touring/audax bike
What are people thoughts on a bike for this?
I am thinking a good quality steel frame, MTB style drive chain drop handle bars, the facility to add racks and the clearances that if I want to ad 40mm tires on it I can.
Any suggestions on a bikes to look at before I buy?
Any comments on things that should be a high priority?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on -
The amount of wheel clearance in the frame is important as well as having wheels with not too low spoke count because you want to still be able to ride or easily replace a spoke if you break one. Avoid carbon components if you can....
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Permalink Reply by Rob Wood on -
Surly Bikes make good quality steel frames that factor in adaptability and multiple potential uses. I have been dreaming of a build with one of their MTB frames for awhile now.
Yes they are relatively heavy and they do come at a cost, but from what I gather they are built to last.
I must admit this opinion is gathered from hearsay and reviews, I have never owned or ridden one myself. I'm sure others on this forum can offer a more personal view.
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Permalink Reply by Notthefirst Brett on -
+1 on the Surly bikes, especially the Cross-Check or even the Long Haul Trucker.
Racks front and rear, mudguards, 40mm tyres, even discs, all at the same time if you want.
Not bad price in basic guise, of course you can go to town if you choose.
Ridden my mate's LHT set up with 11 speed Alfine internal gear hub. A very smooth rolling and outstandingly comfortable bike.
I was stunned by the supple nature of the frame, like riding a magic carpet after getting off my aluminium hardtail.
Have a look at them for sure, my next bike will definitely be based on one of those frames (or maybe the Troll) ;-)
Oh, and as for Rob's comment re spoke replacement, the Surly LHT comes with a pair of spare spokes mounted in a neat little braze-on on the left chainstay, sweet!
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Permalink Reply by Gus K on -
Good quality steel frame able to be welded in outer Mongolia (Surly LHT is a good start like here from BMCR), 26" wheels with a nothing fancy and high spoke-count (although I like 700c), mountings for racks front and back, integrated German lights powered by a dynamo generator like this, I like drop bars but many us those butterfly shaped ego ones, adjustable stem, a Rolhoff hub but if you're budget doesn't extend that far (who's does!) MTB gearing with a triple for taking on Kilimanjaro under load, Brooks leather saddle, mudguards.
As BMCR say 'why not read one happy customer's story' and where would it be! HERE
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Permalink Reply by Notthefirst Brett on
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Pretty sure LHT is 26" in the smaller frame sizes and 700c in the larger.
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Permalink Reply by Clive Palfrey on -
Don't know what brand it is but Gary had a nice looking touring cycle at Star Cycles a couple of weeks ago, triple crank and dinner plate on the cassette.
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Permalink Reply by Don (Who's lost?) Nairn on -
if its green it has my attention,
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Permalink Reply by Clive Palfrey on
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I think it might be green, best give Gary a call.
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