Best touring bike?
- Thread starter Niblox
- Start date
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Moodyman
Legendary Member
It's a highly regarded bike and receives great reviews. I did consider it, but it was over my £1000 limit for the C2W voucher.
I got, or will be getting, a Kona Sutra instead. 2010 model.
Other options to consider are a Surly Long Haul Trucker, Dawes Galaxy, Claud Butler Dalesman, Trek Portland.
Slightly cheaper are the Dawes Horizon or Ridgeback Voyage.
I got, or will be getting, a Kona Sutra instead. 2010 model.
Other options to consider are a Surly Long Haul Trucker, Dawes Galaxy, Claud Butler Dalesman, Trek Portland.
Slightly cheaper are the Dawes Horizon or Ridgeback Voyage.
... and lots more that are over the £1,000 limit.
The Dawes Galaxy is the benchmark bike, measure everything else against it.
Take a look at the Thorn EXP as an example of money can buy (and remember to add the racks, the panniers, the upgraded saddle, the lights, the GPS, etc etc)
The Dawes Galaxy is the benchmark bike, measure everything else against it.
Take a look at the Thorn EXP as an example of money can buy (and remember to add the racks, the panniers, the upgraded saddle, the lights, the GPS, etc etc)
Johnny Fox
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Stoke on Trent
Moodyman said:
Collected my Kona Sutra last Saturday
It's really good and is (in my opinion) the Canine's bits!!!
Moodyman
Legendary Member
Tell me more Jonny.....Tell me more...
I'll be collecting mine in April. What can I look forward to?
I test rode the 2009 model and it felt sharp and precise. It had MTB geometry which gives a slightly higher sitting position. I also test rode the Galaxy, which felt strong and surefooted, but it was duller.
I'll be collecting mine in April. What can I look forward to?
I test rode the 2009 model and it felt sharp and precise. It had MTB geometry which gives a slightly higher sitting position. I also test rode the Galaxy, which felt strong and surefooted, but it was duller.
vernon
Harder than Ronnie Pickering
- Location
- Meanwood, Leeds
Moodyman said:
My Galaxy proved to be the equal of many a more expensive road road bike when I'm out Audaxing. I've surprised more than a few roadies as I've swept passed them - all 22 stones of me. Best experiences are descents when I can freewheel past frantically pedalling wannabees
My Galaxy is no more but I have two bikes that are betwenn Audax and touring bikes and they are marginally faster but not as relaxing as a Galaxy after a long day's ride.
Rhythm Thief
Veteran
Galaxies are great bikes. I've had one for years and it does everything.
Niblox said:
Lovely bike. Had a look at them at On Your Bike London Bridge. £1100 though
I ended up (after looking at the Dawes Galaxy, Kona Sutra) getting one of these for £719 (£699 for the bike and £20 for delivery):
Claud Butler Dalesman 2008 52cm
Reynolds 631 frame, 520 fork, SHimano Deore & Tiagra components top bar brake levers, Scwalbe Marathons, WTB rims, mudguards etc. Similar spec to Galaxy Plus but with a cheaper rear rack (£50 difference).
Done 100 miles on it so far and swapped the Selle Rolls saddle it came with for my trusty Brooks Flyer (so I can use my Carradice saddle bags)
Johnny Fox
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Stoke on Trent
Moodyman said:
Sorry bud, been a bit busy this week with work and forgot to reply…
The Kona Sutra, the best bike for my needs, commuting and weekend touring.
On a previous thread this link http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?593959-2010-Kona-Sutra-Review was posted and proved to be the deciding factor in my purchase.
Day to day use the bike is perfect, strong and surprisingly comfortable, good for Stoke on Trent roads.
I love it and hope you will as well.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?593959-2010-Kona-Sutra-Review
BalkanExpress
Guru
- Location
- Brussels
I have a 2008 Sutra and love it to bits. Looks like the new model has sorted out a few on teh negative points, mainly the mudguard issue, I'm still trying to find the best way to fit mine
. The new rear rack also looks like an improvement. I do prefer the blue to the brown though
. The new rear rack also looks like an improvement. I do prefer the blue to the brown thoughNew Horizon
Guru
I encouraged my mate to get one last year - he knew nothing about cycling and was having to give up running - he picked up an 08 model for £725 - the current price hike to £1200 is rather alarming, but we've seen similar for Dawes etc. It’s a very nice bike, had I not already invested in my Van Nich, I would have gone for one myself! It looks great, it seems very well built, paint is excellent, racks, guards, pumps, tyres all top brand name. The Galaxy is a similar spec, but recent ones I've seen somehow fall far short of the Ridgeback. There's a review here http://www.patricktaylor.com/170Niblox said:
