Possible new touring bike.... any views on a Salsa Vaya

[jay clock]

I am putting this in touring and expedition as I think the people here are more likely to have a view.

My tourer (which stays in the loft other than for tours) is a Koga Miyata World Traveller. Very tough, very strong but very heavy.

looking vaguely to change to the holy grail of strong, light and comfortable. I am tempted by the Salsa Vaya, and possibly the Travel model. Not cheap but the S&S couplings appeal. I would probably do a build up myself rather than buy ready made.

Tours are typically a week or so, with camping kit but have done up to a month down through France and Spain to Gib. Aiming for a trans USA one day

 

[steveindenmark]

Are you insane



Keep the Koga.

Steve

 

[jay clock]

OK, that's definite! I originally saw your posting without the pic, now I see why. I find the KM a little harsh on rough surfaces, and it does weigh a lot. Anyone else got any views

 

[jay clock]

I looked up the Salsa and it looks great

I've got a Thorn Nomad trekking bike but do my faster tours on my Surly LHT. Overall I prefer 700c wheels.....have you thought about a Thorn Raven perhaps? It's lighter than the Nomad but will take 50c tyres and can be loaded up for a long tour.

I am a bit puzzled as the Raven specifically says 26" not 700. Also I am not a big fan of the Thorn look. Those drop bars a foot higher than the saddle! I like an un-touring like low down position and even if I cut the steerer down those Thorns look very upright. My current bike has a stem several cm lower than the saddle like this http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1&page_id=299948&v=BZ#pic_1386295

 

[MarkF]

The Vaya is a beautiful bike not just for a tourer. I'd read about them and then one popped up in my LBS, it's superbly finished the "Salsa" drop outs are a work of art, it makes the Surty LHT alongside it look dismal. It's still there, a burgundy colour, been there a while, I can't afford it, but luckily it is a 56cm, if it was bigger then I might not be able to contain myself.

 

[steveindenmark]

Jay, you are right. The Koga is a heavy bike but it is made to withstand everything you can throw at it. It is literally a round the world bike.

I love riding mine and the mountains in Majorca were no problem at all.

I can see why you would like a lighter touring bike though. The problem is that there is so much choice.

Steve

 

[oldfatfool]

I like my Ridgeback Panorama with the exception of the canti brakes.

 

[betty swollocks]

I am a bit puzzled as the Raven specifically says 26" not 700. Also I am not a big fan of the Thorn look. Those drop bars a foot higher than the saddle! I like an un-touring like low down position and even if I cut the steerer down those Thorns look very upright. My current bike has a stem several cm lower than the saddle like this http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1&page_id=299948&v=BZ#pic_1386295

here's my Thorn Sports Tour. Gives you the 'un-touring' position you're after:-

 

[bigjim]

I could never understand you getting rid of the Saracen Skyline. I've still got mine and love the comfort and it still does the business loaded or unloaded. Though I'm on a lightweight touring kick these days without all the panniers. How light do you want to tour?