Do I really need such a good bike?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
Posts: 26
Bikes: Cannondale Touring Classic 2009
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Do I really need such a good bike?
I've come across Cannondale's touring bikes and really quite like them. I'm sure they are very good quality.
I particularly like the Classic one:
https://video.cannondale.com/images/0...ge/9TR_BLK.jpg
I am planning to go on some self-sustained tours (2-3 weeks) in the spring/summer and am wondering whether it is really worth getting such a bike. As I am sure you all know, these bikes are rather expensive - over 1000 GBP here in the UK.
At the moment I have an old Raleigh race/touring bike.
https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=190278589791
I haven't been on any major tours with it so far and am wondering whether this bike is suitable for the tours I am planning. Would you invest in a good new touring bike or do you think my old Raleigh will do?
I particularly like the Classic one:
https://video.cannondale.com/images/0...ge/9TR_BLK.jpg
I am planning to go on some self-sustained tours (2-3 weeks) in the spring/summer and am wondering whether it is really worth getting such a bike. As I am sure you all know, these bikes are rather expensive - over 1000 GBP here in the UK.
At the moment I have an old Raleigh race/touring bike.
https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=190278589791
I haven't been on any major tours with it so far and am wondering whether this bike is suitable for the tours I am planning. Would you invest in a good new touring bike or do you think my old Raleigh will do?
#2
Primate
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: gone
Posts: 2,579
Bikes: Concorde Columbus SL, Rocky Mountain Edge, Sparta stadfiets
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
The Raleigh should be fine. Put a better saddle on her and send the rest of the money you saved to Unicef.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 74
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It didn't look like there were any front brazeons (screw holes to connect racks to), and I couldn't see the ones on the rear either, but there is probably one set back there. You want to do self-supported touring so you need to carry panniers, which means you need racks. If your existing bike doesn't have brazeons to screw the racks into, it's not gonna work. If it does, it's probably decent enough to handle 3 week tours. Just buy some front/rear racks and head out. If it doesn't have the mounting points, consider the Cannondale below.
Onto the Cannondale Touring Classic. This is a serious touring bike.
The bike you linked to is a Cannondale Touring Classic. I'm assuming you are from somewhere in Europe, because this model of bike isn't available to us in America or Canada, probably elsewhere as well. In America I know of the Cannondale Touring 1 and Touring 2, but they are different from the bike available in Europe. I have looked over the bike you mentioned and know a bit about it.
The components on the Cannondale are mostly Shimano 105 models. (Want to learn more about Shimano Component Levels and what all the names and numbers mean? Check out my blog post about it.) Here's a link to part one of that article on Shimano components. Click here. These are your 'getting serious' components. They aren't quite top of the line, but unless you are a serious cyclist, you'll never need an upgrade from these components. This means you are getting some quality components with the Cannondale model you like. One step from professional. Components: A-
Extras. Cannondale Tape, Tubus Logo rear Rack Tubus Dio front Rack, SKS Fenders, Tacx Bottlecage/Bottle. Ok, the Tubus Logo rear rack is worth about $100USD and is very well-respected on these forums. The front Duo rack is worth about $110USD and is also well-respected. The bike also comes with SKS fenders which are great, I ride with them and love them. They are about 40USD a set I believe. All together that is over 200USD of accessories. Extras: A+
I saw the Cannondale Touring for 950 pounds, only about 1400USD. Considering that I paid 1,000USD for my Surly Long Haul Trucker and it has inferior Shimano components (mostly deore), and i had to add front and rear racks, water bottles, cages, fenders, and more, I would not be scared of this price tag. Compare your Cannondale price without accessories, $1150USD to a Surly 1,099USD with inferior components, or a Raleigh Sojourn $1,099. These are the low-price touring bikes. Most touring bikes have price tags between 900-1200USD. Seems the Cannondale is a decent deal. You definitely don't need the Shimano 105 components, but having them isn't a bad thing.
I'd suggest you visit my blog and have a read over my most recent post, which includes some things to consider when choosing a bike, a type of tour, and accessories for your bike. It might help you decide on getting the Cannondale or not. here is the link: Choosing a bicycle tour
Onto the Cannondale Touring Classic. This is a serious touring bike.
