milnerpt

So with my tax rebate, I figure what better gift than a touring bike... My plan is to use it possibly for a west coast Canada to Mexico tour this fall, as well as something to tour with occasionally and hey, I lik having lots of bikes!

I took the first step of trying to read up on the subject, then started with some of the test rides. Honestly, its easy to point out flaws and drawbacks on bikes, but do they really become issues?

The LBS had the Kona sutra, LHT, and Sojourn (all in sizes too small for me - 6'2", 56cm frames). The LHT stock seat hurt, and I didnt care for the canti brakes, but the sutra and sojourn didnt have the best gearing (30 granny up front). I thought price-wise (and the pain for equipping fenders and possibly a new seat) the sojourn was pretty nice.

the novara randonee is on my to-ride list... I love REI stuff and like to support them (already got a Strada), but canti brakes and sora shifters... I really like the bar end ones.

I know some of the other people complained of the low spoke count and questioned the durability of the wheels and hubs on the sojourn. Any owners of the sojourn have some serious regrets or concerns regarding durability?

And ye, I have scoured the boards... there were a few people who were going to put further postings, but I have not seen any (one guy even bought it where Im looking... recycledcycles...)

Cheers!

BengeBoy 

I think it would be interesting to hear from Sojourn owners; you're right, there was some discussion here, but it died down. I have to agree w/some of the earlier comments here -- for the price, the wheels on that bike seemed like a really weak link.

On the other hand, I think the LHT is still the value champion in this price range. I would never let the issue of the stock saddle keep me from buying a bike -- to me, stock saddles are the things you put into storage until you need the saddle back to sell the bike. Put a good saddle on the LHT, and you're ready to go.