Bike choice

[sayek1]

What are peoples thoughts & experiences on a lightweight and fast touring bike. Needs to last 7 days hard riding (up to 100m per day) with not too much weight - change of clothes, a few tools etc - no food, tent, camping eqpt etc.

It must have SRAM Apex (11-32), thinnest tyres possible and also ability to have a rack and light pannier/s.

I have discounted my Genesis CDF (too heavy, dislike the Shimano gears etc etc).

Will 23c wheels last/survive - my Aksium Race wheels on my current "best" bike have lasted a long time and with me now 2-3 stone lighter then they should be fine on a bike with panniers?

Am thinking about a Boardman Road Comp, or a Ribble Audax. What else?

Thanks

 

[tbtb]

You'll get a rack on any bike if you use p-clips, surely?

What are your "light panniers"? Have you considered a dry bag or a "stuff sac"? 200g. From the sounds of it you don't have enough stuff to require 1400+ grams of panniers. Avoids any heel clearance issues too.

I'm interested to hear details of these light panniers though as I myself am borderline in terms of having enough stuff that the utility of panniers will justify their weight.

 

[willem]

An audax bike with 57 mm drop brakes and 30-32 mm tyres would be ideal. The geometry is a bit more comfortable than on a full out road bike, and they can usually handle some light luggage without problems. Even more enjoyable would be a French style 650B bike with tyres like the Grandbois Hetre.
Willem

 

[PpPete]

thinnest possible tyres.... OK I'm with you there, (although I'd compromise by going to 25mm rather than 23mm)

Frame - not a flipping clue! what's your budget?

wheels - Aksium Race ..20 spoke ? NOOOO ! A single broken spoke is going to leave you stranded with potentially a very long walk. Get yourself some decent handbuilt 32 spoke wheels. Rims: Open Pro / Excellight / RR465 - something in that class (sub 500 grams) on mid range Shimano hubs (105 maybe) Insist on Stainless steel double butted spokes throughout (stronger in fatigue strength than plain gauge) Very very unusual to break a spoke - and even if you do, bike likely to remain rideable to nearest LBS to repair. Overall weight is maybe 200g - 300g grams heavier than they Aksiums, but the all important rim weight is not that much different. You may even find them faster cos the stiffness will be better.

 

[MarkF]

I have a Ridgeback Horizon World that I use for short (few days) tours instead of my touring hybrid. Very underrated bike IMO and they pop up on Ebay for £250-300.

Horizon http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/products.php?plid=m18b3s163p2328&rs=gb

 

[suffolkcindy]

Hi Ive just come back from a very light weight tour of Asia with a Specialised Tricross Sport and 700x28 panaracer pasela tourguard tyres. Bike and two panniers for the four months (solo and unsupported) = 24kg.
I call that light. And it can go as fast as you like. Often did 100m/day. The only problem is the brakes. They are poor.

 

[sayek1]

Thanks guys.

The new Boardman Comp has Mavic rims with I think 30 spokes, so hopefully enough. I weighed some kit last night and it looks like the total weight might be around 16 lb plus a few spares/tools.

For 7 days I am hopeful this will be a good combination - I can't justify to myself getting a touring bike specifically for this as I don't think it will be used much afterwards - although I do know I bought my CDF originally with this in mind. The CDF sale should get me most of the outlay for the Boardman so I wont be out of pocket......hopefully.

You have reminded me though to take a couple of spare spokes. thanks

The other option is a Verenti Kilmeston. I'll take a look into this as well.