The bike you linked to is a Cannondale Touring Classic. I'm assuming you are from somewhere in Europe, because this model of bike isn't available to us in America or Canada, probably elsewhere as well. In America I know of the Cannondale Touring 1 and Touring 2, but they are different from the bike available in Europe. I have looked over the bike you mentioned and know a bit about it.
The components on the Cannondale are mostly Shimano 105 models. (Want to learn more about Shimano Component Levels and what all the names and numbers mean? Check out my blog post about it.) Here's a link to part one of that article on Shimano components. Click here. These are your 'getting serious' components. They aren't quite top of the line, but unless you are a serious cyclist, you'll never need an upgrade from these components. This means you are getting some quality components with the Cannondale model you like. One step from professional. Components: A-
Extras. Cannondale Tape, Tubus Logo rear Rack Tubus Dio front Rack, SKS Fenders, Tacx Bottlecage/Bottle. Ok, the Tubus Logo rear rack is worth about $100USD and is very well-respected on these forums. The front Duo rack is worth about $110USD and is also well-respected. The bike also comes with SKS fenders which are great, I ride with them and love them. They are about 40USD a set I believe. All together that is over 200USD of accessories. Extras: A+
I saw the Cannondale Touring for 950 pounds, only about 1400USD. Considering that I paid 1,000USD for my Surly Long Haul Trucker and it has inferior Shimano components (mostly deore), and i had to add front and rear racks, water bottles, cages, fenders, and more, I would not be scared of this price tag. Compare your Cannondale price without accessories, $1150USD to a Surly 1,099USD with inferior components, or a Raleigh Sojourn $1,099. These are the low-price touring bikes. Most touring bikes have price tags between 900-1200USD. Seems the Cannondale is a decent deal. You definitely don't need the Shimano 105 components, but having them isn't a bad thing.
I'd suggest you visit my blog and have a read over my most recent post, which includes some things to consider when choosing a bike, a type of tour, and accessories for your bike. It might help you decide on getting the Cannondale or not. here is the link: Choosing a bicycle tour
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
Posts: 26
Bikes: Cannondale Touring Classic 2009
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
very informative
Thanks recklesscogniti, that was all very informative and I will definitely check out your blog.
Could you tell me where you found the Cannondale for 950 quid? That really would be quite a good deal.
Thanks.
Could you tell me where you found the Cannondale for 950 quid? That really would be quite a good deal.
Thanks.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 74
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My apologies, I was quickly zipping through the sites to get a price and I priced an 08 model that had recently sold out from
https://www.evanscycles.com/categorie.../touring-bikes
I did see an 08 model at https://www.cycle-heaven.co.uk/tour_bikes.html for 1,099 pounds.
https://www.evanscycles.com/categorie.../touring-bikes
I did see an 08 model at https://www.cycle-heaven.co.uk/tour_bikes.html for 1,099 pounds.
#6
I can't remember
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Ireland
Posts: 74
Bikes: Thorn Raven
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hi,
I don't think that Cannondale is a good touring bike at all. No way I'd shell out 1000GBP on it. Typical example of a big manufacturer entering a niche market and spending most of their $$$ on marketing.
Front Crank Truvativ Elita Tandem 52/39/30. Is that suitable for loaded touring??? 52 is too big IMO. Also, isn't 105 more road stuff... although I'm sure it's fine for touring.
Are the racks included. Not mentioned in the spec on the Cannondale site.
Aluminium frame? Don't like the rear triangle at all.
A touring bike needs to be designed for touring. Don't think that Cannondale has really been designed for its intended purpose. Of course that's not to say it's a bad bike. I'm sure its good and you could probably take it touring with no problems. It's just that for 1000GBP I don't think it's good value.
A Thorn Sherpa might be a better bike for around the same $$$ and less if the racks aren't included on the Cannondale.
Shop around. It's a buyers market out there and I'd say don't be shy to drive a bargain.
For the record I've got a Thorn Raven. Good bike but around 1,500GBP all up when I bought 2 years ago and I think the price has gone up since then.
