Touring - Would you tour on Sirrus Elite w/ Zertz CF fork?

Hello!

Im changing my Sirrus Al frame because I need a size smaller one. I found a decently priced Sirrus Elite Al frame with the Zertz CF fork. The thing is that next year Im going on a tour London - SE Poland and just wanted to ask if it makes sense to buy that or something specifically for touring. I still need my bike for commuting 13 miles a day.

Do you need front panniers for your tour? You cant put these on carbon forks.
The only front rack would be a Nitto M12 which takes racktop bags or items strapped on.

would I , tour on that Bike, no I chose differently , 20 + years ago , its still OK.

not attaching to a carbon frame , is recommended.
Towing a 2 wheel trailer will be Good ,
but if you want to run racks and Panniers ,
on the front, especially,
look for a bike, from the how will the racks fit on this.. perspective.

how about a nice steel, Reynolds , so of British Tubes and made there? Bike.

As far as the trip, seems ferry, Hull? to Denmark and another from Copenhagen,

to the western most Port on the Polish Baltic Coast, I took that one before my self,

then head across Poland. makes the trip pretty reasonable.

Do you need front panniers for your tour? You cant put these on carbon forks.
The only front rack would be a Nitto M12 which takes racktop bags or items strapped on.

I thought about that. Considering that I will be going via 'civilised' areas with plenty of goods outlets I imagine that I won't have to take too much stuff with me, hence I reckon that a rear pannier + optionally a bar bag will suffice.


Towing a 2 wheel trailer will be Good ,
but if you want to run racks and Panniers ,
on the front, especially,
look for a bike, from the how will the racks fit on this.. perspective.

how about a nice steel, Reynolds , so of British Tubes and made there? Bike.

As far as the trip, seems ferry, Hull? to Denmark and another from Copenhagen,

to the western most Port on the Polish Baltic Coast, I took that one before my self,

then head across Poland. makes the trip pretty reasonable.

Here's the deal. I am not by any means bent on buying and using that Sirrus Elite. Also, Im the kind of guy that prefers to get good equipment for the sake of peace of mind. I wouldn't rather try putting that Sirrus to a trial worrying that something might happen. However, due to personal preference and aesthetic reasons, I would like my bike to look fairly modern. As I said, apart from doing that trip, I would still use it daily to commute. Someone recommended to me a Condor Heritage. But I can't find a frame separately anywhere. I really want to get into touring and in the long run building a proper touring bike seems like a sensible idea to me. Any brands/particular frames that you could recommend that would tick that above box? And regarding the trailer, I would really like to avoid having to take one of those things.

One question: what do those numbers on frames like 531 or 631 mean?

I just called Condor up and they told me an individually custom-made Heritage frame is 599 pounds. Not sure if I can afford that...

I have been commuting about 16 km each way on a very similar bike, a 2005 Sirrus Comp ("Carbon3" fork with zertz inserts). I'm gradually getting it configured for light touring, and have similar thinking as you. That is, rack/panniers only on the rear, front bag on the handlebars, total cargo weight of perhaps 12 kg (no camping gear). I don't plan to spend a lot of time off-road, and figure that the fork must be designed for someone quite a bit heavier than me, thus it should be fine.

Be aware that the Sirrus has a tighter geometry than many people want for a touring bike. I get significant toe overlap with fenders, and have to carefully check for heel strike with panniers. I've made my peace with those shortcomings, but it's something to keep in mind.

Be aware that the Sirrus has a tighter geometry than many people want for a touring bike.

What does that mean? Could you elaborate?

Im looking at steel frame at their weights are kinda scary... 4 kg, 4.2 kg, 3.9 kg. My Sirrus right now is around 1.5. But I guess I need to take it as a given with touring...

mark03 is referring to the fact that the older Sirruses (Sirii?) had shorter top tubes/chainstays than the current ones. There were and are clearance problems (for some riders) with those frames.

OTOH, the current ones (e.g. 2010 and 2011) have longer effective top tubes and longer chainstays, which means fewer (if any) problems with toe-overlap and with heel-strike on rear panniers.

