Touring - deciding on a touring bike

I have been looking for a communter/touring bike for a few weeks now. I would primarily use the bike for communting, however anticipate hitting the road with it for full on touring. Locally, I grouped the bikes into two realistic price ranges $700-$899 (Bianchi Volpe, Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee) and $1100-$1300 (Trek 520, Cannondale T800). I think the novara is nicley equipped, but feel my arms are too stretched out on the 55cm. I didn't feel comfortable on Fuji. And I like the feel of the Bianchi, although am concerned about the chainstay length as it is shorter than most. I haven't ridden the other two bikes yet, but financially prefer the first price range.

I would appreciate any thoughts on the Volpe, or any of the other bike with regard to my situation thus far.
Cheers

I have had a cannondale and now have a volpe, no nothing about the others. I prefer the cannondale, however if I didn't have size 13 feet, way 220lb.and pack generously I dought there would be much difference. My Volpe has chainstay that are about an in. longer than the catalog listedes, so ck the bike as well as the book. I would like to find a 23 in. c-dail tourer.

You might want to check out the touring bikes from Bruce Gordon Cycles at:
http://www.bgcycles.com

Bruce Gordon
Bruce Gordon Cycles

I have been looking for a communter/touring bike for a few weeks now. I would primarily use the bike for communting, however anticipate hitting the road with it for full on touring. Locally, I grouped the bikes into two realistic price ranges $700-$899 (Bianchi Volpe, Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee) and $1100-$1300 (Trek 520, Cannondale T800). I think the novara is nicley equipped, but feel my arms are too stretched out on the 55cm. I didn't feel comfortable on Fuji. And I like the feel of the Bianchi, although am concerned about the chainstay length as it is shorter than most. I haven't ridden the other two bikes yet, but financially prefer the first price range.

I would appreciate any thoughts on the Volpe, or any of the other bike with regard to my situation thus far.
Cheers

I got my Cannondale last year at REI for about $900 on clearance. Since you've tried the Novara (which is still a pretty good bike), I assume that you are near an REI. They might have some of the T800's. It'd be worth asking.

Link to other thread about Volpe from last week:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=80680

for full on touring you cant beat hand built made to measure....worth evry penny as comfort can not be bought of the peg...plus get to pick what you want ...not what you are given....
larry

With your price range custom built is out and you don't need it anyway. Get one that is your size and minor adjustments can easily be made so you are comfortable. Also look at mountain bikes around that price range that have the desired braze ons and eyelets. Swap the tires for slicks and you have one heck of a commuter and a strong tourer.

With your price range custom built is out and you don't need it anyway. Get one that is your size and minor adjustments can easily be made so you are comfortable. Also look at mountain bikes around that price range that have the desired braze ons and eyelets. Swap the tires for slicks and you have one heck of a commuter and a strong tourer.

I'd look also look at the REI Novara Safari. There are a lot of pluses to using a 26" wheel for touring. Stronger wheel, tires are easy to get out in the boondocks, etc. The Safari is kind of a chunk but it would make a great adventure bike.

Trek 520. Sorry to push your budget,
but if it fits, it's the real thing.