Good luck with your purchase if you do decide to upgrade from your Raleigh, but shop around
I don't think that Cannondale is a good touring bike at all. No way I'd shell out 1000GBP on it. Typical example of a big manufacturer entering a niche market and spending most of their $$$ on marketing.
Front Crank Truvativ Elita Tandem 52/39/30. Is that suitable for loaded touring??? 52 is too big IMO. Also, isn't 105 more road stuff... although I'm sure it's fine for touring.
Are the racks included. Not mentioned in the spec on the Cannondale site.
Aluminium frame? Don't like the rear triangle at all.
A touring bike needs to be designed for touring. Don't think that Cannondale has really been designed for its intended purpose. Of course that's not to say it's a bad bike. I'm sure its good and you could probably take it touring with no problems. It's just that for 1000GBP I don't think it's good value.
A Thorn Sherpa might be a better bike for around the same $$$ and less if the racks aren't included on the Cannondale.
Shop around. It's a buyers market out there and I'd say don't be shy to drive a bargain.
For the record I've got a Thorn Raven. Good bike but around 1,500GBP all up when I bought 2 years ago and I think the price has gone up since then.
Good luck with your purchase if you do decide to upgrade from your Raleigh, but shop around
Last edited by hardtail; 01-15-09 at 10:13 AM.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Boston Area
Posts: 1,998
Bikes: Univega Gran Turismo, Guerciotti, Bridgestone MB2, Bike Friday New World Tourist, Serotta Ti
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The biggest deficiency I see is the gearing. Looks like a standard alpine double set up. You don't have any really low gears. If you are very strong this might not make a difference. If you will be touring in flat terrain, this might not make a difference.
Speedo
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 598
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The road crank is probably fine in the flat roads of the UK, but it would make sense to go lower if you were headed abroad.
To the OP, you don't need that bike for what you want to do, but, assuming it fits you, the price is reasonable for what you get, and it should work well. You could also make the Raleigh work for a lot less money. It depends on your preferences.
#10
I can't remember
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Ireland
Posts: 74
Bikes: Thorn Raven
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I see your point Stedalus. It is quality components all the way and with racks and fenders included (I missed the extras line... don't know how I didn't see it right there at the bottom of the spec) that adds up to a fair amount of $. Still, don't like the frame. Don't think it would take much punishment. Then again the op doesn't sound like he'll be doing any major touring, so...
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 598
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I see your point Stedalus. It is quality components all the way and with racks and fenders included (I missed the extras line... don't know how I didn't see it right there at the bottom of the spec) that adds up to a fair amount of $. Still, don't like the frame. Don't think it would take much punishment. Then again the op doesn't sound like he'll be doing any major touring, so...
I'm just amazed that it comes stock with such nice accessories. Their US models have no fenders and what looks like a no name rear rack. I guess British tourers have more refined tastes.
#12
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
Posts: 26
Bikes: Cannondale Touring Classic 2009
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Lifetime Warranty. Choose a Cannondale touring bike, and we'll guarantee your new frame for as long as you own it against defects in either workmanship or materials.
https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/04/cusa/model-4TR8.html
Last edited by Zweibel; 01-15-09 at 02:28 PM.
#14
I can't remember
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Ireland
Posts: 74
Bikes: Thorn Raven
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
OK. Maybe I'm being unfair to Cannondale. Really I guess I'd have to see the bike, but just personally for my needs/wants I wouldn't buy an aluminium frame. It's more to do with the feel and looks than repairability because let's face it if a tig-welded steel frame breaks, unless it's high end lugged like Rivendell or something, most people would just buy a new frame.
Anyway, best of luck with it if you do decide to buy. All in all it may be just the kind of bike your looking for
Anyway, best of luck with it if you do decide to buy. All in all it may be just the kind of bike your looking for
#15
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
Posts: 26
Bikes: Cannondale Touring Classic 2009
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thank you everybody. I'll let you know what I eventually decide to buy .
Hardtail, I've been looking at the Thorn Sherpa. It's certainly a bike I will consider when I make my decision.
