Touring - Touring Bikes: Your favorite.

In looking at various bike shops there are so few touring bikes( steel) on their shelves. . It must be steel. All the steel touring bikes carried by most shops seem to be the Trek 520 and Fuji touring bike. What are your opinions of these two touring bikes. Any other favorites out there. It would nice to find a shop with more varieties of touring bikes in store. Because don't we like to test ride them first...
. thanks...

I like Surly's Long Haul Trucker and the Jamis Aurora Elite.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/715542-TM-s-2011-quot-Dynamic-quot-List-of-Touring-Bikes!!!

Take a look, there's a huge list on this thread stickied to the first page. : )

LHT is the favorite child around here it seems. . . . I have one :D

One of my concerns . Carrying a lot of weight. I usually do while on tour.. What is the best bike design for lots of weight in terms of brakes and rims.

Bike Friday ,+ Rohloff, Disc Brakes Dynohub LED Lights.

easier to get it to where you want to start your trip, because It packs into a Suitcase
so skips special handling Fees Airlines Charge,
or needing to buy a box from Amtrak to get on the train.


In looking at various bike shops there are so few touring bikes( steel) on their shelves.

Where I live, it is a very popular place to be touring through .. N>S,
and Starting W>E or ending E>W. But folks already have their gear and Bikes
when they Get Here , so the economics is against selling touring bikes ..

instead, the inventory is stocked for the people who live here, the rest of the Year.
[ & small parts for the passers through,
and new raingear when, they realized theirs was not working for them ]

I'm a 520 fan. I own two. They are great bikes for not only touring, but general utility riding and fitness riding. Some use them as rando bikes. There is another thread going right now asking about the 520, so rather than rehash, just scroll down a bit. You will find plenty of threads about the 520 if you do a search. It's the subject of many this bike verses that bike threads. As for the Fuji, it doesn't have the following of the 520 or the LHT. That's not to say it isn't a good bike. Just not as popular. From my own experience, when i last shopped for a touring bike, eight years ago, the Fuji wasn't as well spec'd as the 520. As for the 2013 version?????

Not finding many touring bikes at the local bike shop? They aren't a profit center for manufacturers or shops. There are only a few mass produced tourers, with the 520 and LHT leading that pack. REI has a tourer, and as you've found so does FUJI. Cannondale also has a touring bike that is well respected.

One of my concerns . Carrying a lot of weight. I usually do while on tour.. What is the best bike design for lots of weight in terms of brakes and rims.

Best bet is to build it out from the frame, or spec upgrades, or minimally get the wheels tweaked. I don't think any of the off the shelf rigs are great. LHT has more a weight orientation, and offers the disc option as well as calipers, and 26" wheel in all sizes. For the same money as discs you can get some fancy Paul brakes, or other upgrade brakes.

I like taking my chaise lounge with me, so I ride one of these: (Ryan Vanguard)

http://www.sandsmachine.com/p_rya_r1.jpg

If I had to buy new, I'd get a Longbikes Slipstream (http://www.longbikes.com/2/Bikes/Slipstream/Slipstream.html)

My favorite was the one I was riding. Same holds true today. When I was light and going ultralight my favorites weren't really touring bikes but road bikes adapted to touring.
What do you mean by "lots of weight", if you weigh 135 lbs with 35lbs on the rear wheel it's a different load on the wheel than you weighing 235lbs with 35lbs on the rear wheel.

My Mercian/Rohloff custom, but it's not like I've had a billion bikes to compare it to. I've only owned 3 touring-specific bicycles (Bike Friday NWT, Bianchi San Remo, Mercian). I'm pretty happy with this one for the type of riding I do. Would like to build up an LHT and some type of IGH fat bike with belt drive for winter riding some time in the future.

There's a new bike shop on the north side of San Diego, Cycle Quest. They seem to have a focus on touring and carry lots of suitable brands. Probably worth your while to check that place out.

I like taking my chaise lounge with me, so I ride one of these: (Ryan Vanguard)

http://www.sandsmachine.com/p_rya_r1.jpg

If I had to buy new, I'd get a Longbikes Slipstream (http://www.longbikes.com/2/Bikes/Slipstream/Slipstream.html)


have you seen the p38? I think it's probably one of the more pricey recumbents, but I've seen more p38s and tour easy bikes than anything else. The longbike looks pretty awesome though. There's also challenge recumbents. They are also on the more pricey side, but I guess that's with all recumbents

...Cannondale also has a touring bike that is well respected.