Back to your original question, if the Elite you are looking at is a 2010/11, I wouldn't hesitate if you've no need for front panniers. I ride a 2010 Comp (the one with the lighter alloy main frame, carbon rear triangle, and carbon forks), and wouldn't think twice about throwing on a rear rack/panniers (maybe a bar bag) and touring.

Remember, these bikes are designed in/for the North American market ... the land of product liability litigation! If a frame will accept a rear rack, you can bet it has been over-designed/built enough to carry some weight without breaking; similarly, the cf fork will certainly be more than strong enough under 'lightish touring' loads. Is it the best 'touring' solution? No. Is it a reasonable compromise given your intended use(s)? I'd think so.

Huh? I can't think of a steel frame that is that heavy. Even my XL sized Salsa Fargo clocks in right under 6 pounds (<3 kg). Depending on the size, I'd guess your Sirrus is about 4 pounds, so you're looking at about a 2 pound difference, tops.


Im looking at steel frame at their weights are kinda scary... 4 kg, 4.2 kg, 3.9 kg. My Sirrus right now is around 1.5. But I guess I need to take it as a given with touring...

I'm setting out on a short tour about 1000km in total, and I'm using an older sirrus, 2005 or 6, it has a steel fork that has mid-fork eyelets for racks, so it's definitely built with touring in mind, my frame also has a third bottle rack under the DT, but oddly enough I had to braze on another set of eyelets so I could rig up my front racks. It seems they were designed with light touring in mind. I fit 32mm tires and fenders into the frame as well, but I'll echo concern about toe overlap and if your feet are bigger than size 45 there might be heel strike issues... works well enough other than a few little quirks if you're in the travelling-light camp.

I have toured on Sirrus (2004 basic model) with front and back panniers, it worked just fine. I added bar ends for more hand positions and some granny gears. I have always found Sirrus to be a very comfortable bike for me.

And I know a person that toured across Canada on one.

I have a tricross with carbon forks with zerzty insert thingees...they do have front rack holes, and max weight suggested on front fork is varying depending on where you read it.
I would have no issue putting a light load on them....but if I were to be on a trip in less accesible areas for modern bikeshops, I might very well consider getting a diff fork in steel just not to worry about damage from whatever issue that could come up.

caveat- i have not put on my lowrider rack yet even though this is the bikes 2nd season...so I dont have direct experience.

What about this? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FAUSTO-COPPI-WHITE-ITALIAN-ROAD-FRAME-FORKS-NOS-NEW-/260836684454?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item3cbb13f2a6

My question is if it would be possible to transfer the majority of my current gear from my Sirrus to this. Obviously I'd have to get a pair of calipers as Im using v-brakes now, but stuff like my Deore LX Crankset with Hollowtech 2 BB, the Specialized headset. Around the area of the seat tube where the front derailer should go there's that thing that probably would prevent me from putting on my current XT derailer.

Also, why is that if I have to get a steel frame for touring all of them are like 20, 30 years old?

I would like my bike to look fairly modern

Ummm, you mean a much higher profile target for thieves?

Thanks for this sarcasm :) No, this is just my personal preference. Maybe I should just drop this factor...

One question: what do those numbers on frames like 531 or 631 mean?
Product numbers from the tube making factory.. the Steel alloys are slightly different.

Hey, I just read a warning over in hybrid forum that the vita elite forks are stop-sale (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/759851-NEWS-Specialized-Sirrus-Vita-Elite-CF-Fork-stop-sale) apparently the brake mounts can come unbonded. I'd recommend just swapping in a steel fork with eyelets for the tour and put some of the load up front, that is the route I've gone with my sirrus since it came with the steel fork, but you could likely use something like the nashbar steel touring fork (http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_511246_-1_202650_10000_202441). Maybe a local shop can order a similar fork for you? Anyway, I wouldn't ride on those CF forks on the sirrus unless it is an older model that isn't part of the recall.

this recall is for 2011 models, Tricross also (makes me wonder how my 2010 model's fork is different)

Also, why is that if I have to get a steel frame for touring all of them are like 20, 30 years old?

you do know that there are steel framed touring frames out there right now? Others may have the names off the top of their heads better than I. And not all super expensive like some of the custom ones.

