Touring - Touring bike with flat handlebar?

Does anyone know of a decent touring bike that comes with a flat bar? I also need an extra small frame with standover 27" max. I have looked a lot with no luck. Am considering this frame but would prefer a built up bike. See bottom of page for frame pic. But no standover measurement is given
http://www.bgcycles.com/BasicLoadedTouring.html

Bruce posts here from time to time. Give him an email. I can't imagine that he wouldn't be more than willing to help.

kyakdiver

Hi are you looking for a 'loaded' touring bike? something to take several changes of clothes and camping gear? or something for weekend trips? I would think almost anyone's higher end Hybrids would fit the bill for a few days of 'hotel' touring.

Does anyone know of a decent touring bike that comes with a flat bar? I also need an extra small frame with standover 27" max. I have looked a lot with no luck. Am considering this frame but would prefer a built up bike. See bottom of page for frame pic. But no standover measurement is given
http://www.bgcycles.com/BasicLoadedTouring.html

Why don't you ask Bruce himself (http://www.brucegordoncycles.blogspot.com/) about the standover height? It would be trivial to swap the drop bars for flat bars, if that's what you prefer.

I custom built my LHT up with a flat handlebar but I would imagine if you went to your LBS to order a bike they might be interested in doing a swap out with you as they would be replacing new parts with new parts. I know that you can order Surlys custom built to some degree and either you could have them put a flatbar on or order it without a bar and brake levers and complete the bike when you get it. And like the other poster said, I'm sure BG would make the swap for you if it meant selling a bike or not selling a bike.

You're right, standover isn't generally given. But that's because for the most part it's locked in by the seat tube length given as the frame size. But it can get messy if you have a mountain bike with a low top tube style frame and want to get into a road style frame.

You should be able to figure out the standover with a bit of math. Measure your wheels you have now for the axle height and then using the geometry tables you can easily figure out how far off the ground the top tube is by just factoring in the axle height with the bottom bracket shell drop and seat tube length. Include the fudge factor for the angle if you want but for something of this sort of nature it really isn't needed since you're just trying to figure out roughly which size you need. From there the other factors like top tube length will become more important.

Another way would be to stand over your present bike and using a yard stick position the stick at the top tube to steering head tube weld and then lift the rear end up while holding it against the seat post until you have your 27 inch stand over or whatever feels right for you. Mark where the stick sits on the post. Now you can measure up from the BB axis to the mark and you know what generic size of road frame you need. Or it'll be pretty close provided your present bike doesn't have some great honking long set of suspension forks on it.

Have you considered the Surly LHT? For about the same price as the frame/fork BLT you would have a complete built bike. Then you just need to swap out the bars and shifters.

Or for a slightly lighter option that isn't quite so focused on loaded touring look at the Surly Cross Check built up into a flat bar tourer. Or a Soma Double Cross. Both are cyclocross bikes that come with the brazeons to support conversion to a pretty decent touring bike. But then once the racks are stripped off would make into a nice performance hybrid ride for the rest of the year. And really with your conversion to flat bars a "performace hybrid" is what you're after. The key is to find one that has all the brazeons for racks. In particular the front fork having the mid leg brazeons and enough dropout threaded points for the racks and fenders.

You can put straight bars on any bike. Don't let the original handlebars eliminate a model.

Have a look at this one http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/tout-terrain.asp. there is also a ladies frame available for the Boulevard model. http://www.tout-terrain.de/2/products/commuter-bikes/boulevard-t/index.html

Oliver


Touring bike with flat handlebar?

Does anyone know of a decent touring bike that comes with a flat bar? I also need an extra small frame with standover 27" max. I have looked a lot with no luck. Am considering this frame but would prefer a built up bike. See bottom of page for frame pic. But no standover measurement is given
http://www.bgcycles.com/BasicLoadedTouring.html

Many people in northern Europe (Germany, Holland, Denmark, etc.) don't seem to be aware that touring bikes can have drop-bars, they all use robust straight-bar or butterfly-bar bikes, and call them "trekking" bikes. Maybe you can get hold of one of those.

Mine is a flat bar, full rigid low-end hybrid. It has seen its share of self supported touring and utility cycling with heavy loads, including towing a kayak trailer. I've enjoyed touring with it very much, but then for me it's more about the tour than it is about the bike. So I'm a bit skeptic on how high in the model range you really need to go to find a suitable tourer. When I bought mine, I didn't worry about the low-end drivetrain components, as much of that will wear out and need replacing in a couple of years anyway. I wanted a frame that fits and has good mounting options for racks etc.

