Touring - Steel touring bike wanted

Ok after one LONG day on huge chipseal last trip I decided I want steel. So lets see if you guys can help. tell me what bike, then IN ONE SENTENCE tell me why. Right now I havn't got a preference, even after riding several. The bike will get 3k to 4K miles a year commuting, and at least one, hopefully more, of a 600 to 800 mile fully loaded tour per year.

I recommend the Surly LHT complete because it's got all the braze-ons you'll ever need, can carry a heavy load, can fit fat tires with wide fenders, comes with the right gearing and good components, is reasonably priced, has a long wheelbase, and the Surly guys seem pretty cool.

Get a LHT. Oh, and all Surlys are steel.

I'd get the LHT
LHT http://www.surlybikes.com/lht_comp.html

Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30.
Reynolds 853.

REI Randonnee. Most of what you need(gearing, tire clearance, strong wheelset, brazeons), less of what you don't(overpriced blingy doodads)

REI Randonnee. Most of what you need(gearing, tire clearance, strong wheelset, brazeons), less of what you don't(overpriced blingy doodads)
Sold out! Most likely will not be in stock until spring 2009.

Surly LHT would be my first choice. If you can't afford a $900+ bike a Bikes Direct Windsor Tourist at $600 would be my second choice. I want to support my LBS but for some reason he's not really interested in getting me a Surly LHT so I may just pull the trigger on a Windsor Tourist.

I recommend the Surly LHT complete because it's got all the braze-ons you'll ever need, can carry a heavy load, can fit fat tires with wide fenders, comes with the right gearing and good components, is reasonably priced, has a long wheelbase, and the Surly guys seem pretty cool.

All except for that one guy riding in the short-shorts and halter top!

Actually +1 on the Long Haul Trucker.

Surly LHT-nothing else to say

REI Randonnee. Most of what you need(gearing, tire clearance, strong wheelset, brazeons), less of what you don't(overpriced blingy doodads)


Sold out! Most likely will not be in stock until spring 2009.

That's the website that is sold out. There is an REI over in Plano off of Preston, they might have one in stock, and honor the coupon. Lot's of great things on clearance right now for touring.

What size are you looking for? I know where there may be a 520 in pristine shape, not cheap but less than a new LHT.

If you guys have the room for riders, and I can get myself in good enough shape, I have thought about joining you guys next year on your ride. It's part of the reason I got my Super Galaxy.

You need larger, lower pressure tires for the rough surfaces - not a new frame. I'm assuming you were riding an aluminum-framed bike on the chipseal, and you think steel has some magical vibration-dampening properties. It doesn't - at least not anywhere near the extent you're hoping for.

Why don't you try new tires before you shell out for a whole new bike?

I think a Trek 520 makes an excellent touring bike and loaded tourer, right out of the box.

Rivendell Hilsen or Atlantis

Reason - lugs

If you guys have the room for riders, and I can get myself in good enough shape, I have thought about joining you guys next year on your ride. It's part of the reason I got my Super Galaxy. Come on anlong, it was a balst last year.




You need larger, lower pressure tires for the rough surfaces - not a new frame. I'm assuming you were riding an aluminum-framed bike on the chipseal, and you think steel has some magical vibration-dampening properties. It doesn't - at least not anywhere near the extent you're hoping for.

Why don't you try new tires before you shell out for a whole new bike? I hade 35s with lower pressure, and I know steel is not magical, just better(imo). I am a 230# rider, and carry way too much, but I like it like that, and I think steel is a better touring bike.

And I just want a new bike:)

You need larger, lower pressure tires for the rough surfaces - not a new frame. I'm assuming you were riding an aluminum-framed bike on the chipseal, and you think steel has some magical vibration-dampening properties. It doesn't - at least not anywhere near the extent you're hoping for.

Why don't you try new tires before you shell out for a whole new bike?
+1
I own both steel and aluminum bikes and the difference in ride due to frame material is minimal compared to the difference due to tire selection and pressure.

You need larger, lower pressure tires for the rough surfaces - not a new frame. I'm assuming you were riding an aluminum-framed bike on the chipseal, and you think steel has some magical vibration-dampening properties. It doesn't - at least not anywhere near the extent you're hoping for.

Why don't you try new tires before you shell out for a whole new bike?

+100 - bigger lower pressure tires will solve the vibration problem better than a steel frame. Of course depending on what you ride you may not be able to fit such tires as they are not popular for most styles of bikes. You may end up with a LHT simply because that's one of teh few touring bikes sold in North America that can easily fit wider rubber. A nice steel frame and more importantly a well designed steel fork will certainly help out on rough roads, but tires are the fastest easiest way to address the problem.

If you buy a LHT and put narrow-ish tires pumped up to max pressure on it you'll still have a rough uncomfortable ride on chip seal. Steel may be real, but it isn't magically able to solve problems.

One sentence? How about one word "LHT", OK fine LHT isn't a word it is an acronym. Sue me.

[QUOTE=tate65;7321608]Come on anlong, it was a balst last year.

I have a long ways tro go to get in good enough shape, but will be doing some weekenders out to Lake Tawakoni, and where ever else I can find working up for it. I'm having some health issues, but hope to be at Southlake on the 13th. If I just do the short ride with the guests of honor, it will be good enough.

I hade 35s with lower pressure, and I know steel is not magical, just better(imo). I am a 230# rider, and carry way too much, but I like it like that, and I think steel is a better touring bike.

And I just want a new bike:)[QUOTE]

Can't fault a man for that, now can I?

Another vote for the Randonee. Yes, I know the REI website says its sold out. Call the store (s) close to you. They might have one in stock, and it's on sale right now. It's a good deal at regular price too.

I refuse to drink the pea green kool aide and buy a shirley.

The Fuji Touring has a stout steel frame with purpose selected components for the intended use, proven to be upto the task and moderatly priced.

Do I get a prize for following directions?
(BTW just kiddin about the surly, I wish I had one)

I refuse to drink the pea green kool aide and buy a shirley.
...
(BTW just kiddin about the surly, I wish I had one)

Yea, you're just pea green with jealousy. :roflmao2:

I refuse to drink the pea green kool aide and buy a shirley.

The Fuji Touring has a stout steel frame with purpose selected components for the intended use, proven to be upto the task and moderatly priced.

Do I get a prize for following directions?
(BTW just kiddin about the surly, I wish I had one)
I once tried to purchase a Fuji touring bike through a bike shop in the next town. He is a Fuji dealer and had Fuji road bikes in stock. I walked in and told the owner I wanted a Fuji touring bike. He got out a brochure and measured me for the correct size bike. He told me to come back in one week to pick it up. I asked about a deposit but he told me not to worry about a deposit. I came back one week later prepared to purchase my new Fuji touring bike and take it home. When I walk in the shop the owner was talking to a couple of roadies and ignored me. Finally the roadies leave. I tell him I'm ready to pick up my Fuji touring bike and have money in hand. He said, you really wanted a Fuji touring bike? I have a Fuji road bike for you as he's pulling it out of the rack with a tag on it with my name. He continues talking saying that a road bike is a lot faster and lighter and I would like it much better than a steel bike pushing hard to sell me a bike I did not order or want. Needless to say I said thats not what I wanted and walked out of the shop. I never bothered to ask if Fuji had run out of touring bikes or had sent a road bike by mistake. All I knew is I wanted a touring bike and the owner was trying to push a road bike unsuitable for loaded touring on me. You can only purchase Fuji bikes through a Fuji dealer so I can't go on line and purchase one and I'm not driving over 100 miles to another Fuji bike dealer in an attempt to purchase one.