Choosing a touring bike , a bike for life

barrymanilow

Hi there ,

Im in the midst of trying to choose a touring bike .I'm looking for something that I can use to carry a tent, panniers etc for a week or two on the road and to take for long cycles on weekends . Im not interested in speed or over concerned with weight . Comfort and quality are the most important things Id be looking for . I'd prefer a bike with good components that are durable ,can be easily serviced and don't need constant care . For example not those cheap triple chainsets that are fused together and have to be replaced as one . This bike will be one that I'd like to keep for the forseeable future and so would stand the test of time . I want to avoid disc brake systems if I can as they seem like trouble with bending rotors, brake rub , bleeding, etc

At the moment I have my eye on a 2014 Kona honky tonk .I had been looking at a ridgeback tour but I was put off by the cheap components .My budget would be €1000 but would stretch a little if I found a great bike .

If anyone has any recommendations Id love to hear ,

Thanks in advance

gzoladz

I have got a Sensa Strada a few months ago. Happy enough. It has Nexus gears, that work very well and need very little maintenance.

The only issue I had was due to it being poorly assembled by the vendor (gears incorrectly set, a few loose screws, etc) , but once I got that fixed it was perfect.

del88

I bought a surly long haul trucker 2 years ago and have clocked up 12700 kms.
That included a few weekend trips fully loaded and a 3 week tour through France and Spain ..
Great bike

barrymanilow

Thanks fro the replies , Not so interested in the Sensa , as Im looking for drop handlebars , the surly looks good , where did you buy it Del and how much did it set you back ?

Alek

Perhaps Genesis Croix de Fer?



Or if you think mostly about touring or/and don't like STI levers - Tour de Fer?




I have the Croix myself and I love it. Stiff frame even when loaded, yet very comfortable.

Both very good quality steel and components, should last for ages.

barrymanilow

Thanks for the idea , I was looking into one of those but the only dealers seemed to be in the North and Im all the way down in Limerick so hassle was involved, also not so up on disc brakes , guy in my lbs said they should never have been taken off the mountain bike ,still sussing that one out .

Ole Rodrigo

Spa cycles Tourer

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s21p2983