As far as hybrids go, look into either low or high-end models. At least in our market, middle range stuff tends to come with a lot of unnecessary, poor quality and even undesireable bells and whistles. Various el-cheapo suspension arrangements come to mind, for example. Good quality bells and whistles can be found towards the high end of range - or installed to a low end model afterwards, if needed.

--J

you could always just put a pair of cyclocross brake levers onto the drops, that way you have the benefits of flats but with a greater range of riding positions. like this... http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/catalog/medium/BL3000.jpg. then you can buy the bike you linked to, or in fact a surly lht (which is brilliant).

having ridden long distance loaded with flats and drops, it's definitely the build i'd go for next. if you are planning on any touring do not underestimate the added comfort that a nice pair of drops (morphe 3tt or nitto grande randonneur) or the butterly bars someone else mentioned can give you. flats can give you ulnar nerve palsy if you ride too far on them http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulnar_nerve_entrapment. ow.

Koga Miyata World Travler....

if you are planning on any touring do not underestimate the added comfort that a nice pair of drops ... or the butterly bars someone else mentioned can give you.

It's more than just alternate hand positions. Drops and trekking bars give alternate body positions - and that's nice when spending hours in the saddle on tour.

tcs

I need flat bars as my service dog goes in a basket that attaches to handlebars and won't clear front wheel with drops.I am considering the surly LHT but I would have to change bars, shifters and brake levers, and I would change crank to 42-32-22 and cassette to 34t large ring so with all those changes it would be wasting a lot of parts I wouldn't use. It doesn't seem they will customize their bikes at all.

I need flat bars as my service dog goes in a basket that attaches to handlebars and won't clear front wheel with drops.I am considering the surly LHT but I would have to change bars, shifters and brake levers, and I would change crank to 42-32-22 and cassette to 34t large ring so with all those changes it would be wasting a lot of parts I wouldn't use. It doesn't seem they will customize their bikes at all.

Find a good local shop that will work with you. Good shops will swap out parts if requested. May cost very little and it costs nothing to ask.

Good luck in yoru search.

People switch from drop bars to upright bars far more than the other way. Bike shops buy a lot of upright bars and end up with a surplus of unwanted drop bars.

I fix bikes for people in my neighborhood, and I'm stocking up on upright bars and brake levers and grips for this reason. I recently converted a road racing bike for one neighbor.

I need flat bars as my service dog goes in a basket that attaches to handlebars and won't clear front wheel with drops.I am considering the surly LHT but I would have to change bars, shifters and brake levers, and I would change crank to 42-32-22 and cassette to 34t large ring so with all those changes it would be wasting a lot of parts I wouldn't use. It doesn't seem they will customize their bikes at all.

If a 27 inch stand over is essential, be sure to try the LHT before buying. The smallest LHT has a 27.7 inch standover height.
http://surlybikes.com/frames/long_haul_trucker_frame/

If it does fit, the cassette shouldn't need changing. The LHT complete comes with an 11-34
(http://surlybikes.com/bikes/long_haul_trucker_complete/

I bought a LHT complete last year, added a stem riser, changed to flat bars, put on MTB brake levers, moved the bar end shifters to Pauls Thumbies, and changed one chain ring to get a lower granny gear ... went to 48-36-24 from 48-36-26. The LBS wouldn't go for substitutions, so the mods did cost a couple hundred $... but I do have the bike of my dreams now.

[QUOTE]I custom built my LHT up with a flat handlebar but I would imagine if you went to your LBS to order a bike they might be interested in doing a swap out with you as they would be replacing new parts with new parts. I know that you can order Surlys custom built to some degree and either you could have them put a flatbar on or order it without a bar and brake levers and complete the bike when you get it. And like the other poster said, I'm sure BG would make the swap for you if it meant selling a bike or not selling a bike./QUOTE]

I actually work at the LBS in our area and had a customer that wanted a Surly LHT with a flat bar and high end grip shift. My boss had me put on the new bars, brake levers, shifters, and grips and then kept the purchasers original equipment and gave him a credit towards his new setup. Maybe your LBS could do the same

Thanks for the LHT specs the page I saw earlier didn't give the LHT standover figures. I have a friend who can order me one for less than $700 but I would have to do all the changes at my own expense. I have a crank I can use but would need to install new bar and levers. or would their be something else to change also and do you know if I could install downtube shifters or would they need to be on the bar? The reason I ask is the dog basket leaves little room between the basket and the bar.

