Touring bike??

[Fnaar]

Hi folks
I'm not on the forum quite as much at the mo as usual, but dipping in occasionally. Anyways, I'm planning to get, in a few months, a tourer. Ideally I'd like to spend 600-700max. Must be able to take front and rear panniers, drop bars. Otherwise, I'm simply after your recommendations for touring bikes in that price bracket. Thanks as ever

 

[Brommyboy]

A good touring cycle will be one in steel, but these usually cost a bit more than your budget. You might consider trying the Raleigh Royal which is an entry level tourer. The frame is aluminium, which may give a harder ride, but the specification is fine for touring and general use. All you may need to add would be the front low rider, if you need that. I see that the new version may be in cr-mo steel, which would be better. Price is around £500 and discounts are available, but you will lose out on service if you buy by mail order. Your LBS may well give you discount and service!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

in a blind test 8 out of 10 cats, who were not cycling to ulan bator or up the hindu kush, could not tell the difference between a modern steel and a modern aluminium frame.

either this or this make fine touring mounts as first touring bikes. I have the steel one's elder aluminium brother. It is a good touring cycle in that I've had some very, very good tours on it.

buying from your LBS will very much depend on your LBS and whether or not they know what a touring bike is.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Secondhand Dawes Galaxy (or Super Galaxy). You'll pick a good one up for well under £500, possibly complete with racks, panniers and maybe even dynamo lights if you're lucky. Ms RT might be selling her straight bar 21" framed 1990s Super Galaxy if that's any help ... £250 to you, subject to haggling. Any good?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Hey if he is going secondhand and is tall enough he can make me an offer for my EBC Revolution Country Explorer!

 

[Bigsharn]

If he's going second hand I would recommend a Galaxy, I ride a 1993(ish) Galaxy and she's the best bike I've ever had. Of course my Brooks is a great help

Of course, going second hand means you have money for nice bar tape and pannier bags (and possibly a front pannier rack and bags if you need them)

 

[mcshroom]

If you are after new, then the Edinburgh Bicycle Coop bikes are good. Another good bike is the Dawes Vantage. (I've linked to a 2010 one as the spec is identical but it's £140 cheaper).

I've got a vantage an it's been good for 4500 miles including a couple of tours. The frame is Alu but I've not found the bike uncomfortable, even on longer rides (so far 134mi max).

CTC reviewed the bike in Cycle recently as well

 

[Fnaar]

I'm 5 foot 9. Got any pics RT?
I was going to do it through work (not "the scheme", but a salary deduction thing they do) but can do it otherwise...

 

[crunch61]

I've just bought a Dawes Horizon which has all the requirements you wanted - and in your budget.
I got mine for £648.99, and that was quite good! :-)