Straight bar tourer.

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Rollon

Well-Known Member
Location
Chorley, Lancs
Hi all,
Ive got a Specialised Tricross and although I know I could tour on that with camping equipment, due to a fairly recent road accident (as a pedestrian) I am having spasm problems with my back and neck. The drop bars are d basically too much of a reach at the moment and may be for some time, also the ability to easily look round whilst on drops is difficult and leads to further stiffness in the neck muscles.
What I am now looking for is a straight bar tourer capable of carrying a reasonably heavy camping load, in the region of £1,000 to £1,500.
Any recommendations?
 
Not being negative, but I think you need to limit yourself to a choice of bikes that you can try out.
This is always important, but even more so if you have other medical issues.

But, back on topic...

Most "tourers" can be flat bar. My Thorn Nomad is excellent, but above your bracket. The Non-Rohloff versions such as the Sherpa would be within your budget and comes in a straight bar form.

I also have a Dawes Horizon which I converted to flat bar by changing the cockpit to twist grips and MTB brake levers.

As an afterthought...

Have you considered "Butterfly bars"?




They have the positional advantage of straight bars, but also allow hand positions to change and relieve discomfort
 

mcshroom

Bionic Subsonic
Any decent quality hybrid (trekking bike end rather than flat bar racer) should do fine. I toured last year on a £250 hybrid with a flat bar and bar ends which gave me enough flexibility to be getting on with. Also flat bars allow v-brakes or cable brakes more easily which could be useful for heavy touring.

Butterfly bars are an option, but the only one I know of in the UK is the Dawes Karakum, but adding them to any flat bar shouldn't be too difficult or expensive.
 

Noel

Über Member
As you're in Lancashire you might do well to contact Paul Hewitt Cycles in Leyland. The Hewitt Cheviot and Cheviot SE tourers are excellent bikes, within your budget and available with flat bars. Hewitt do a thorough bike fitting service (free if you buy a bike) and you could highlight your specific issues.

Best of luck,

Noel
 

doog

....
I have a Tricross used for Touring as well and also have back problems. I got a specialised comp stem which is adjustable but retains the rigidity of a solid stem. (see link) Mine is at 24 degrees. I also raised the bars (tilted slightly upwards) so still have the choice of riding on the hoods etc and slightly dropped the saddle. My position is now extremely comfortable for my back.

http://www.evanscycl...ampaign=froogle
 

Auntie Helen

Ich bin Powerfrau!
Noel's suggestion of a Hewitt Cheviot is a good'un. My husband got a Byercycles Aravis, which is the same bike rebadged, for £900 and it's been excellent for lightweight touring (we don't camp)
 

Noel

Über Member
Funnily enough Helen, I've just ordered a Byercycles Aravis Super Tourist with flat bars. Glad to hear your husband likes his bike - I'm looking forward to mine. Leyland is closer for a Lancashire Lad though.

Noel
 

andym

Über Member
Not that I want to put you off buying a touring bike, but a temporary solution might be worth considering (I'd emphasise the 'might'). It would be feasible to put a new stem, bars and controls on the existing bike. OK it might look odd, but it could be an option.
 
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