How to buy a Touring bike

[Emanresu]

This is a spin off of my first attempt at looking for a new tourer. (https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/which-gravel-forme-monsal-2-or-vitus-substance-2.294125/)

The conclusion was a Genesis but probably a Tour de Fer rather than the CDF version. Being a tight git, I'm having palpitations at having to increase the budget without the certainty of the bike being suitable for long days in the saddle. It seems that bike buying is a hit/miss affair so am wanting to put a bit of thought into the process. So I decided to start at what I know works for me and the bikes I have or have used in the past.

Surprisingly the geometry of the frames all seem to point in the direction of a long wheelbase, and reach. I have or used 4 different bikes

Wheelbase - 1186mm, 1183mm, 1174mm, 950mm. This last one (Claude Butler bin bike) is going as everytime I get on it, I think I'm going OTHB.
Reach - 439mm, 441mm, 435mm, ??
HT Angle - 68, 69.5, 69.5 deg

When I look for bikes designated as "tourers" I am having difficulty finding a WB longer than 1000 - 1100mm. Also want to try before buying so means at least a week for a trial which don't think I'll ever be able to achieve.

How difficult is it to find a tourer?

 

[roubaixtuesday]

I think if you really want to try for a while week your best option is to buy one second hand then sell on if either not suitable or you want a new one.

The cost should be relatively low, and you may even make a profit!

Or someone may be willing to lend...

 

[Kingfisher101]

Sonder do Tourers and you can trial them but there's a fee. I believe Spa also let you demo them but I doubt it will be for a week.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

This is a spin off of my first attempt at looking for a new tourer. (https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/which-gravel-forme-monsal-2-or-vitus-substance-2.294125/)

The conclusion was a Genesis but probably a Tour de Fer rather than the CDF version. Being a tight git, I'm having palpitations at having to increase the budget without the certainty of the bike being suitable for long days in the saddle. It seems that bike buying is a hit/miss affair so am wanting to put a bit of thought into the process. So I decided to start at what I know works for me and the bikes I have or have used in the past.

Surprisingly the geometry of the frames all seem to point in the direction of a long wheelbase, and reach. I have or used 4 different bikes

Wheelbase - 1186mm, 1183mm, 1174mm, 950mm. This last one (Claude Butler bin bike) is going as everytime I get on it, I think I'm going OTHB.
Reach - 439mm, 441mm, 435mm, ??
HT Angle - 68, 69.5, 69.5 deg

When I look for bikes designated as "tourers" I am having difficulty finding a WB longer than 1000 - 1100mm. Also want to try before buying so means at least a week for a trial which don't think I'll ever be able to achieve.

How difficult is it to find a tourer?

Have a chat with Spa in Harrogate.

 

[All uphill]

How about this beauty, if it's the right size?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394898646659

 

[wafter]

Good work with the tape measure - if you've not already, it's also worth considering stack.

An 1100mm+ wheelbase seems quite large; I'm seeing stuff at 1000-1100 but not much over.

Re. the Genesis - the CdF is a gravel / adventure bike rather than a tourer, so will probably be a bit sharper / less stable when loaded than the TdF.

If the TdF is maybe a bit pricey, how about a Fuji Touring? The disk model looks nice if you're happy with bar-end shifters, QR wheels and an ostensibly Chinese-made frame.. I'm very impressed with my earlier-model utility hack.

Alternatively if you want something a bit more up-market I think I'd be looking at used buys from the more specialist manufacturers; Thorn being one that seems particularly respected


EDIT: The example linked to by All Uphill above looks really nice if you're happy with older tech (which to an extent is de rigueur on tourers) and tbh might go for not a lot give the state of the used bike market currently..

 

[Emanresu]

Sonder do Tourers and you can trial them but there's a fee. I believe Spa also let you demo them but I doubt it will be for a week.

Have contacted them to see what the local shop can offer. The Santiago looks in the frame (!!) so will see what they can do.

How about this beauty, if it's the right size?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394898646659

Wonder how long that will be there?

 

[raleighnut]

Depends on what type of 'touring' you intend doing, Hotel/B&B/Hostel, 'Bivi bag/tarp or full on tent and also what length of tour, a weekend a week or longer. Then of course there's how many miles a day you hope to cover.

 

[Cycleops]

Wonder how long that will be there?

6 days unless reserve is not met.

 

[vickster]

6 days unless reserve is not met.

Or s/he ends the listing early

 

[Oldhippy]

Tour de Fer 30 best thing I've ever invested in.

 

[All uphill]

Have contacted them to see what the local shop can offer. The Santiago looks in the frame (!!) so will see what they can do.



Wonder how long that will be there?

It reached £240 last week before being relisted today.

 

[Emanresu]

Depends on what type of 'touring' you intend doing, Hotel/B&B/Hostel, 'Bivi bag/tarp or full on tent and also what length of tour, a weekend a week or longer. Then of course there's how many miles a day you hope to cover.

Tours are usually 14 days in B&B's carrying Ortliebs with about 15kg of stuff in them. Distances are 40-60 miles with no more than 4000ft climbs - from RWGPS tracks.

Sonder have come back quickly which is really impressive. The email to Koga (WT?) has gone unanswered but assume they don't have representation in the UK.

 

[biggs682]

A Koga would be worth a look at pretty sure the UK outlet is based in Harrogate from memory.
Here you go https://www.cyclesense.co.uk/brands/koga_miyata_bikes.php

Quite often pop up on Facebook marketplace and e bay , not cheap though.
Or another option would a Dawes Galaxy.

Or speak to Lee Cooper in Ryton on Dunsmore and get him to build you a frame

 

[Jameshow]

Ellis briggs would build you one I'm sure.

Also look at Hewitt and Bob Jackson too.