Good beginner ladies touring bike anyone?

rickara3

Hi all,

I'm hoping to start some cycle-touring this spring, I'll start with a few Irish trips and then hopefully some on the continent. I want to bring my tent and cooking gear with me on the bike plus additionals.

Any advice on a starter bike that would fit the bill? I've seen a Jupiter Libra 24-gear 16' frame which looks like it could be good, but I don't fully know what the difference between a hybrid, a road bike and a 'touring' bike, and which cataegory the Jupiter Libra fits into.

Any advice would be much appreciated. And also any good beingger cycle-touring routes if people have some :-)

eeeee

I'd advise staying away from lady specific bikes. All my bikes are regular mens ones and the ladies ones seem needlessly expensive.

I am not the most knowledgeable on bike recommendations, I would recommend a decent aluminum bike, not too heavy, and most definitely go for a road tourer. Something light, you'll be lugging a lot of stuff, and as the owner of a heavy old machine don't make life hard for yourself before you load up! The road bars give you at least 4 different hand options, and if you're touring you're going to want to stretch yourself out over the day. With a straight bar you don't have that many options. Also re group set, look for Shimano, Campagnolo or Sram branded ones. Shimano is the most common. I like 10 speed, as I like knowing there are options there! You want something reliable. Look at Audax frames, some super knowledgeable Audax/touring people will be along soon I'm sure to advise you better .

benneca1

Go for something like a specialized sirrus you have plenty of gears rack attachment and flat bars good for beginner

iwasattheRas

I agree with the previous posts but could I just add in.....If you are going yo be doing long rides abroad etc with loads, go for a 10 speed triple. You will need all the gears you can get. I would also at this point forget about Campagnolo and just stick to good old Shimano which is compatible with Sram and available everywhere should you run into a problem and need a part or two. You would have problems getting campagnolo parts even if you broke down outside their factory. I'm not knocking Campagnolo. I love it but it's just too hard to source parts. A good Aluminium bike is ideal as it will most likely have all the fittings for guards, racks etc. WSD (WOMEN SPECIFIC DESIGN) bikes are a myth. Any bike is good. Just make sure it is a good comfortable fit. A women's saddle would be a good idea though. If getting a professional bike fit, make sure they know you intend to go touring. Good luck and enjoy this wonderful dport/ pastime.

rollingscone

benneca1 wrote: »

Go for something like a specialized sirrus you have plenty of gears rack attachment and flat bars good for beginner

The sirrus is a commuter hybrid. Not really fit for what the OP is describing.I did some 50k + spins on my old hybrid and my back was in bits before I hit the 40 mark.

People will point out that you can do longer spins on Hybrids etc, but if you're buying a bike to enjoy touring on get the best handling, most comfortable, flexible and all round enjoyable bike you can on your budget.

As a way to build up to full blown touring it might be worth looking at some of the Audax type stuff, since it's basically just touring without the nicety.

nak

I wouldn't worry about a women's specific bike. Looking at the Specialized Awol myself. Not too expensive for a first timer.

rickara3

Thanks all for the suggestions. Sensed the man/woman spec thing might not be too big a deal once the frame is a good fit, good to have it confirmed. Saying that, I have a couple of painful memories from childhood hopping off my bro's bike too quickly and REALLY wishing that bar hadn't been there - watery eyes just thinking about the pain!