New Tourer HELP please
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Guelph, ON, Canada
Posts: 6
Bikes: Full suspension mountain bike, looking for a tourer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
New Tourer HELP please
Hi all,
Ive been looking at a tourer, so far the Surly LHT and KHS TR 101 as well as Trek 520. Trouble is i am now totaly confused all three seem so close in components and tubing. The KHS and Trek comes pre-equiped with fenders and rack. But the Surly costing more comes minus this and even pedals. Any tips or views. Looking at about $1200-1500 Ca. To allow extra funds for panniers tent etc. I have looked all over this site and it seems there are old posts but nothing too current. Thanks all
Safe riding.
Mark
Guelph
Canada
Ive been looking at a tourer, so far the Surly LHT and KHS TR 101 as well as Trek 520. Trouble is i am now totaly confused all three seem so close in components and tubing. The KHS and Trek comes pre-equiped with fenders and rack. But the Surly costing more comes minus this and even pedals. Any tips or views. Looking at about $1200-1500 Ca. To allow extra funds for panniers tent etc. I have looked all over this site and it seems there are old posts but nothing too current. Thanks all
Safe riding.
Mark
Guelph
Canada
#2
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
I would focus on fit.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
#4
Senior Member
Mark, Another bike to look at is https://www.raleighusa.com/archive/20...ad/sojourn-11/ .
The subject of fit is paramount as there will be alot of saddle time each day. Try to ride them all.
Brad
The subject of fit is paramount as there will be alot of saddle time each day. Try to ride them all.
Brad
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NE Tx
Posts: 2,766
Bikes: Tour Easy, Linear USS, Lightening Thunderbolt, custom DF, Raleigh hybrid, Felt time trial
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Focus on top tube length. Most important for how stretched out you'll be and where your sit bones land on the saddle when in your most common riding position. Fine tune the fit after purchase as you gain experience on the bike. You can ride any of them across the country and back with minimal problems, but give particular consideration to gearing. Lower is usually better for loaded touring.
As most shops aren't use to fitting a touring bike, take advice you get with that grain of salt.
As most shops aren't use to fitting a touring bike, take advice you get with that grain of salt.
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Guelph, ON, Canada
Posts: 6
Bikes: Full suspension mountain bike, looking for a tourer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thankyou all, looks like a test ride is in order for fitting. Thanks again, great site.
Safe riding all.
M
Safe riding all.
M
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,200
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 137 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 81 Times
in
64 Posts
Mark, it's easy to get hung up on comparing value according to names on component lists when the fit and ride is what matters most. Sure some component groups may be better or the package may be better but once you get it that is what you're riding and the money value doesn't matter as much as your knowing how to fix/maintain things. A more expensive derailleur doesn't matter if the bike is transported derailleur side down, the hanger is bent and you don't correct it before throwing the chain in the spokes. Fancier wheels/tires don't matter if you're unaware of the tire pressue and a pinch flat damages the rim. Most of my touring I did 30-40yrs ago would be on the equivalent of $600bikes nowadays.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 3,392
Bikes: Surly LHT, Specialized Rockhopper, Nashbar Touring (old), Specialized Stumpjumper (older), Nishiki Tourer (model unknown)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I think the LHT may be the best tourer for the price. Of course, I'm biased, since that's what I have. In my case, I bought a frame and built it up, so I can't claim experience with the complete configuration. I certainly can't claim any experience with other brands or models, other than reading people's posts here, and talking bikes with touring people I've met on the road.
If you can afford it, get something good (like an LHT.) I've toured on a "tourer" with some deficiencies. It was fun, but touring is a better experience on a bike that's solid, well-thought-out, with all the features you want. On tour you are so dependent on your ride, and it's such a huge part of the experience; it's nice to have a bike that feels perfect.
If you can afford it, get something good (like an LHT.) I've toured on a "tourer" with some deficiencies. It was fun, but touring is a better experience on a bike that's solid, well-thought-out, with all the features you want. On tour you are so dependent on your ride, and it's such a huge part of the experience; it's nice to have a bike that feels perfect.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Groningen, Netherlands
Posts: 289
Bikes: Pre-Grant Peterson Bridgestone Mixte, Gazelle Champion Mondial Semirace Mixte
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
They are all fine, solid bikes. After fit (which is the most important thing) I would go for the fenders and racks already installed. Fenders are so important to keeping you dry and comfortable. Adding fenders later can be a giant pain especially if there are no eyelets on the frame and the brake reach isn't big enough. I would also look into a saddle upgrade because stock saddles usually stink. Manufacturers know they are likely going to be switched out anyway and install a basic rubber, foam and vinyl nasty thing.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ColonelSanders
Commuting
65
10-21-15 11:19 AM