Choosing a new Touring Bike

…..and mechanical disc brakes!

Another option would be to get your LBS to do a build for you with your own specifications. Often works out cheaper than an 'off the shelf' bike.

I'm a big fan of Genesis (had a Croix de Fer for a long time, a Tour de Fer for a year, and still own an Equilibrium which I am going to sell), but I'd be hesitant about buying any of the linked bikes.

Aside from being way too expensive for the spec, the other things to watch out for are weight (especially with the steel fork), and Genesis have been very slow to adopt some modern standards (thru axle wheels, flat mount brakes etc).

Apart from looking at an Equilibrium as already mentioned, for 2000-2500€ I'd probably look at my own build. Eg find a frameset on sale (you might get a Ritchey Outback for 1200€), GRX 11-speed groupset (600€), DT Swiss GR1600 wheelset and tires (500€) and finishing kit (200€). You could probably do it even cheaper too.

Another alternative to the Genesis is Fairlight (founder is the former Genesis designer). You won't save money and there is a waiting time but very nice bikes

In the last 20 years since I took up cycling one thing I've repeatedly met is the most competent people from all walks of life with no interest and/or ability in maintaining their bikes.

The turn that the bike industry has taken in last decade or so has made that a more expensive group to be a part of.

Hydraulic disc brakes are trickier to set up and require a new skillset set, ditto di2.

Integrated cockpits and internal cable routing and the like are just retarded just adding cost to the end user.

Old tourer or mechanical disc bike with cheap MTB gearing would be a great option.

I'm thinking of going to one bike and my current gravel bike a genesis fugio with mechanical would make a decent tourer, strong, especially with smaller wheels, lots of fixing points,full mudguards.

@CantGetNoSleep how is the fair light working out? Is it a Secan 3.0? Please say cables are externally routed?

Yes it's a Secan 3.0. Fully external (and Fairlight say that will never change thank god). I love it so far, I've been using it as a road bike with 38mm slick tires.

If I offload the Equilibrium (I can't go above 3 bikes as they don't get used), I'm even considering adding a Strael 4.0 to my fleet to have one bike permanently set up for gravel. Also considering a Specialized Crux which is another externally routed bike.

Just stick the biggest cassette you can on it for this summer, put up what you have and whether 10/11 or 12 speed.

There'll will be more touring friendly option, a wolftooth or the like might be needed.

Small enough money which will transform use of bike.

Ime mechanical disk if set up right are in the "good enough" category and very simple to replace pads and adjust.

Another option to a dedicated touring bike is stick a trailer on your regular bike; comes with downsides of course