No longer in production and the OP is looking for steel. ;)

Brad

cyclezealot, My list for steel tourers (I ride Cannondale):
Trek 520
Raleigh Sojourn
Jamis Elite
Surley LHT
GT World Peace (out of production, I think)

I usually forget one or two I like.

Brad

PS REI's Novara brand, Windsor Tourist, Nashbar steel tourer

I've been eyeing the Bruce Gordon BLT (http://www.bgcycles.com/blt.html) for a while. Also, the Rocky Mountain Sherpa (http://www.bikes.com/main+en+01_102+Sherpa_30.html?BIKE=1230&CATID=2&SCATID=26&Y=2013).

I have always liked the 520, they are nice looking well made bikes. But for my money, the Fuji Touring was the way to go. I have a 2010 model and I love it, the cash outlay was considerably less than the LHT or the 520 and as spec'd, not to their level but still a very nice bike, IMO.

As it looks today.
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Had to order it at my LBS, I don't think you will find many touring bikes of any kind on the floor at a bike shop. Good luck!

DW, how has that front rack been treating you? I was debating that one. Noticed you have the same one I have on the back : ) good looking fuji

Cannondale also has a touring bike that is well respected.

Cannondale stopped making their touring bikes in 2011 or 2012.
Their "t1" model had road gearing. 50 42 30. Their "t2" model was geared lower.
The Cannodale touring bikes are aluminum.

My favorite touring bike is a Koga Miyata World Tour that was a display model in a store going out of Koga. Otherwise, it would have been too expensive for me.

Another good steel touring bike is made by Marinoni. I think they do a large volume of their business by email and courier.

I have finally settled in on a new favorite - a 1980 Bob Jackson touring bike. Only 7 speeds but the best riding bike I have experienced. All Campy and I picked it up for $510 on eBay! The one I lust after though but cannot afford is the CoMotion Cascadia...

In looking at various bike shops there are so few touring bikes( steel) on their shelves. . It must be steel. All the steel touring bikes carried by most shops seem to be the Trek 520 and Fuji touring bike. What are your opinions of these two touring bikes. Any other favorites out there. It would nice to find a shop with more varieties of touring bikes in store. Because don't we like to test ride them first...
. thanks...

Hear you! Consider yourself lucky if your LBS carries at least one touring bike. Also, unlike road bikes, there are so very few high-end "stock" touring bikes for anyone with more exquisite palates. Possibly, a good approach is to grab a used one - that FITS - from Craigslist and then tour, commute, on it for the next year or two. Touring is not for everyone. Should you decide you enjoy it, save some money toward a brand new one or, even better, go custom. I did exactly that. Got an 1984 Miyata 610 and eventually graduated into a Rodriguez UTB...

My Miyata 610 (Sorry for the pic taken non-drive side)...
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/6019/touringsetup.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/156/touringsetup.jpg/)


My Rodriguez UTB... (rear rack off for now)
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/9056/rodutb4.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/210/rodutb4.jpg/)

Gotta admit, Delcossv nailed it. if.. the shipping ,to get to or from the trip start /finish is not a problem..

Dick Ryan' s LWB USS recumbents were near perfect.. longbikes added refinements..

I'd add: a front rack and panniers on the front wheel , as a friend in '90 said of his vanguard, after a long tour, said,
the steering stabilized with the extra mass on the wheel, let you ride no-hand s for a while...

Thanks juggleaddict. The front rack, you may want to look here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/678115-Blackburn-MTF-1-front-rack-(w-pics)?p=15015921#post15015921) and here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/863062-I-finally-ordered-a-front-rack!?p=15073087&highlight=#post15073087) for first hand info.

I like my Kona Sutra............. All you need to do is add Panniers. http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=sutra

Not what the OP is looking for, but since they said "Touring Bikes: Your favorite"... I mention that my favorite isn't a touring specific design. Cyclo cross or road designs suit me better, but I prefer not to carry much weight or bulk.

I have ridden the Windsor Touring with a heavier load and it worked out well for that. I think it was pretty much exactly the same bike as the Fuji was until they recently changed the Fuji. I am not crazy about all of the changes, in particular the bar end shifters. I think some of the other component changes may not have been an improvement either. That said, it is still a nice enough bike and capable of loaded touring.

I find traditional touring bikes to be heavy and not much fun. I have a Rivendell Rambouillet that you could describe as a sport tourer that's a nice compromise allowing some big tyres and conventional touring baggage while still feeling less than tank like. However, my current favorite bike is a Cervelo RS. Obviously this won't work for common touring loads, but as I like to travel lightly it's geometry and light weight are well suited to the way I tour, and it's a blast to ride.

