Getting Sorted for July Trip

[thevistas09]

Hi all,

I'm going on a big cycling/camping trip with 5 other people in July starting in Budapest, going through parts of Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia,
and Austria. I think we're planning on averaging 50 miles a day in all. In the flatlands along the Danube in Hungary I hope it'll
be a lot higher, but once we get to the Alps I think this will get a lot lower!

I'm looking to buy the best budget touring bike I can find. I currently have a 2007 Claud Butler Odyssey:
My Claud Butler

I've had it for 4 years and it's been regularly used for commuting to work and occasional big day trips, but I'm thinking it would be unsuitable for a 5/6 week intensive tour in Eastern Europe. It's fairly heavy, but it is very comfortable to ride. I'm curious as to what people might say about using this on the tour, but at the moment I'm looking for something around £500.

I know Dawes have an excellent reputation. A friend of a friend is selling his Dawes Horizon 2010 model which apparently was only used for 2 weeks on a cycle trip earlier this year but he's selling it to save space. Could be a good deal there?

But apart from that, are there any other recommendations out there? I'm looking for any good bargains at the moment, ideally local to Kent where I live.

My frame size is 53/54cm (I'm about 5 foot 8/9 inches)

Any recommendations for bikes or general tips, or links to sites would be really appreciated. Or if you think I'm sorted already with my current Claud Butler as long as it's properly serviced before leaving then let me know!

Kinda new to this geeky bikes world...


thevistas09

 

[vernon]

Fifty miles per day is not exactly intensive when you've got all day to do it in.

If you are happy with the comfort of the bike and it's in good working order there's no reason at all why you should change it.

I tour with a hybrid now after using a Dawes Galaxy for five years. It too is heavy but it's solid, reliable and comfortable and only marginally slower than the Galaxy that it replaced.

If you are determined to buy another bike have a look at the Edinburgh Bike Co-operative tourer. I think it fits within your budget though you will have it purchase it mail order as there are no branches that are local to you.

 

[andym]

Fifty miles per day is not exactly intensive when you've got all day to do it in.

All day? What about coffee stops? Long lunches? Ice cream stops? Beer stops?

 

[willem]

Your current bike should be ok if properly maintained. It is not a great bike, but neither is any 500 pound new bike. Good bikes that will last you a long time simply cost more, like 1000 pounds. Think of the Surly Long Haul Trucker or the Fahrradmanufaktur T400. So learn to do your own maintenance if you do not already do so, give your current bike a good service, look critically at the rear wheel/get a handbuilt one, perhaps fit slightly wider quality tyres, and enjoy.

Willem

 

[vernon]

All day? What about coffee stops? Long lunches? Ice cream stops? Beer stops?

I do all of that and sixty miles and don't feel the strain. It's not gut busting for this 130kg rider

Until I reach the hills

 

[thevistas09]

nice one to everyone for their posts, really helpful!