surprisedagent

So I've been looking to buy a new touring bike lately and through the research I've done I've heard the Jamis Aurora Elite, the Surly LHT, the Raleigh Sojourn, and Novara Randonee are all pretty solid stock bikes. However, besides the LHT, I don't think the other three are very pretty bikes and if I'm dropping $1200-1500 at least on a new bike, I definitely want something pretty that also works really well. Besides, I'll be switching out a few things, like adding a third chainring and maybe brakes and obviously, my first thoughts are on sizing and geometry and how comfortable the bike is, but I just want something that'll turn heads too!

So I've been narrowing it down a little more and am currently deciding between the Surly LHT (planning on stripping the decals and re-doing the tape), the Masi Speciale Randonneur, and the Handsome Osell (which comes out in March, though I'm not sure entirely what it comes stock with yet).

I was wondering what your guys' thoughts are on those bikes, keeping in mind I will not be riding these completely stock... probably.


The Masi Speciale Randonneur


Surly LHT


The Handsome The Osell

Thoughts?

surprisedagent

Also, what are your guys' thoughts on bar end shifters for long distances? I've heard they tend to break off if the bike slips and falls over. Is this serious enough to consider a switch?

positron

the third bike has an awesome crankset (white industries VBC) .... but it wont take a third chainring. That one looks killer to me.

all three are nice... I really like the masi too.

as far as barends go, ive really abused a couple sets and none broke yet... more of a worry on paper if you know what i mean. it could happen, but is more likely to occur in your imagination....

Bacciagalupe

Bar-ends work fine. You can trash a pair of STI's in a crash (I've seen it happen), and that's a more expensive repair than losing just a bar-end shifter. Bar-ends also give you the option to use friction mode, in case you have some shifting issues and can't bother right away to adjust the indexing.

Not sure what the brakes are on all of those, but I've found I wasn't a huge fan of Tektro Oryx's (which iirc are stock on the LHT); I've done better with Avid Shortys, but that's an easy switch.

Otherwise any of those bikes will work out fine. Just pick the one that fits you best and has the look you prefer.

macwild

For a second, I thought I wrote this post! I'm looking at the same bikes. Another that I am considering is the Bianchi Volpe. I'll also be using mine for commuting, so I'd like something relatively light.
I really like the LHT but I'm not too keen on bar-end shifters. I also want front fork attachments for a rack.
What about the Trek 520?
I doubt that I'll buy new and I've found quite a few of used bikes on e-bay.
The Masi is a beautiful bike, but I read a review (Bicycle Times I think) that didn't think it would work as a long distance tourer. Same with the Salsa Casserole Triple.

blaise_f

Have you test rode any of them? They all fit very different. The moment I sat on the Masi, I knew I hated it. I rode it a while, but never got to liking it. Surly felt like a Cadillac on first ride. Volpe/Imola, more aggressive, but very 'right' for me as well. Salsa Triple I didn't like either, but I can't recall why (as it was ~two years ago). Geometries are different on the bikes. Who would pay over a thousand dollars without test riding (assuming you haven't)?

macwild

Well I would have to.
I can't find ANY of these bikes within a 100 miles of where I live. The Raleigh dealer said that a bike in my size (54cm) wasn't even in his system. It would have to come straight from Raleigh.
LBS can only get the Trek 520 and the LHT but they wont order one just so I can sit on it!
This is why I'll probably go with a used bike.

10 Wheels

I rode 4200 miles this summer with this rider.
She rode a New LHT.
The only thing it needed was a one time chain cleaning.

macwild

I could follow her 4200 miles!

10 Wheels

She had competition:

42 Ride NY to LA 58 Days

Take a look.

https://s256.photobucket.com/albums/h...view=slideshow

macwild

Now that's the biker gang I've been looking for!
Very nice pics.
Thanks for sharing.

surprisedagent

Oh yeah, well I intend to try them out, I also need to get sized, which hopefully I can get done soon. It's just, beyond the geometry and the stock components, I was wondering what people were thinking about generally pretty bikes.

Also, I've looked at the Raleigh and I just don't find it as aesthetically pleasing as these others. Obviously, I want the prettiest, best sized, reasonably priced bike, which might be a little hard to find. That's where you guys come in!

blaise_f

Honestly, it depends what you want to be doing or carrying (solo & self supported, light/cc, commuting), what geometry feels best to you (some like it aggressive, some like it casual and laid back, some like it both ways) and such. Some of the bikes will be more aesthetically pleasing due to their geometry. Some less so because of their lugs/lack thereof or paintjob. Of those bikes, some will be better suited for carrying little to nothing, while others are built like a Sherman tank and can carry anything (and stiff no matter the load you put on).

cyclist2000

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you are considering a LHT and you think it is the prettiest, then get a LHT, I have only read good to great reviews on the bike. If you don't like the equipment on the LHT then get a frame and build it up with what you want. I don't understand why you would consider the Masi, since you are intending on touring, why get a bike with a double chainring that will need to be upgraded. Why buy a bike and immediately upgrade when you can get it the way you want it.

cyclist2000

I think that with bikes the function and fit are more important than a pretty paint job. If you really want pretty, look at Rivendell and Waterford beautiful lug work, frame work and paint this is craftsmanship. If I had the cash I would definitely spring for a Waterford. The work is great and get it your way, SS couplings for breaking down the bike for travel, have it built with the components that you want.