All bike shops sell touring bikes.....they're called Hybrids.

It would nice to find a shop with more varieties of touring bikes in store. Because don't we like to test ride them first...
. thanks...

This shop has some awesome touring machines to try out in nearby Escondido:
T. RYX
316 West Mission Ave
Suite 123
Escondido, California
760.741.0411

and Kirk's in Ramona:
http://www.kirksbikeshop.com/

All bike shops sell touring bikes.....they're called Hybrids.

Good point and as close as you can get in most shops. I once had a TREK and Surly dealer tell me that if I wanted a touring bike I had to order a custom titanium, because "nobody" makes touring bikes anymore. Well I went elsewhere. I had an LHT for a while but upgraded the frame to a Rivendell Hunqapiller (http://simplecycle-marc.blogspot.com/2011/10/re-review-hunq.html) which is by far my favorite touring bike if not my favorite bike in the world.

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Marc

In looking at various bike shops there are so few touring bikes( steel) on their shelves. . It must be steel. All the steel touring bikes carried by most shops seem to be the Trek 520 and Fuji touring bike. What are your opinions of these two touring bikes. Any other favorites out there. It would nice to find a shop with more varieties of touring bikes in store. Because don't we like to test ride them first...
. thanks...

Well, it has to be steel because nobody make aluminum ones anymore...mores the pity.

It surely is a pity that touring bikes aren't readily available in shops. But that's mostly our fault. Many people have a touring bike that they bought decades ago and aren't willing to change with the times. No sales, no market. I did the same myself. I owned a 1983 Miyata 610 and kept it until 2003.

Touring bikes also suffer from a...um...bike block if you will. All kinds of people look at cyclocross bikes as the 'do everything' bike which they really aren't. A touring bike would do all of the stuff that a cyclocross bike will do...including cyclocross...but better because a touring bike is purpose built to carry stuff. A good touring bike has rack mounts, fender mounts, a slightly lower bottom bracket, a longer wheelbase, more stability, a better all day ride feel, etc. Everything fits on the bike rather then have to be adapted to the bike.

Rambouillet back in the day when I though I needed racks to tour

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Evolution to Cervelo RS with no racks

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I couldn't agree more, cyccommute. As far as an aluminum tourer goes I think the only thing available now is the Nashbar frame.

Brad

I couldn't agree more, cyccommute. As far as an aluminum tourer goes I think the only thing available now is the Nashbar frame.

Brad

...which seems quite good for the price. I haven't used it as a touring bike, but I bought one and built it up as a city commuter bike (upright position, riser bars, and a ridiculously high stack of spacers). In that configuration at least, it rides very well and isn't harsh at all.

Either frame will work just fine. The Fuji has somewhat lower priced components, for the most part, than the Trek, but I wouldn't expect much difference in performance -- the crank might wear out in four years, instead of five, or something like that.

As for wheels, the hubs and rims are not going to be the problem. The problem is going to be how the wheel is built. If you can find a local mechanic who understands wheels and touring (most don't), get him to tension, true, and stress-relieve the wheels. If you can't find such a person, buy Brandt's book, "The Bicycle Wheel," an inexpensive truing stand, and a spoke wrench, and do it yourself.

Then go for a bike ride. (Tourists call it "training" if you can keep the smile off your face.)

have you seen the p38? I think it's probably one of the more pricey recumbents, but I've seen more p38s and tour easy bikes than anything else. The longbike looks pretty awesome though. There's also challenge recumbents. They are also on the more pricey side, but I guess that's with all recumbents

I have a "P" also but it's set up as my "go-fast" commuter (23c tires, aero rims etc.). Comfortable but not as comfortable as the Ryan (underseat steering makes a difference for me) but the P-38 really makes hill climbing easy. New, they're all pretty expensive but there's good deals to be had used.

Gotta admit, Delcossv nailed it. if.. the shipping ,to get to or from the trip start /finish is not a problem..

Dick Ryan' s LWB USS recumbents were near perfect.. longbikes added refinements..

I'd add: a front rack and panniers on the front wheel , as a friend in '90 said of his vanguard, after a long tour, said,
the steering stabilized with the extra mass on the wheel, let you ride no-hand s for a while...

:D

Longbikes makes 'em with S&S couplers so they can be pretty small for shipping.

got packed box Dimessions, HxWxL .. ?

got packed box Dimessions, HxWxL .. ?

