New & Looking For A Bike
 

I'm not sure if this applies to be asking here since I probably can't afford a real touring bike, but I do want to cover distance!

I had the idea of visiting another province and to travel on my bike. I've been researching bikes a little bit and how one lives and eats whilst doing this. I've only skimmed the surface. I know it's not a lot to spend nor the optimal bike for travelling, but there's a lot of extras I haven't even considered.

Anyway, I'll be buying from a local shop (Gears Bike Shop) and have some options:

2011 Giant Seek 2 $599 (disc breaks)
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/....2/8069/45720/

I'm going to drop in again tomorrow for a ride!

Thanks for any help :D

Edit: Removed the Specialized Hardrock, Giant Escape 1, Giant Escape 2, Devinci St Tropez, Devinci Stockholm

JarrettH, Of the two the Giant seems closer to what you'll want.

Brad

Welcome to BF.

A "real" touring bike is one you can ride comfortably for many miles, day after day. Means it's a good fit and has reliable components. That's all.

You seem to have dismissed rim brakes as an option. Why? Relative to disc, they are simple, light, reliable, and inexpensive. Disc are more suitable for technical level mountain biking than for covering distance.

Might need to check the links. They don't work for me.

Are they basically the same thing just covered? Whoever I spoke with brought up the fact that if it rains it could pose a problem with pad breaks. I'm sure I'd look at the longterm forecast and hope for a clear week though

I fixed those links and added the Escape 2 which was the other option from Giant

JarrettH, Disk brakes are a bit better in the wet, but not by so much (with aluminum rims) as to dismiss a bike with a set of rim brakes. Just be sure that which ever bike you choose can have at least a rear carrier (rack) installed. Add a set of bar ends if you get a bike with a flat handle bar for an extra hand hold.

Because of some of the terminology you used I suggest buying new to have the warranty and inquire if the bike shop has a class for basic maintenance.

Brad

Go with one of the Escapes, or something similar. Shocked fork not desired for pavement touring. Heavy and reduces pedaling efficiency. Make sure the front fork has a brazeon at the axle for attaching a rack. I think it does.

Be aware that pulling a trailer is an option for load carrying. No racks/panniers needed.

The gearing is low enough, barely, for loaded touring if you're a reasonably strong rider.

A bike is a frame with a bunch of replaceable components tacked on. As you gain experience with the bike you choose, you'll likely want to make modifications to fit your riding style and preferences.

Fit is First. Make sure you start with a frame size that fits you well. Can't be overemphasized. Test ride as much as they'll let you.

Why is the nearest bike shop a Giant dealer?

Go see what they have and test ride them...

The Seek is awesome, no suspension fork, mechanical disk brakes, and 700c wheels.

What's wrong with Giant?

The next closest (also close) is The Bike Zone.

Anyway, I tried four bikes. The Escape 2 was a bit bumpy and the handlebars not in a good place. The Seek 2 was really smooth, better seat, and better handlebar position. They all accept a rack...thanks Cyclebum.

Nothing.

Brad

Didn't think so :P

Maybe I'll understand that comment a year from now

Probably they were wondering why other manufacturers were not on the short list. there are a lot of good bike companies out there.

You may want to go with a used bike from someone who knows about touring rigs. I have dumped many extra dollars into my ride and, if I were to sell it, the new owner would have the benefit of the time and money I put into my bike.

Ebay usually has some great deals on used touring bikes.

Why not look at an online vendor? Bikes Direct offers two real touring bikes for close to what you're spending on the Giants.

Windsor Tourist----$599. http://bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/tourist.htm

Motobecane Grand Touring---$699. http://bikesdirect.com/products/moto...an_turismo.htm

Both of them come with rear racks. The Motobecane has bar end shifters, so if I was going to choose one I'd choose that.

Why? the guy may not have the mechanical skills
and tools, to do the assembly and set-up.

on their own..

seems many with computer skills don't know CW from CCW. or ID from OD.

but out of necessity, they will learn, .. perhaps.
after all, nobody will be hand holding them in the boonies, :rolleyes:
between WiFi connections ..

I didn't list more because those (and the Specialized I removed) happened to be in my price range when I walked around. As good a deal as it is I just don't trust myself to be buying my first serious bike online (and Bikes Direct aren't advertising free shipping to Canada)

Thanks everyone :) I'll stop into The Bike Zone tomorrow to see their selection.

I just added more suggestions I was given at The Bike Zone. I really have little clue when it comes to components...thanks for your help again. I added them to the first post.

If I'm reading it properly, the Tropez has a few newer components (Crankset, better Front Derailleur?) versus the Seek and pad brakes, the Stockholm has overall better components than the Seek and pad brakes

Both are 700C wheels, the Tropez has a reflective outer stripe...anything different construction wise?

St. Tropez is a Beach town in France.

do people ask this list from work, since they can,
rather than going to their LBS and trying bikes by riding them?

I don't understand. You think I'm testing bikes by comparing specs? I didn't join to debate on a topic I'm here to learn about

I rode the Stockholm today and felt pretty indifferent about it. I couldn't exactly A/B either because all they had in stock was a small when I am a medium. A few hours later I went to Gears again and rode the Seek 2 another time and felt that it was infinitely smoother, quieter, and more comfortable. Thanks for the contributions :)

It's probably out of your price range, but Devinci makes a proper touring bike too - the Caribou.

I don't know how far you plan to ride per day. When I first planned to start touring (around this time last year) I bought a bike pretty similar to the Seek 2. Mine was also aluminum with disk brakes and straight handlebars. What I found was that when I started increasing my mileage, my wrists started hurting. An aluminum bike with disk brakes has a very harsh ride compared to a steel bike with rim brakes. The jarring ride of the bike was causing wrist pain after a lot of km. When I switched to a steel touring bike the wrist pain went away. The harshness of the ride is caused by 2 things - 1. aluminum is stiffer than steel, and 2. disk brakes require a stiffer fork for some reason. You probably don't notice the harshness on the short test rides you've taken but I bet if you compare it to a steel bike you'll notice the difference.

If you're in the Toronto area, you might want to phone Europe Bound on Front Street - they have a couple of touring bikes in stock at fairly reasonable prices (or at least they did last time I was in). I think they had one for $725 and I can't remember the others.

Thanks Spudd. I know of Europe Bound near MEC! I live in Mississauga (Port Credit) walking distance from The Bike Zone and Gears so figured I'd buy from one of them.

This time around I'll probably do with a compromise. I feel a bit uncomfortable with those low types of handlebars on touring bikes anyway. Do all touring bikes use them? It seems like when you go for buying a real touring bike you're getting everything you've always wanted :D What did you end up buying that was similar?

I got an Opus Largo from Europe Bound. To be honest I'm still not totally used to the drop handlebars but I think they're better. I'm definitely not getting the wrist pain I used to get.

Anyway, get what you want! I just thought I'd share my experience since I spent $700 on a similar bike to that Giant for touring, and then found out that it hurt my wrists - so now it's my commuter bike and I had to go spend another $750 on a touring bike.