Suggestions for a new touring bike

[Malk2]

Hi,
I know there will be dozens of threads on the subject which I will get around to reading.
Meantime I just wanted to ask if anyone had any immediate suggestions for something to replace my trustee Trek 520 which I used 10yrs ago before I had to give up touring.
A change of circumstances have given me the chance to get back into it and I would dearly like to find something similar although I appreciate technology will have moved on. The attributes I liked best, apart from the comfortable ride, we're the drop handlebars which allowed varied had positions and the bar end shifters. Easy maintenance and repair and the sturdy frame.
Budget wise I'd be okay going as far as £1500-2000
Any pointers to help me narrow down my search would be much appreciated

 

[Spiderweb]

SPA Cycles in Harrogate would be worth looking at. They have a range of ‘off the peg’ tourers but would also be happy to build whatever you wanted;
https://www.spacycles.co.uk/m1b0s225p0/Bikes/Touring

 

[KneesUp]

Second vote for Spa, but on a more “available everywhere“ note, the Genesis Croix and Tour de Fers might be worth a look. also the Ridgeback range.

 

[oxoman]

Spa Elan.
Genisis Tour de fer or croix.
Farlight Faran or Secan ( might be above budget though ). All very good bikes.

 

[Oldhippy]

Genesis tour de fer is what I have and I can't fault it. Does exactly what it says on the advert. I did put my Brooks saddle on it and stainless toe clips though. The only thing I'd switch it for would be a Stanforth hand built frame tourer with Rohloff. If I had the money of course, but in the meantime my Genesis is fabulous.

 

[Fastpedaller]

Spa - I've had a tourer 11 years now, it's been ideal, the only exception being the roller-bearing headset which I couldn't get on with. Easily fixed with a different one, and I don't think they fit that one anymore. Other Spa frames/models are available of course.

 

[Malk2]

Thanks all. Never heard of SPA before but a look at their site shows a lot of the general type I'm after. Think I might take a trip down there sometime. Thanks again.👍

 

[mickle]

I'm in love with my Spa Wayfarer.

I put it together myself, but their own complete builds are excellent.

 

[Fastpedaller]

Spa - I've had a tourer 11 years now, it's been ideal, the only exception being the roller-bearing headset which I couldn't get on with. Easily fixed with a different one, and I don't think they fit that one anymore. Other Spa frames/models are available of course.

I'm not close (Norfolk), so when I bought mine (just the frame), I decided to just buy it on spec on the basis that paying train fare etc would cost more than I would lose if I was unhappy with it and had to re-sell. A good choice, as I was (and remain) delighted with it.

 

[Debade]

I’m flying over the pond with my 520 for a several week tour soon. I was sad to learn you no longer have it. It is a great bike for touring.

 

[All uphill]

Another vote for Spa.

I love mine and their (blunt) advice resulted in me getting a better bike than the bike I thought I wanted.

 

[Mike Ayling]

Genesis tour de fer is what I have and I can't fault it. Does exactly what it says on the advert. I did put my Brooks saddle on it and stainless toe clips though. The only thing I'd switch it for would be a Stanforth hand built frame tourer with Rohloff. If I had the money of course, but in the meantime my Genesis is fabulous.

I have a Thorn Mercury with Rohloff. If you can stretch your budget Rohloff is the way to go. After 50,000 km I had to replace the chain ring. Plenty of chains of course. How many cassettes would you use in 50,000kms?