Touring - Spend my Money

After doing a couple of days of RAGBRAI in 2011 I'm in for the whole week this year. I rode last year on my late 70s Miyata touring bike which is currently set up for commuting with expanded gearing and a taller handle bar stem for a more relaxed ride. I like the drop handlebars but my back doesn't handle an aggressive racing geometry bike well anymore. I've already made a tentative decision about the bike I'm going to get for next years ride, a Salsa Casseroll. But, before I plunk down my money I thought I'd give the opinionated in the group (you know who you are) a chance to weigh in. Thoughts?

I like the drop handlebars but my back doesn't handle an aggressive racing geometry bike well anymore.

And you're thinking about getting another bike with drops?? Umm....

Don't get me wrong. I use the drops and as long as my bars are level or slightly above the level of my seat I'm fine.

So, you just got the new ride fever. I understand. Been there and done that.

The Salsa will be as good as any for long rides, once you've set it up to suit your preferences. 'Course that's true for any bike. All are just frames with a bunch of replaceable components.

So, you just got the new ride fever. I understand. Been there and done that.

The Salsa will be as good as any for long rides, once you've set it up to suit your preferences. 'Course that's true for any bike. All are just frames with a bunch of replaceable components.

I have been there twice,and dunn dat both times too. Unfortunately for my wallet I cannot use TOTS frames. Been there, done that too, but those cussed frames don't fit me that well. Arvon1 is a custom built tourer with an expedition frame and strong components (48 spoke wheels f & r). The arvon2 is a mini-velo built for my frame and for sustained touring. In addition, it fits into a foldable box that goes with me on tour.

I salute those who can comfortably ride on a mass-produced frame :thumb: :) :beer: and :50:

I have gone for a test ride on a 60cm and liked it. Just looking for any thoughts on others worth running down and testing before I pull the trigger.

TOTS frame?

If I was riding the RAGBRAI again (I wish) I'd bring my lightweight road bike, with a trunk bag for my rain gear, snacks, and my camera. I love drop bars, but I have pain in my hands. If I raise the bars until they're almost as high as my saddle this goes away. There are high-rise stems, and even stem extensions you can use to raise up your bars to pretty high levels.

TOTS frame?

If I was riding the RAGBRAI again (I wish) I'd bring my lightweight road bike, with a trunk bag for my rain gear, snacks, and my camera. I love drop bars, but I have pain in my hands. If I raise the bars until they're almost as high as my saddle this goes away. There are high-rise stems, and even stem extensions you can use to raise up your bars to pretty high levels.

Clamp on some aerobars. No hand pressure at all, great position for hill climbing, and, of course, aerodynamics. No down side.

The salsa is a fine bike, the biggest thing with any new bike is make sure you get your fit dialed in before big rides. Drop bar bikes can be very upright and comfortable if you want. The salsa might even ship with an un cut steer tube like surly's do and then the sky is the limit with handlebar height without the need for funky stems.

Salsa is one of QBP's several brands, if that is what appeals to you
see if a dealer will order one and test ride it .

If you want a complete bike , rather than a frame and fork,
ask if you can get a fork with an uncut steerer.

threadless type stuff works fine with a bunch of spacers under the stem

I use a second stem with a handle bar bag mount, on my bike, with the extra height
and still can fit a light, fork-crown mount, under the bag.