Re: Tourer recommendations required

Tony W

"Tim Dunne" <Bit_Bucket@Blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message
news:9aIBd.1089$GG1.288@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Hi guys & girls...
>
> I'm looking at new bikes because my beloved ridgeback hybrid is dying
after
> 7 years. I feel it's now time for a lighter, faster bike and am thinking
> about tourers. Budget up to 1500 notes, mileage 7k a year. Ish.

With that budget you could probably just about get a custom bike from
Roberts or similar. With your mileage I think you would be able to justify
the expense. Certainly the benefits of having a bike that really fits are
fantastic so if you are 'a funny shape' (i.e. log or short legs w.r.t. body
etc.) this can work well.

However, you won't go far wrong with a Galaxy -- mine is nearly 20 years old
and still great (though only the frame, forks & bars are original now).
They are almost indestructible.

Another alternative with your budget is to go over to the Dark Side with a
recumbent. Steetmachines look nice -- but outside my pay grade :~(

If you do consider selling your soul to the devil then several here can give
good information on what options there are.

DavidR

"Tony W" <tonyremove@chapmore.co.uk> wrote
> "Tim Dunne" <Bit_Bucket@Blueyonder.co.uk> wrote

>> I'm looking at new bikes because my beloved ridgeback hybrid is dying
>> after 7 years. I feel it's now time for a lighter, faster bike and am
>> thinking about tourers. Budget up to 1500 notes, mileage 7k a year. Ish
>> .
>
> With that budget you could probably just about get a custom bike from
> Roberts or similar. With your mileage I think you would be able to
> justify the expense. Certainly the benefits of having a bike that really
> fits are
> fantastic so if you are 'a funny shape' (i.e. log or short legs w.r.t.
> body etc.) this can work well.

If custom build is on the cards, consider whether you want flat or drop
bars since the choice should affect the frame dimensions.

If you are of average size, a seat post to steerer of 560mm with 90 or
110mm stem is usual. With flat bars consider a 600mm frame with a 120mm
stem. That's typical mountain bike dimensions and is difficult to find in
touring/road frames.

I would like to change my drop bars to flats [1] but don't know how to do
it with a short frame. Trying out a so-called "fitness" bike it felt very
cramped. Probably why for so many, the default is drop bars, despite what I
consider to be inferior hand to bar contact area.

The only off the shelf bike I have managed to find so far is the Cannondale
Bad Boy Ultra (even the low end Bad Boy is not offered in this size). From
the photo is looks as though it has rack mounts and mud guard clearance
(with 23mm tyres).
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/05/...odel-5FSBB.html