Genesis or Spa?

[LincolnshirePoacher]

I’m looking at treating myself to a new touring bike for my 73rd birthday. Its been a bout ten years since I was cycling regularly.



I want something that is of good quality, I probably won’t be riding that far but still want something that’s nice to own and look at. I recall buying a Dawes Discovery in the early 80’s, I really wanted a Galaxy but that was not within my means at the time.



I am considering the Genesis Tour De Fer 20 or maybe even the 40. The Spa D’Tour 725 and Wayfarer are also possibilities.

I should add that I am 5 foot seven, 29 inch inside leg, my weight is about 12.5 stone.



Anyone advise on the Genesis and Spa bikes please?

 

[Big T]

Depends on where you want to ride and what sort of riding you will be doing. Both the Spa bikes and the Tour de Fer come with disc brakes - with the TDF your only option is mechanical discs, but you can get hydraulic discs on a Spa bike, depending on what groupset you spec it with. You can get a 9 speed triple chainset bike with mechanical discs, or an 11 speed double chainset bike with hydraulics. Hydraulics are more powerful, but less easy to fix if you break down in the middle of nowhere. The Spa is much more customisable than the TDF.

Are you doing full on touring with luggage? Do you live somewhere hilly? If neither of these, then do you really need a full on touring bike? Would a “light tourer” like a Spa Elan be better? Again, the Elan is fully customisable.

I’ve been considering a new tourer myself, but I’m going to stick with my old Dawes Super Galaxy for now.

 

[otherself]

The Spa has a superior finishing kit, and a better frame material.

 

[Oldhippy]

I can highly recommend the Tour de Fer 30 if that helps. It is comfortable, reliable and serves me well on all road and track surfaces. Very happy with it indeed.