I have a friend who tours on this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GIANT-DEFY-FRAME-M-L-53-5cm-/190524429337?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item2c5c241419 Would you?

you do know that there are steel framed touring frames out there right now? Others may have the names off the top of their heads better than I. And not all super expensive like some of the custom ones.

They may as well be but Im not sure where to look. All the steel frames I find on eBay are either too big or very much run down.

This is aluminium but gets good reviews: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tifosi-CK7-Classic-Winter-Audax-Road-Frame-Gray-/310254257896?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&var=&hash=item8e076b4ef3

OK, how about this? After 3 hours of websurfing and researching, I found these two. Since no on still expressed their views on the Tifosi frame (http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/detail.asp/sku=chic-CK7/Tifosi_CK7_Audax_Frame) I would very much appreciate. To complement it how about this: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/surly-long-haul-trucker-road-bike-forks/? Feedback appreciated guys! Thanks in advance!

Sorry, but I'll stand by my original post (in response to yours). You said you wanted a modern-looking bike; contemplating a tour through first-world conditions/good roads, paths etc (my assumption); but with primary use still commuting. I've not seen any compelling argument advanced here not to go with, e.g., another Sirrus or similar. 2011 forks issue? Non-issue; there's a recall ... Specialized will replace; it happens. Different story if you're contemplating an expedition tour through remote areas; horses for courses. The Surly you mention would be a great bike for that purpose; it would certainly serve you well for commuting, but do you need its 'overbuilt' (re. commuting) qualities?

My Specialized Sequoia Elite also came with a carbon fork with front rack mounts. I've had no trouble with front panniers. I've never had more than 20 lbs in the front panniers.

The widest tire I can fit in the rear is 32 and I have Caliper brakes. I would prefer a wider tire and cantilever brakes, but I've honestly had no problems with the set-up. I did replace my rims with 36 hole Mavic A719's and change my rear cassette and derailer.


I have a tricross with carbon forks with zerzty insert thingees...they do have front rack holes, and max weight suggested on front fork is varying depending on where you read it.
I would have no issue putting a light load on them....but if I were to be on a trip in less accesible areas for modern bikeshops, I might very well consider getting a diff fork in steel just not to worry about damage from whatever issue that could come up.

caveat- i have not put on my lowrider rack yet even though this is the bikes 2nd season...so I dont have direct experience.

re: your Sequoia, Ive seen a number of reports from people using Tricross's for touring, and in my touring experience, I like keeping the front end light anyway, to keep the steering as light as I can for cornering. I dont see myself ever putting more than you have on the front, so I am not really concerned about the fork.

However if I were to be somewhre with less access to bike shops, or if rough travel were involved, I probably would put a cheap touring fork on, as I would worry about any impact damage to a carbon one that could come up in remote areas or even by transport of the bike in a truck, car whatever.

I do understand your arguments gentlemen, but I do not have space to store multiple forks at the moment, nor do I have funds to buy so much gear. The frame that I use doesn't have to be a Sirrus. I just need a bike that will serve me well in commuting but I want it to be touring-ready, whether I need to go across Europe or cycle in Argentina. I have to change the bike nevertheless, because the frame is too big fo me, there's no clearance between my crotch and the top tube. There's several reasons why I pointed to the Tifosi frame + the Surly fork: the frame is made by Columbus from 7005 alloy, it's light and strong, has good geometry, the fork is designed specifically for touring, has front rack braze-ons, is made of steel, accepts both v-brakes/cantis as well as calipers. It makes for a good all-rounder with great touring capabilities. At least I guess it does...

well, whatever you get, just ride and have fun going wherever you go, as well as commuting.
cheers

SJS /Thorn Batch makes Audax frames.. in a variety of sizes.
lots of decent Traditional builders do that .
saves money because the Braze jigs get used over and over again, without re adjusting,
parts pre cut and stacked ..
so a number of frames get produced in the time one gets done, as a custom.

The Tifosi frame + the Surly fork combo gives you something similar to my '06 sirrus and I'm leaving for a trip tomorrow on it... it handles a bit like a pig with heavy front panniers but I'm way slower with the weight than I would be on my commute but I've never found it lacking unloaded either. I tend to tour on 32/622 tires and I think those would fit fine.