adgrant

Cannondale suggests that their "Sport Road" bikes (the SR800 and SR500) are suitable for light touring and can take racks and fenders. Has anyone used one of these bikes for Touring? How robust are they? Are there other "light" touring alternatives to a full on Tourer (I assume the Bianchi Volpe is one). Would one of these bikes be a better choice for someone who never plans to do a self supported tour.

One thing I liked about the bike was the low bottom bracket (lower than the T800/T2000). I am not sure how low the Bianchi's is since they don't seem to publish that information.

skijor

I used a BOB trailer with my SR500 and it worked great in NW Wisconsin which can be very hilly. Since this bike doesn't have front rack mounts I went with the trailer. No regrets. It'll haul up to 70 lbs although I only carried about 45. One thing I've been looking into is some sort of kickstand for the trailer since parking it can be a little interesting at times. On the next tour I'll add a seatpost rack w/trunk for quick access items...camera, snacks, etc. I used one of my kayaking dry bags for that stuff last year. It worked ok but that involved removing a few bungees.

spinnaker

Well I'll have to let you know this September. I will be doing two weeks in Italy on my SR500. I will be doing light touring as I will not be hauling camping gear. I will be staying in hotels and hostels.

I mounted a rear rack and so far no problems with day trips. One problem with mounting my rear rack. I had to fashion spacers between the rack struts. The seat struts are too close to the mounting hole for the rack and I was unable to mount the rack struts flush without the spacers.

pcates

i've done a few trips on my sr500.....and so far its been great, i didn't have any issues with the rack i used (just a generic MEC one) i haven't had a need for a front rack (because i don't use front panniers) but my fork has seems to have eyelets to take one (its the 2005 model) i did beef the tires up from 25c to 28c and there was still plenty of room for fenders. One thing i might do is swap out the front chainrings for something a bit lower, the granny is still only a 30t, which wasn't bad for the terrain i was riding but might present one if you hit some really big hills. I think all in all i'm glad i picked it over one of the touring models for the sort of touring i do which is carrying minimal amounts for a short time. so far i've packed it with rear panniers (carrying the usual stuff such as clothes, rain jacket, some food) and occasionally a tent, and never had a problem. what i think its really good for are those small 2-5 day tours, when you don't need to bring everything plus the kitchen sink with you.

But to answer your question......if you just want to do 'light' touring (or midweight) then this is a great bike. The T800/T200 Trek 520 etc are great bikes for full on touring but i find the SR500/800 are much more versatile if you don't plan on cycling across the country (not that you couldn't on one i'm sure)