Touring - loaded touring bike

I'm shopping for a touring bike and would like to get comments from the gang here. First, I'll tell everybody that I'm tall so I don't have as serious issues with bikes designed for men as shorter women often do. Second, I'm specifically interested in a bike that will hold up to loaded touring and not just the credit card stuff.

Test ride no. 1 was a Trek 520, a previous year's model but the setup hasn't changed much. This was a beautiful bike, and on sale for a great price too. I'd have bought it on the spot, except that I had trouble reaching the brake levers from the drop. Apparently the extra long reach is typical for V brakes, and cannot easily be adjusted. Anybody else run into this problem? Interestingly, this model has a relatively short top tube compared to most bikes sized for men. So if you're looking for a touring bike and have large hands or at least longer than average fingers, definitely try it out.

Test ride no. 2 was a Terry Classic, a 2002 which is exactly the same as the 2003 and 2004 models except for the available colors. I'm on the verge of actually buying this one. The only thing that's causing me to pause is that so far I haven't been able to find anybody to offer an opinion on the suitability of this bike for loaded touring. Of course the people at Terry say that it's fine for loaded touring, exactly what it's made for, but I'd just feel a little more comfortable to hear that from regular riders outside the company. BTW, Terry is selling the leftover 2002 models, Classics and some others too, at steep discounts. Comments from Terry Classic riders, please!

Hi,
Shimano makes a STI systen for small hands now. It's real new, so I haven't even seen it yet. But I'd look into it. The second thing is that there are a lot of bike companies out there. Each has a different take on what a tourer is. But you should realise that as durability and cargo carrying ability go up; the bike gets heavier and slower. I have great respect for the Waterford touring bike, it could survive almost anything. But it was SLOW.
It's what I think of as an expedition bike, designed for crossing continents. Bianchi makes a couple tourers, take a look at the Volpe. Anyway, go to a bunch of bike shops (touring bikes are a little harder to find) and try a few bikes, see what you like.

Have you had a look at the Bruce Gordon bicycles? http://www.bgcycles.com/ If I were looking for a heavy duty touring bicycle, that's one I would seriously consider.

You might also think about Marinoni's touring bicycle http://www.marinoni.qc.ca/html/2004/eng_turismo.asp. The benefit of Marinoni is that the bicycles are custom built. You are measured up and you get a bicycle that is the right size for you. I have the Marinoni Ciclo and I really like it. It is the first bicycle that actually fits me!

Now you've got me itching to start looking for a touring bicycle to add to my collection!! :D

I'd have bought it on the spot, except that I had trouble reaching the brake levers from the drop. Apparently the extra long reach is typical for V brakes, and cannot easily be adjusted.

I'm not a woman, but I am smallish, and I've got a pair of the same levers they use on the 520 on my winter commuter bike. They ARE unusually long-reach, probably because they're designed to pull so much cable (they're the only aero road levers that will work with V-brakes for that reason), but I got used to the extra reach in about a week of commuting... Obviously, if you really literally can't reach, that's a problem, but if you just feel awkward reaching that far, you probably WILL get used to it ;)

-chris

Bruce Gorden BLT is the classic loaded touring bike. Any loaded tourer should be similar to this pattern. Most US tourers are quite heavy duty. In the UK we like a lighter style of club tourer, suitable for loaded touring, but better behaved when unladen.
You could bike a stock frame the correct size, and get your LBS to build up a bike. Gunnar, Soma and other small workshops make good frames. You then get to pick components. These need not be top of the range,but they can fit you well.

Hello from the north country, I have just recently compleated a short six day trip with a Norco Corsa it is from norcos adventure treking series. Although it is an agile climber and a nice bike when loaded down it is a little lite. You definetkly need to put 700-35 tires on to avoid flats. Also the 24 spokes are need to be upgraded tio 32. Keep in mind I'm 198lbs and packs front and back wt. 55lbs. good touring Ian

I am also looking for a touring bike that can take being loaded, but, I am short (5'1"). I had been visiting the local bike shops because I really want to be able to try out a bike before I buy it. One shop is really praising the Giant OCR Touring. The girl who works there is about the same size as me, so I think some of her comments on comfort are reliable. Has anyone out there tried this bike? I have looked at the specs for the Terry Classic and Madeleine, but I don't think there is any way to try it out first where I live. For some reason, I like the idea of chromoly steel.

Let me know of other bikes I should be checking out (will take a look at the Trek).

Jennifer in Fort Collins

I'd check out gunnar. I picked up a sweet koga-miyata on ebay that i'm building up.
Also think xtracycle!

Hi,
I am kicking myself for not thinking of this before. I have two bikes, and both are set up with dual brake systems. I have road bikes that also have a set of Mtn bike brakes on them. To tell the truth, I rarely use the road brakes, because the Mtn bike brakes are stronger. Combine that with a shorter and steeper stem on that 520, and you just might have a bike you could live with.