danguskhan

I was hoping for some opinions on two touring bikes that I have been contemplating. I have two road bike and was going to convert one to a touring bike but now I'm considering selling one and buying a touring bike.

The two bikes I am looking at are the Novara Safari and the Raleigh Port Townsend. Both are in the same price range. I like them both but would like the opinions of some experienced tourers as well.

I like the look of the Raleigh much more. It has more of a road bike look to it and I think I like the handlebars and shifters more. However, the safari has deore RD and mtb gearing which I have been told on here are better for moving with a load. The Raleigh has sora RD but it has bar end shifters that I think I would like more than the twist shifters that the Novara has.

Here are links to both bikes.
Raleigh:
https://www.rei.com/product/809009

Novara:
https://www.rei.com/product/807245

If you could tell me which of the two you would buy if you were looking in the 850-900 price range. Thanks.

GamblerGORD53

IMO the Raleigh is just a commuter bike, very short dimentions. I wouldn't want any chance of toe overlap.
On the other hand the new Safari has the longest wheel base of any new bicycle. I hope you have long arms.
This is a real tour bike. I like big bikes myself. I'll leave the parts up to you.

LeeG

if I could I would test ride them. What will you be doing 80% of the time with the bike? That something looks like a road bike doesn't mean it can carry lots of weight like a touring bike. Just guessing the Safari can handle weight better but check out the Lombard for the same reason. Just guessing it's larger diameter aluminum frame tubes are better able to handle weight than the road sized steel tubes on the Pt. Townsend.

danguskhan

Hmm maybe Ill go safari and if the reach is to far I can get a shorter stem. Im 6'3" with a pretty normal arm span for a guy my size so i guess Ill just have to try one and see.

danguskhan

This will be an exclusive touring bike. I will have a road bike as well. This is just for multiday trips with gear

GamblerGORD53

In that case, any 42" WB bike is way too small. The Safari was made for you. Maybe a Fargo is ok too. I would get bars with turned back ends anyway.

danguskhan

Excuse my noobishness but what does WB mean?

Wheelmonkey

I really thought I was going to get a Safari, but I'm short. Apparently my arms are short too because even the small size had me overextending. Good luck with whatever you decide.

NoGaBiker

Wheelbase!

danguskhan

Ahh, makes sense. Thanks.

Sirrus Rider

I partly disagree. With the front rack it comes with, the Raleigh smells like a randoneur bike.

skilsaw

The Raliegh is geared like a city commuting bike.
The Safari is geared like a trekking bike.

I would test ride them both but would choose the Safari if it fit me.

JoeMan

I have a REI 2007 Safari. The 2007 is much different from the newest model. However, the 2011 model has some great components and REI's wonderful return policy. The only thing I might upgrade are the brakes. I'd give the Safari serious consideration.

danguskhan

I think Im pretty much sold on the safari. As soon as the member 20% discounts go out Im gonna go pick one up. Thanks for the info everyone

Ciufalon

I think the Port Townsend would be fine for touring if the cranks and cassette were swapped for a wider range. I also think it is a much better looking bike. Guess I just don't much go for unicrown forks. I also prefer bar end shifters. Both bikes seem to be made of equal strength tubing, but the Port Townsend does not say double butted and may only be single butted, perhaps making the frame more durable than the double butted Safari. Just because it comes with a front rack designed for a handlebar bag does not mean the Port Townsend is not a full touring bike. Especially since it specifically states that it is designed for touring. There are double eyelets on the front, which would allow for a low rider rack to be mounted. Chain stays are also long enough. Just my two cents.

kayakdiver

Well, I do ride in Port Townsend every so often... short ferry ride from where I live... I know it's not the same.

indyfabz

You, sir are an officer and a gentleman.

kayakdiver

I see what you did

staehpj1

The Raleigh does not look like it is meant to be used for loaded touring. The Safari isn't really my cup of tea for road touring either, but between the two it would be my choice. Personally I want low gearing, drop bars, STI brifters, and provisions for rack mounting. REI used to sell the Randonee which fit that role better, not sure if they plan to bring it back.

Are you sticking strictly to REI? If not there are a lot of other possible choices.

staehpj1

I have to ask where it says that. I could find nothing in the description on the REI site that states it is designed for touring. The choice of gearing and the lack of mid fork rack mount points seems to indicate that it was not designed for loaded touring.

GamblerGORD53

Here. Tour bike.
https://www.rei.com/product/807245

48/38/26 11-32T 9sp

Can't say that I have ridden any of these bikes.

staehpj1

That isn't the Raleigh Port Townsend. I didn't see anything in REI's description of the Port Townsend or in Raleigh's description that says it is a touring bike. REI does show the bike in the category search for touring, but I think that it and most of the other bikes shown are not designed as touring bikes. Don't get me wrong, you could tour on anything, but I don't consider the Port Townsend to be a dedicated touring bike.

Ciufalon

Well, it specifically states that it is "well-suited to long days of riding" and "Reynolds 520 steel frame offers smooth handling and strength under heavy loads." Also, if you click the Specs tab, it says that best uses are "commuting and touring." I don't know too many randonneurs that carry heavy loads, so that is what I was going on. Many great touring bikes do not have mid-fork mounts for front low-rider racks. I just sold a Miyata Six Fifteen that is a fantastic touring bike (based on experience) and it did not have mid-fork mounts. Neither did the Miyata Six Ten I had. I currently have a Fuji touring series IV that doesn't have them. So I don't think that can be a determining factor of a bike designed for touring. Some of the touring bikes I have owned had them or do have them and some didn't and don't. The frame geometry is not as slack as many touring frames, but seems acceptable to me. Also, the Safari is not my cup of tea either. For a dedicated tourer I would probably look at other bikes as well. Some of them would need less retrofitting and would great in all touring aspects. But of the two mentioned, I would choose the PT. Just my preference.

danguskhan

Sorry, Ive been travelling and havent logged on in a few days.
Yes I am looking specifically at REI. I have a pretty substantial credit there and the 20% off coupon is coming up so Im planning on getting it there. If I somehow find a bike on CL that is a phenomenal deal then I will get that instead but probably REI

Accordion

I don't believe you can use the 20% off on bikes. There is a specific list of items that are excluded (kayaks, GPS units, etc.) and I think bikes are on that list.