On the bike in your photo, the handlebars appear to be set higher than the seat. You might consider a stem riser to get the same position on the LHT.

You could install downtube shifters on the LHT. But the bar end shifters attached with Pauls Thumbies will not extend forward of the brake levers. They will take up a little bar width though. The shifters on the Thumbies are always right at hand, and, personally, I find them more convenient that downtube shifters. YMMV

If your LHT has the Surly standard issue Tektro cantilever brakes, be sure to get short pull, high tension brake levers, not standard MTB levers for V-brakes (long pull, low tension). See the Cantilever Brake Compatibility/Interchangeability table at the bottom of http://sheldonbrown.com/canti-direct.html for why.

Here are some photos:

http://customized-applications.com/surly/StemRiser1.JPG
http://customized-applications.com/surly/StemRiser2.JPG
http://customized-applications.com/surly/IMG_2813-1.JPG

The Jamis Coda Femme has a standover of 27.4, which may be tight for you, but it does have a full set of brazeons for racks. Rear cogs are fine, front would need to be changed.

REI Novara Safari? Touring bars, but they would be easy to switch out since it uses flat bar shifters and brakes, right? Comes in pretty small sizes as well.

I am considering the trekking or the mustache type bars. But I have to see some pics. The shops just show the bars without brakes and gears attached. What I am not sure of is do they accept the same shifters and brake levers that the drop bars dp. Also I need to see pictures of each built up with the brakes and shifters so I can visualize whether the dog basket will fit. The other problem with the drops and dog basket is that the basket is too wide to fit between the drops on the 2 bikes I have with drops, so I definately have to go with some other option. If I go with a flat bar could I use the bar end shifters on the Surly LHT and also use bar ends? Also the Surly has cantilever brakes so could I use mtn cantilever brake levers or do I need something else. I was considering also just installing friction downtube shifters as I love using them. Would they work with 9 speed? Thanks all.

Have you considered the Surly LHT? For about the same price as the frame/fork BLT you would have a complete built bike. Then you just need to swap out the bars and shifters.

Check out our blogspot at: www.brucegordoncycles.blogspot.com
We are running a special on the new BLT from Taiwan - $1499 for a complete bike including Bruce Gordon Racks.

If you take into account that the racks are almost $400 - then the BLT is about the same price as a LHT, but with better parts.

Regards,
Bruce Gordon
www.bgcycles.com

Does anyone know of a decent touring bike that comes with a flat bar? I also need an extra small frame with standover 27" max. I have looked a lot with no luck. Am considering this frame but would prefer a built up bike. See bottom of page for frame pic. But no standover measurement is given
http://www.bgcycles.com/BasicLoadedTouring.html

I do make a 34cm frame that has 26" wheels and a standover heights just under 27" with mountain bike tires. It is a frame made in California, and can be ordered with flat handlebars, just as any of my bikes can.
Regards,
Bruce Gordon
www.bgcycles.com

The picture in the blog is nice. Where can we see the whole bike with specs?

Where can we see the whole bike with specs?

Here is a link to the New LX Group -
http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/content/global_cycle/en/nl/index/products/trekking_bike/deore_lx.html

The bike comes with Shimano Cantilever Brakes, Cane Creek Levers, 9 speed Barcons, 22/32/44 chainrings with a 11/34 cassette.
The wheels are 36 hole LX Hubs with Alex Rims.

Any questions - feel free to give me a call at (707) 762-5601 Weekdays - California time.

Regards,
Bruce Gordon
www.bgcycles.com

Does anyone know of a decent touring bike that comes with a flat bar? I also need an extra small frame with standover 27" max. I have looked a lot with no luck. Am considering this frame but would prefer a built up bike. See bottom of page for frame pic. But no standover measurement is given
http://www.bgcycles.com/BasicLoadedTouring.html

The standover height of the Smallest BLT from Taiwan - the 39cm is 710mm with 26x1.5" tires which equals just under 28".
Regards,
Bruce Gordon

My Trek FX 7.3 seems a perfect candidate for a touring bike with flat handlebars. It has brazeons both front and back, long wheel base and chainstays and will take large tires with fenders. Standover height for the 15" model is 27.3", but there are 3 WSD sizes that run from 24" to 26". I know most would like steel for the ride, but with larger tires my Aluminum FX rides very comfortably.

