Advise Please?...Thanks.

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Hello all,

I am a long time cyclist that has now turned my sites on self-contained touring. My main questions is:

What brand of bike (custom or production) and components should I get?

I know, I know, that's not an easy question because everyone has different personal preferences. But, I have narrowed my search a bit, I would like a steel frame/fork and drop handlebars. I have looked a bit at the production Fuji Touring and the very expense custom Seven Cycles bikes. Any help on my dilemma is very appreciated!

Thanks,

Maxx

do a search at this site http://search.bikelist.org
all your questions will be answered as someone has already asked them before.
Check out the following brands of bike, it just depends on your wallet and what you are using it for.
Co-motion
Rivendell
Heron
Bruce Gordon

Pannier racks should be Cr-Mo, aluminium will break
Tubus
Old man mountain
Nitto
Bruce Gordon

Wheels are about the most important thing.
http://www.PeterWhiteCycles.com
build the best wheels for touring and tandems

Tailwinds

Geoff

I am a long time tourer using a Cannondale. I know it's aluminum, but I am a big guy 6'2" - 200 and I have ridden several tours in excess of 600 miles and the bike has been flawless. I have carried huge loads also and never suffer so much as a flat. I have a litespeed and merlin for my regular riding, but I swear I enjoy riding this Cannondale as much. Maybe it's just the call of the open road. Anyway, if they are still being made, I would give them a look.

Originally posted by maxx
Hello all,

I am a long time cyclist that has now turned my sites on self-contained touring. My main questions is:

What brand of bike (custom or production) and components should I get?

I know, I know, that's not an easy question because everyone has different personal preferences. But, I have narrowed my search a bit, I would like a steel frame/fork and drop handlebars. I have looked a bit at the production Fuji Touring and the very expense custom Seven Cycles bikes. Any help on my dilemma is very appreciated!

Thanks,

Maxx

I was confronted with the same problem a few years ago and chose a Waterford Model 1900 and have toured, fully loaded, over much of North America. I am very happy with the bike. I chose Sachs/Campy Record with XTR using Sachs spacers. This design gives me the comfort of dropped bars with mountain gearing. I am not sure if this design is currently available and would look into Dura Ace combined with XTR. I initially used V brakes and am now using Avid cantis - much less hassle. When touring other than fully loaded I use Conti 28's current edition being Gator Skins with a Mavic touring rim (then 217). My fully loaded tires are Conti Top Touring 32s. I use Bruce Gordon racks with Arkel panniers. In my opinion Arkels are the best panniers.
Hope this helps.