mpetit

Hello all,

This is my first thread. I'm starting to do light touring, more inclined to an ultra-light version of it. I wanted to keep my road bike but it starts to have some aging problems and will be probably replaced soon. While looking for new ones, I found a second hand, barely used (roughly 600 km) Stevens Gran Turismo from 2009-2010 at a great price. It's an aluminium frame and overall it's faily light (11 kg). Quite big tires for road touring though: 700c x 37 mm. But can go down to 28 mm if needed.

So, before going take a look, I was wondering if someone in the forum who has or have had this bike could give some comments on its handling, quality, durability and so on. Particularly, I'd like to know if 105 is adequate for light touring

Although touring range could be increased with this bike and do even some packed gravel trails, I'm also thinking that it might be an overkill for light touring, taking into consideration that I'll pack less than 10 kg and I only weight around 65 kg.

I'd be grateful if you could share your thoughts about this.

Thanks in advance!
M.

seeker333

Sounds like most any road bike would suffice, you don't even need a touring bike.

I don't know the SGT, but it looks fine for light touring, no major issues. The 105 components are adequate for touring.

fietsbob

Probably fine.. depends on the actual tooth count Math, as to the ratios being adequate.

105 being road bike stuff Likely High, but young and strong can cope.

Barrettscv 

It looks good. Installing a 26t small chainring on the triple crankset is easy & economical and will help with the climbs.

mpetit

Actually, the intention was to use my road bike. However, there're some issues to it: the rims will be gone soon (and I don't feel quite confident touring on fairly worn Ksyrium Elites either) and I'd need to replace cassette and big chainring (need lower gearing and they are damaged). Plus, I need a rack! Bike is 6 years old already, got it second hand and it's been used a lot before me (I did use it a lot as well ). That's why I wouldn't want to make a big investment on it. While looking for other road ones, SGT came in the picture...

An almost new 2012 Scott Speedster S20 (300km) at half retail price is also being considered: full Ultegra is a boost, but heavy AlexRims wheelset puts me off. And only 24 rear aero spokes, which for touring, even ultralight, I'd say is a no-no.

PS: Barrettscv, a smaller inner chainring for the SGT could be a good idea.

seeker333

You and your gear @75kg are the same as the weight of an average US female, or Lance Armstrong at race weight. I think even 20h/24h wheels would be OK if you don't much exceed your estimate.

Alex Race28 rims @500g do seem heavy. The tall aero section adds weight over that of older squarish "box section" designs. Although it makes little difference aerodynamically, it does make the rim more rigid, which will help the wheels last longer. If/when the rims require replacement, Alex rims are inexpensive.

You can fit down to a 24t ring on a 74bcd crank, but the front derailleur won't accommodate the smaller ring with a stated range of 16t, meaning the stock 34-50t rings are full range. You'd need a new FD.

mpetit

I'd say the gap between 50 to 24 teeth chainring is too big, chain will for sure jump off when shifting from big to small chainring...

In my current road bike my lowest gearing is 34-25. I could use lower gearing for pretty steep climbing, though. In the Scott it's 34-28. I don' t know if it is low enough when carrying 10kg of gear.