Simon Brooke <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:<
[email protected]>...
>
[email protected] (Yvonne) writes:
>
> > Has anyone used a racing bike for touring (carrying 15kg/35lbs max)? If you have, what pannier
> > system did you use, and was it succesful or were there any problems? I've been looking at an
> > entry level racing bike for this purpose. It doesn't have braze-ons for panniers and have been
> > advised that a seatpost carrier would be unsuitable for this weight.
>
> I've used racing bikes for touring using a trailer. The particular trailer I actually used was a
> thing called a 'bike hod' which I cannot recommend since its center of gravity was too high and it
> had an unnerving propensity for overturning on fast downhill bends. I plan to buy myself a BOB Yak
> or similar one-wheel trailer which I believe will be a better solution.
>
> However, I'm completely sold on the principle of using a trailer. The benefits include at the end
> of the day having an uncluttered bike from which you can simply unhook the trailer and go off for
> a blast; having relatively little effect on the handling and feel of the bike; and, when
> manhandling it for example when getting on and off trains, having two easy loads instead of one
> awkward and unmanageable one.
Thanks to everyone for your really useful suggestions and for letting me know about your
experiences. From your replies I can see that it might still be possible to tour on the (small)
Giant OCR1 compact road bike, maybe using the Old Man Mountain pannier system if it will fit.
Since posting my message I've found out that there's a Tifosi CK7 Audax bike (with pannier
system on) available. It has to be built up (approx 10kg in weight when built) and would work
out at a similar price to the Giant (perhaps a bit more expensive). This might be a good option
for me as I'm in Ireland and the only touring bikes available here are Dawes. I'm trying to
avoid getting one of these as I'd like a bike with a more lively feel and one that is not going
to put me too much over the 20kg weight allowance on planes. (I'm also keen to continue using
drop handlebars as I've been very happy with these on my old bike.) Has anyone had any
experience of touring on the Tifosi Audax bike that you could pass on? Thanks again. Yvonne