flat bar touring bike advice

[Pjays666]

Hi a bit of advice if anyone can help. I am looking at getting a new touring bike. I currently have a giant defy 1 road bike and a diamondback contraflow hybrid. I have started doing tours carrying panniers and want to get the best from the 2 bikes I have. Ideally I want a flat bar bike which is able to carry rack and panniers and go on canal towpaths, trails and road. I also want a triple chainset and disc brakes without heavy suspension forks. Any suggestions would be welcome.

 

[vickster]

How much do you want to spend? This ticks your boxes, but depends on budget

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s21p3108

If your budget is more limited, these fit the spec I think

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/marin-fairfax-sc3-15
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/marin-fairfax-sc4-15
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/specialized-source-sport-disc-15?bct=browse/bicycles/commuter-hybrid-bikes

Or buy a disc ready frame and build your own bike?

 

[Pjays666]

How much do you want to spend? This ticks your boxes, but depends on budget

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s21p3108

If your budget is more limited, these fit the spec I think

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/marin-fairfax-sc3-15
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/specialized-source-sport-disc-15?bct=browse/bicycles/commuter-hybrid-bikes

Or buy a disc ready frame and build your own bike?

Was hoping to spend around £700 is so think this a bit rich for me at the moment.

 

[vickster]

Another option
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/cannondale-bad-boy-3-15

 

[Kestevan]

You could do worse than the Planet X Kaffenback...

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXKAFFAPEXFB/planet-x-kaffenback-sram-apex-flat-bar-urban-bike

 

[Cyclist33]

Another option
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/cannondale-bad-boy-3-15

AAAAAGGGGggggghhhhhhhHH!! Alloy fork!

 

[vickster]

I'm not buying it. It would probably be almost the last bike I would buy except maybe the specializeds.

I'd have the ti from spa if wanting something like that

But I already have something that meets that spec not that I'd tour on it

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Would a Dawes Galaxy Cross do the job?: http://dawescycles.com/product/galaxy-cross/

Not the highest spec bike out there but flat bar + discs and ready to tour for £600