Would this make a good started bike. It advertiesd at 28lbs. Is that common for a touring rig, unloaded. Thanks http://www.windsorbicycles.com/tourist2.html
Entry level?
- Thread starter mydbrx2
- Start date
mydbrx2 said:
The bike looks OK... BUT $1500 is a bit steep. You can do much beter with a little research. check out the Trek 520, Surley LHT and the Cannondale collection to compare prices and the frame geometry.
I like to go by this rule, less than 10000kms per year less than 1000Euros, unless money is no object than go for the handmade models.
Also I noticed the gears are very high for a touring bike, you should look for much lower gears, like 46(not higher)/34/22 front and 11-32 back.
cheers
the windsor is simply overpriced for a tig-welded with unicrown fork. personally, i don't think that there's anything wrong with the gearing, though. the suggested gearing above would be way too low for me. maybe ok if you're bringing the kitchen sink through the rockies, but it's nice to have a high gear to cover some ground when the wind is at your back on the flats.mydbrx2 said:
don't forget to look at the jamis aurora and fuji touring bike.
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/07_bikes/aurora.html
http://fujibikes.com/2007/bikes.asp?id=290&subcat=2
seems like this year's trek only has 1 eyelet on the forks, so running fenders and front panniers may be problematic, but maybe not.
Where are you located?mydbrx2 said:
420 mm is pretty short for chain stay length. I would want 450 mm... or more.
Considering the total touring weight of bicycle, rider, gear; a few pounds on way or another in the bicycle are not a big issue. In fact, I would be concerned if it were much below 25 including substantial tires, racks, etc.
Surly Long Haul Trucker is a good choice if it is available in you location.
I'm with the other guys, it seems expensive for that bike. The Trek 520 is often available used, and I've seen more than I can remember on the road. I think the Fuji, REI Randonee or Safari are good starters too, especially now that they lower the gearing in the Randonee.
If you already have a bike, you may be able to make it work. A MTB might be a good starter until you figure out exactly what you want.
If you already have a bike, you may be able to make it work. A MTB might be a good starter until you figure out exactly what you want.