scudiac

Hi,

I'm starting on the path to getting a touring setup. I haven't done any long distance touring, so this will be my first purchase. I'm from a BMX background and I am curious about the different types of bikes used for touring. The bikes I see marketed as touring seem to be little more than roadbikes with a few additions. I also see/hear people using cyclocross bikes (with some part additions). I've pretty much decided that I want steel instead of aluminum in the frame. All of these "touring" bikes seem to be in the $800+ USD price range. A bit steep to me for what you get. The Fuji Touring is a bike I'm starting to hear a lot about for entry-level. I really like the Surly Long Haul Trucker frame, but at about ~$450+ USD for the frame, I would be looking at over $1000 USD after I had the bike completed. I want a bike that is going to be strong, can be fully loaded and if possible provide durability if I happen to wander off paved road. I've been to a few bike shops and all they seem to want to do is sell me some $1500 bike I don't need or know anything about. I wouldn't even mind picking up an older road bike off craigslist.org and adding parts I needed. In addition to touring, I would also like to make this my daily commuter (unloaded of course). So, for a first timer, what does everyone think would be fitting for a newcomer?

ctyler

I just recently got a new Fuji Touring bike and think it's a great bike for the money. The only thing I changed were the pedals and I put a Brooks B17 saddle on it. I like it much better than the TREK 520 I owned a few years ago. I think it would fit your needs very well. I bought it new for $799.

scudiac

I've also heard good things about the Giant OCR series. They are reasonably priced too.

ctyler

Forgot to mention that Adventure Cycling recently reviewed the Jamis Aurora and gave it a good review. It's priced at $779. The guy who wrote the review calls the bike "a sure bet."

scudiac

That bike looks great! Great deal if I can find it locally under $800.

ctyler

Your LBS will probably have to order it for you. Most LBSs don't carry an invenotry of touring bikes.

scudiac

I just took the Fuji Touring for a testride today and it was great! Better yet, the dealer was listing them at $700! I think I'll get one by the end of the month.

kbabin

You might check out the Nashbar touring frame. I know it is not steel, but maybe get this to start and upgrade to steel when you have the cash. I tour on a Nashbar alum moutain frame and it is a good deal for the price (under 150.00).

Also check this website before ordering from Nashbar.

https://www.edealinfo.com/Coupons/nashbar.shtml

Hope that helps

Kevin

Dahon.Steve

The Fuji Touring is the best bang for the buck. Make sure you have the LBS tention the spokes on the rear wheel.

The Jamis Aurora is also a good bike and the geometry more traditional so you can order a large frame. Don't forget the Bianchi Volpe which is a good bike with solid components. I wish Jamis would put better components because it would be close to perfect otherwise.