Hardtail, I've been looking at the Thorn Sherpa. It's certainly a bike I will consider when I make my decision.
#16
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,475
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6276 Post(s)
Liked 4,312 Times
in
2,417 Posts
Hi,
I don't think that Cannondale is a good touring bike at all. No way I'd shell out 1000GBP on it. Typical example of a big manufacturer entering a niche market and spending most of their $$$ on marketing.
Front Crank Truvativ Elita Tandem 52/39/30. Is that suitable for loaded touring??? 52 is too big IMO. Also, isn't 105 more road stuff... although I'm sure it's fine for touring.
Are the racks included. Not mentioned in the spec on the Cannondale site.
Aluminium frame? Don't like the rear triangle at all.
A touring bike needs to be designed for touring. Don't think that Cannondale has really been designed for its intended purpose. Of course that's not to say it's a bad bike. I'm sure its good and you could probably take it touring with no problems. It's just that for 1000GBP I don't think it's good value.
A Thorn Sherpa might be a better bike for around the same $$$ and less if the racks aren't included on the Cannondale.
Shop around. It's a buyers market out there and I'd say don't be shy to drive a bargain.
For the record I've got a Thorn Raven. Good bike but around 1,500GBP all up when I bought 2 years ago and I think the price has gone up since then.
Good luck with your purchase if you do decide to upgrade from your Raleigh, but shop around
I don't think that Cannondale is a good touring bike at all. No way I'd shell out 1000GBP on it. Typical example of a big manufacturer entering a niche market and spending most of their $$$ on marketing.
Front Crank Truvativ Elita Tandem 52/39/30. Is that suitable for loaded touring??? 52 is too big IMO. Also, isn't 105 more road stuff... although I'm sure it's fine for touring.
Are the racks included. Not mentioned in the spec on the Cannondale site.
Aluminium frame? Don't like the rear triangle at all.
A touring bike needs to be designed for touring. Don't think that Cannondale has really been designed for its intended purpose. Of course that's not to say it's a bad bike. I'm sure its good and you could probably take it touring with no problems. It's just that for 1000GBP I don't think it's good value.
A Thorn Sherpa might be a better bike for around the same $$$ and less if the racks aren't included on the Cannondale.
Shop around. It's a buyers market out there and I'd say don't be shy to drive a bargain.
For the record I've got a Thorn Raven. Good bike but around 1,500GBP all up when I bought 2 years ago and I think the price has gone up since then.
Good luck with your purchase if you do decide to upgrade from your Raleigh, but shop around
The Touring Classic is a European only model and, with the exception of the gearing, is just about what every touring bike ought to have and be. It's a long wheel base solid purpose built touring machine. While the bikes are stiff without load, they are extremely comfortable when loaded with touring gear. I can stand and climb on them, something that I could never do on a steel bike.
It'd be hard to beat the Cannondale and it'd do a whole lot better at touring than the Raleigh that Zweibel is considering. And, after changing all the stuff he'll probably have to change, adding racks and dealing with an ill tempered touring beast, the Cannondale would be a bargain.
I own a 2003 T800 that has been toured. It's a tough bike.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Last edited by cyccommute; 01-15-09 at 04:26 PM.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 2,465
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
5 Posts
Hi,
I don't think that Cannondale is a good touring bike at all. No way I'd shell out 1000GBP on it. Typical example of a big manufacturer entering a niche market and spending most of their $$$ on marketing.
Front Crank Truvativ Elita Tandem 52/39/30. Is that suitable for loaded touring??? 52 is too big IMO. Also, isn't 105 more road stuff... although I'm sure it's fine for touring.
Are the racks included. Not mentioned in the spec on the Cannondale site.
Aluminium frame? Don't like the rear triangle at all.
A touring bike needs to be designed for touring. Don't think that Cannondale has really been designed for its intended purpose. Of course that's not to say it's a bad bike. I'm sure its good and you could probably take it touring with no problems. It's just that for 1000GBP I don't think it's good value.
A Thorn Sherpa might be a better bike for around the same $$$ and less if the racks aren't included on the Cannondale.
Shop around. It's a buyers market out there and I'd say don't be shy to drive a bargain.
