before I leave so hopefully one of them will be suitable! (Though perhaps, as you say becnal, I can always buy a bike in France). It now also slighty depends on which bike I find easiest to disassemble/assemble, as it seems as though I'll need to do this to even make it across to France on the Eurostar!

My current bike (which I've had since I was 10!) is a Raleigh MTB, the reach has always been too big for me (I've never really rode sitting down for this reason, so looking forward to being able to do this on a new bike!) and it's just suffering the general wears and tears of time. I also share this bike with my dad, and as I'm starting university in September I'd like to buy a bike that I can take with me...
+1 for the Dawes. Its a good bike and you will enjoy riding it for long time. I think, and correct me if I'm wrong, the Dawes will sale as 2nd in the UK pretty quickly. But Dawes is a good touring/commuting bike, so I don't think you will want to sale it.
The bike should fit! This is the most important thing. If they don't fit, don't buy.
Buy good lock for the bike, don't play with toy lock. Personally I would buy http://www.kryptonite.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1002&pid=1168 or http://www.kryptonite.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1000&pid=1095
Now, as the time progresses check this forum to learn more things. If you buy the Dawes it will be very good starting point for upgrading components. I would start with Brooks saddle B17 S, Flayer S or B66 S. It will make your ride smooth and you will enjoy sitting for long rides. I would consider it when buying the Dawes, because the LBS can take the new saddle and replace it with Brooks with less expense.
Good luck, and don't forget to send photos.

Rachel, you don't need to disassemble your whole bike to take the Eurostar. Just pop the wheels off, and slide the bike + wheels into a bike bag.

That being said, I prefer taking the ferry from Dover to either Calais or Dunkirk when I've got my bike along. It is kind of cool riding to and from the shore

Evans in Nottingham have ordered me in two bikes - the Dawes (as mentioned above) and the Trek 7.2 FX for £299


That Trek seems perfectly suitable. Is this shop in Nottingham your local bike shop (lbs)? If so, it would be better to buy it from them so that they'll always be willing to help you out with it in future.

Ok, so...I bought the Dawes Horizon, (the trek didn't arrive in time, so that made my decision a little easier!) and took your advice kipibenkipod, and also got a Brooks saddle fitted. Apparently it takes a few weeks to get used to, so I've also bought some proper padded cycling shorts! Unfortunately, Nottingham isn't my local bike shop, but they are now the ones who will continue to help me out, so I'm taking the train there now to get one final check-over done.

Thanks for all the advice, and if anyone has any further tips on touring in France, or other general advice then that would be great! Thanks again!

Good job! So you're set for your trip to France.

My only advice is to ride a little before you go to get used to the bike

Ok, so...I bought the Dawes Horizon, (the trek didn't arrive in time, so that made my decision a little easier!) and took your advice kipibenkipod, and also got a Brooks saddle fitted. Apparently it takes a few weeks to get used to, so I've also bought some proper padded cycling shorts! Unfortunately, Nottingham isn't my local bike shop, but they are now the ones who will continue to help me out, so I'm taking the train there now to get one final check-over done.

Thanks for all the advice, and if anyone has any further tips on touring in France, or other general advice then that would be great! Thanks again!

Hi,
I'm happy for you.
Don't forget to tell us how the trip went.
If you have problems like your hands loosing feeling or your neck hurts. Just ask in the forum, you will probably have to change position.
Also, send us a photo of the bike.
Good luck

Hi Rachel

I hope you have found loads of couchsurfers to stay with

If you click on my Sig URL and then choose Europe then France, you can see where I went.

I recommend Carcassone if you can get over there and up the Canal du Midi

good luck

george ( from CS)

Apoligies for the computer ignorance, but what's your Sig URL, George?! Would definitely be keen to see how your trip panned out! Where would you recommend starting on the Canal du Midi by the way? I'm in Marseille now, having fun, but at the same time would like to get going again soon!