Greg Peak does (@ Longbikes) but they did fit a LWB Tandem into two suitcases- so maybe one suitcase for a Slipstream?

http://www.longbikes.com/img/gulfstream/Duplex-8-SS.jpg

Still : gotta be some hefty surcharges on those to Fly.. one is Oversize or over checked piece count limit.


Im not going to Buy one I would need a House with a garage to park it in, and I dont have that .

Still : gotta be some hefty surcharges on those to Fly.. one is Oversize or over checked piece count limit.


Im not going to Buy one I would need a House with a garage to park it in, and I dont have that .

Fair 'nuf, All my tours start from home so it never came up. Still, probably less hassle than a tandem that doesn't come apart.
When I lived in the city, I used to walk the Vanguard up to my apartment. No biggie.

I have an LHT and absolutely love it! But if I was really dedicated to touring and had the extra cash on hand...No doubt about it, a Co Motion Americano with Rohloff! :thumb: Saaa weeeet!

Raleigh Sojourn is a lovely bike for touring. Even comes with a brooks saddle.
I own a LHT and love it

Think of touring as an adverb, a thing you do, on any bike.. you can stand to ride all day sleep ,
get up and do it again.


Last couple apartments I had were not ground floor and so up stairs and turning
off a narrow landing was not a Go..

Regular DF I can stand Up, on its back wheel and turn. pirouette .

my more expedition worthy bike , another with a Rohloff hub: 04 Koga Miyata WTR..

My Favorite Touring Bike? Well, after many years of touring on a Trek 720, I grew tired of the butt/back/wrist/neck/hand pain. I tried a number of recumbents and settled on the Rans Stratus XP as my favorite!

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/mucknort/P8150042_4322-copy_edited-1.jpg

My favorite so far is the Trek 520, but I am biased.

Well, it has to be steel because nobody make aluminum ones anymore...mores the pity.

It surely is a pity that touring bikes aren't readily available in shops. But that's mostly our fault. Many people have a touring bike that they bought decades ago and aren't willing to change with the times. No sales, no market. I did the same myself. I owned a 1983 Miyata 610 and kept it until 2003.

Touring bikes also suffer from a...um...bike block if you will. All kinds of people look at cyclocross bikes as the 'do everything' bike which they really aren't. A touring bike would do all of the stuff that a cyclocross bike will do...including cyclocross...but better because a touring bike is purpose built to carry stuff. A good touring bike has rack mounts, fender mounts, a slightly lower bottom bracket, a longer wheelbase, more stability, a better all day ride feel, etc. Everything fits on the bike rather then have to be adapted to the bike.

This hits the nail on the head. The fact that I still use a touring bike purchased new in March of 1989 is testimony to the longevity of our bikes. The quality as well. There is no reason to change something that works. That said, I have purchased two more touring bikes. Not out of need, out of want for something new.

The comment about Cyclocross bikes is also right on the money. I was talking to the owner of an LBS that caters to touring, asking why not more touring bikes in his store? Most of his customers are casual tourers that use cycloscross bikes to tour on. The CC bikes fit in more as an all around bike. He understands totally the differences, agrees that CC bikes aren't suited for the purpose, but still doesn't push full blown tourers to anyone.

My Favorite Touring Bike? Well, after many years of touring on a Trek 720, I grew tired of the butt/back/wrist/neck/hand pain. I tried a number of recumbents and settled on the Rans Stratus XP as my favorite!

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/mucknort/P8150042_4322-copy_edited-1.jpg

I like that setup!!! I could be tempted to go to the dark side :)

I couldn't agree more, cyccommute. As far as an aluminum tourer goes I think the only thing available now is the Nashbar frame.

Brad

Any idea on what the bb. height is on the aluminum Nashbar touring frame?

Favorite bike , Touring, Now,?, it has a Rohloff hub in it..

The comment about Cyclocross bikes is also right on the money. I was talking to the owner of an LBS that caters to touring, asking why not more touring bikes in his store? Most of his customers are casual tourers that use cycloscross bikes to tour on. The CC bikes fit in more as an all around bike. He understands totally the differences, agrees that CC bikes aren't suited for the purpose, but still doesn't push full blown tourers to anyone.

I don't really agree with the attitude that a conventional touring bike with low gears, long wheelbase etc is necessarily the best to tour on. It all depends on how and where you'll be touring.

Surly Troll. It's my "everything" bike, whether it's commuting, road touring, off-road touring/bikepacking, mountain biking, luggage hauling...awesome.