bwhite829

Hey all. I'm wanting to get into touring. The reason I'm also posting this in the commuting section as well is because if I do this it will be a touring and commuting bike, I won't have a dedicated tourer or commuter. I've got a specialized sirrus with stock componets right now, and I won't be upgrading the bike until about 4-5 months from now and I'll be using that time to research as much as possible. I've really only got one question that I'm asking here, everything else I'm going to the touring forum.

Who all uses the same bike for touring and commuting? Is it that important that I get a dedicated tourer?

b_young

It depends on how much you tour. I have a sirrus. Trekking handlebars, rear rack/pannier, brooks saddle... I like it but it is still more for commuting. I may only tour a couple of weeks in a year. I havent had a tour bike to compare it with but I would like a slightly longer bike to use. Don't get me wrong, I got the Sirrus just for the reason you are asking and am very happy with it. But if I was getting serious about touring I would like a LHT.

bwhite829

i'm considering adding trekking bars as one of the main upgrades. i do believe if i do get a dedicated tourer, i'd build it from the ground up starting w/ a LHT frame.

IR Baboon

I commute about 54 miles rt about 3 or 4 days a week on my sirrus. I've done a few upgrades to it for touring as well. I installed WTB flared drop bars, as well as changing out the brake levers to road style and bar end shifters. A little bit of ingenuity let me put on a light front rack too. I dont't get to do a lot of touring, but considering the distances I'm covering commuting - I'd say the sirrus makes a pretty good platform for both

mcgreivey

I've never toured on mine, but I wouldn't hesitate to. Depending on your shoe size and the size and position of your panniers, you might get some heal-strike, though. And if I were carrying a good load and touring a hilly area, I might want to put on a slightly "grannier" low gear (a bit bigger in the back or smaller in the front).

I've never put a front rack on mine, but it would take one. I'm not sure how it would affect stability.

b_young

I haven't had a front rack on mine either but it seems like it would only make it more stable. When I have the back loaded and sit more upright the front gets a little loose. I have thought about getting one just for stability.

My trekking bars were from Nashbar ~15$ 2-3 years ago and I wouldn't trade them. Changing hand positions on a long ride is a must for me. I used the original grips then taped the rest. My LBS says its the ugliest thing he has ever seen, but he has never toured. He is going on his first this July and I am wanting to see how much of his balls to the walls road bike mentality goes away. He has already been asking what kind of brooks to get.



And just for the record, yes that is a garage door opener by the stem.

bwhite829

can you post a close up of the handlebars? how did you mount the bars like that? i thought i'd have to completely remove the stock bars, so if i could do that, id' be perfect.

and yes, i have some heel strike w/ my current panniers, i might have hit it about 3 times in 100+ miles of riding. i don't know if clipless pedals and the smaller cycle shoes would remedy that.

Sirrus Rider

Mmmmn! Sirrus p0rn!

b_young

Thanks, glad to help.

I'm not sure what your looking for. If you need more pics let me know.