For the record I've got a Thorn Raven. Good bike but around 1,500GBP all up when I bought 2 years ago and I think the price has gone up since then.
Good luck with your purchase if you do decide to upgrade from your Raleigh, but shop around
I don't think that Cannondale is a good touring bike at all. No way I'd shell out 1000GBP on it. Typical example of a big manufacturer entering a niche market and spending most of their $$$ on marketing.
Front Crank Truvativ Elita Tandem 52/39/30. Is that suitable for loaded touring??? 52 is too big IMO. Also, isn't 105 more road stuff... although I'm sure it's fine for touring.
Are the racks included. Not mentioned in the spec on the Cannondale site.
Aluminium frame? Don't like the rear triangle at all.
A touring bike needs to be designed for touring. Don't think that Cannondale has really been designed for its intended purpose. Of course that's not to say it's a bad bike. I'm sure its good and you could probably take it touring with no problems. It's just that for 1000GBP I don't think it's good value.
A Thorn Sherpa might be a better bike for around the same $$$ and less if the racks aren't included on the Cannondale.
Shop around. It's a buyers market out there and I'd say don't be shy to drive a bargain.
For the record I've got a Thorn Raven. Good bike but around 1,500GBP all up when I bought 2 years ago and I think the price has gone up since then.
Good luck with your purchase if you do decide to upgrade from your Raleigh, but shop around
I would not hesitate to ride one across the country tomorrow.
You "don't think"? Or you "don't know"?
#19
I can't remember
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Ireland
Posts: 74
Bikes: Thorn Raven
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
OK. OK! I've pretty much stated in my subsequent posts that I've been over harsh on Cannondale. Personally I still wouldn't buy it. Don't like aluminium frames. However, I really don't know enough about it to give an informed opinion, so as I've said/implied take my original advice with a grain of salt.
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
You really don't need much of a bike. This young lady did it on an old Motobecane mixtie.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Maastricht, NL
Posts: 584
Bikes: Gazelle Playa
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'll second that, but would add that if you have the money go for the bike you like, that Cannondale does look nice. With a lifetime guarantee and all the extras its a good price, just needs lower gears which I'm sure they would change for with no extra charge.
#23
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
Posts: 26
Bikes: Cannondale Touring Classic 2009
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well, I've just phoned a bike shop here in London and they have the 2009 model (much the same as the 2008 I believe, but with Shimano Ultegra as rear derailleur).
https://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec016648
I'm going for a test ride now Their price is just over 1200 GBP which isn't too bad considering the state the pound is in at the moment. They have also indicated that the price is flexible and that they will through in a voucher worth 125 quid.
Will keep you updated.
https://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec016648
I'm going for a test ride now Their price is just over 1200 GBP which isn't too bad considering the state the pound is in at the moment. They have also indicated that the price is flexible and that they will through in a voucher worth 125 quid.
Will keep you updated.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,205
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 140 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 81 Times
in
64 Posts
Need really isn't an applicable term. The tires need air, the wheels need to be true and strong, your body needs to be conditioned to enjoy the effort.
The Raleigh will require the loads to be snugged down and as close to the center as possible, front low riders will make a huge difference so the rear wheel isn't overly loaded and the steering too light.
Out of the box the Cannondale is designed to carry loads and the wheels have significantly more life to them than the Raleigh,,esp. on a loaded bike.
My $.02 is that the cdale is a very nice bike, I owned a shop when they first came out and loved that there was solid handling bike with long chainstays for touring. My only concern is whether it can take fatter 38mm tires which might make a difference for some of your touring.
The Raleigh will require the loads to be snugged down and as close to the center as possible, front low riders will make a huge difference so the rear wheel isn't overly loaded and the steering too light.
Out of the box the Cannondale is designed to carry loads and the wheels have significantly more life to them than the Raleigh,,esp. on a loaded bike.
My $.02 is that the cdale is a very nice bike, I owned a shop when they first came out and loved that there was solid handling bike with long chainstays for touring. My only concern is whether it can take fatter 38mm tires which might make a difference for some of your touring.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 598
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts