First Tourer

[CirrusDesAigles]

Hello All,

After a year of trying to get used to my road bike (Raleigh Airlite 100), I've soon realised I can't put the hours in to make use out of it and don't have the confidence to pelt around on it as I find it too flimsy. Myself and 'er indoors are looking at doing a trip around both the Netherlands and the Highlands/Outer Hebrides next year so I'm looking for something a bit steadier which can carry a few bits and put some miles in each day without troubling the Strava leaderboard.

As I will be using it for commuting at home, I'd like two sets of brake levers but understand this isn't a faff to sort out after purchase. I have a budget of around £700 but would exceed if the good judges on here thought it was worth it.

My first bit of research has stumbled upon:

Ridgeback Voyage
Edinburgh Country Voyager 2014
Spa Cycles Steel Tourer (A bit out of price range though)

Any thoughts or other tips would be gratefully received.

 

[raleighnut]

Ridgeback bikes are pretty good (mine is but its an old CrMo frame) but the Spa

 

[jugglingphil]

Do you definitely want drops?
Do you know enough about bikes to be confident buying 2nd hand?

 

[Yorksman]

I bought a Btwin S'cape HB7 from Belgium. They are sold through Decathlon. Triple butted welding, lifetime warranty on frame, DeoreXT rear derailleur, Alivio front, butterfly handlebars with an excellent adustable quill stem. Cost me 620 euros, ie less than £500. The model is being discontinued in favour of a model called Riverside so it is discounted and some outlets still have them. Maybe Decathlon in the UK can get you one?

 

[CirrusDesAigles]

Not essential to have drops but IMO they do make the ride more comfortable being able to swap positions and rest different muscles in your arms and hands.

I'd say I didn't know enough to buy second hand. Need to look at courses in London on bike maintenance too if anyone can assist there or assist with which forum to post in?

 

[Soltydog]

If its the right size & within budget http://www.evanscycles.com/products/ridgeback/panorama-2013-touring-bike-56cm-soiled--ec071905

 

[the snail]

Hello All,
Ridgeback Voyage
Edinburgh Country Voyager 2014

That was my shortlist when I was looking for a tourer. I went for the Ridgeback because I could test ride it. I've had it 4 yrs, great bike and well up to loaded touring. Only gripe was with the poorly tensioned wheels, otherwise it's been great. The EBC bike with disks looks like a very good buy though. The basic Dawes galaxy (classic?) is virtually identical spec/price to the ridgeback.

 

[snorri]

Not essential to have drops but IMO they do make the ride more comfortable being able to swap positions and rest different muscles in your arms and hands.

Butterflybars give just as many options and allow a more comfortable riding position IMO.

 

[raleighnut]

If its the right size & within budget http://www.evanscycles.com/products/ridgeback/panorama-2013-touring-bike-56cm-soiled--ec071905

That looks a bargain, and a CrMo frame.

 

[Yorksman]

Butterflybars give just as many options and allow a more comfortable riding position IMO.

Especially when combined with an adjustable quill stem with quick release. Angle, reach, height can all be adjusted as well as rotating the bars forward or aft.

 

[raleighnut]

Especially when combined with an adjustable quill stem with quick release. Angle, reach, height can all be adjusted as well as rotating the bars forward or aft.

I wouldn't trust that at all on a loaded touring bike.

 

[Yorksman]

I wouldn't trust that at all on a loaded touring bike.

I just chose that for the photo. The one on my bike is much more heavy duty. The lever has a safety catch whch you can see better in this version for use with a headset. You hear a loud and clear click when it engages. It's not just a friction device.

 

[raleighnut]

Still but then I don't even like the adjustable angle/height with allen key ones either. I use a steel, raised MTB type on my tourer.