I believe if you go up to the FX 7.5, you get the carbon fork and doesn't have the brazons on the fork.

Something to think about!

John

... If I go with a flat bar could I use the bar end shifters on the Surly LHT and also use bar ends? ...
Yes. The bar end shifters can be attached to the flat bars using Pauls Thumbies. And yes, you can still have bar ends. These 3 photos photo shows exactly that setup
http://customized-applications.com/surly/StemRiser1.JPG
http://customized-applications.com/surly/StemRiser2.JPG
http://customized-applications.com/surly/IMG_2813-1.JPG


... Also the Surly has cantilever brakes so could I use mtn cantilever brake levers or do I need something else. I was considering also just installing friction downtube shifters as I love using them. Would they work with 9 speed? Thanks all. ...
There are two kinds of MTB canti brake levers ... long pull, low tension levers that work with V- brakes, and short pull, high tension brake levers that work with standard center pull cantilever brakes. You need the short pull, high tension type for the standard center pull Tektro cantilevers that come on the LHT complete.

Also, yes, down tube shifters can work with 9 speed cassettes.

We are running a special on the new BLT from Taiwan - $1499 for a complete bike including Bruce Gordon Racks. If you take into account that the racks are almost $400 - then the BLT is about the same price as a LHT, but with better parts.

I don't think the price comparison is nearly as close as you indicate. The comparison was made from a 'bg' sale price to an LHT retail price? LHTs are usually had at sale prices too. I paid $1,000 for my LHT Complete ($95 discount off of retail from my LBS) and then spent $100 on a Tubus Tara front rack and $120 on a Tubus Cargo rear rack. This price included shipping, assembly, fit kit, and one free tune up per year for the life of original ownership at no additional charge. So my cost was $1,220. From your price of $1,499, a buyer still needs to add shipping and assembly? Some people may not need fitting and annual maintenance, but I think it's a nice service included at no additional charge. How much extra do you estimate for these things? If people take time to consider these things, they will see there is a material difference in price. I'm sure your $400 racks are nice, but I think it is an unnecessary extra cost when there are so many other good options out there at much lower prices. Your LX groupo is better only in some areas, and not as good in others. I think the LHT Complete group is thoughtful with low cost items in places you can get away with it, and high end components where you need them most such as XT hubs. Overall, I liked the process of being able to order directly with my local bike shop. I ordered the bike on a Wednesday, and got a call two days later on Friday saying they got the bike in, built it up, and was ready for me to come in for fitting and pick-up. I want to be perfectly clear that I am not a 'bg' hater. I just think that the claim of similar price and 'better parts' is a little overzealous. However, I can definitely see how someone needing a unique custom order can justify the extra cost and benefit from customer service by working directly with Bruce as the design builder & owner. Lots to consider...

I am considering the trekking or the mustache type bars. But I have to see some pics. The shops just show the bars without brakes and gears attached. What I am not sure of is do they accept the same shifters and brake levers that the drop bars dp. Also I need to see pictures of each built up with the brakes and shifters so I can visualize whether the dog basket will fit. The other problem with the drops and dog basket is that the basket is too wide to fit between the drops on the 2 bikes I have with drops, so I definately have to go with some other option. If I go with a flat bar could I use the bar end shifters on the Surly LHT and also use bar ends? Also the Surly has cantilever brakes so could I use mtn cantilever brake levers or do I need something else. I was considering also just installing friction downtube shifters as I love using them. Would they work with 9 speed? Thanks all.


Straight MTB bars are a smaller diamiter in the area of the grips and shifters (7/8") Drop bars are larger diamiter (1" ish I think) and require different brake levers because on drop bars your hands are paralell to the brake levers and on MTB bars your hands are perpindicular. Thats why which ever way you go you're commited to the type of grips / tape and brake levers. MTB bars can also be 1-1/8" dia. where they attach to the stem and drop bars are ~1". That does vary from bar to bar some are a little smaller at the stem so you have to be careful that everything fits the bars you choose.

I can get the LHT for $700 + shipping. Then I have to add fenders, racks, new handlebar, shifters, and brake levers. I also would trade the cranl for a 42-32-22. Just a guess but with all the additions (some of which I may have as extras) I am guessing add about $200-300. So a rough total of a little under $1000. Of course that doesn't count my labor or the possibility of screwing it up and not getting compatible components.