Touring Cycle advice required please.

[dezza291051]

Hello,
I'm new to the site and wonder please if anyone could advise as to good sites other than e bay where I might search for a quality small size 26" wheel touring bike. I have also tried the CTC site.
Thanks
Steve

 

[Brains]

I assume you are looking for Second hand ?

let's start with your budget and what sort of cycling do you have in mind ?
Also if money was no object what would the perfect touring bike be, then we may be able to comment on what you can find at a price you can afford

 

[dezza291051]

Thanks for the reply. Yes I would prefer second hand. I'm thinking of short tours ie w/e's or up to 5 days. No camping gear so no heavy loads ..change of clothing etc. The bike would need to be able to go off road ie old rail trails etc nothing to robust. I have been offered a bike upto £2k but a bit too pricey so around £1500 limit. Also as I have a balance issue 26" wheels preferred. Hope this helps.Thanks Steve Rohloff or traditional undecided.

 

[Brains]

It sounds to me like a brand new Thorn Nomad or Thorn Raven is what you are after.
For that money you may also be able to get a Hewett or Roberts

im sure others will wade in with suggestions

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

have a look here http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?board=16.0

this one would meet your requirements but I'm not sure on the size side of life for you (5ft 7" - 5ft 10"). It is a rohloff hub and would be suitable for canal/disused railways etc as well as on road. http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=5803.0

 

[jay clock]

If you want a cheap budget bike then Carrera Subway possibly with replaced wheels could be a good choice

 

[snorri]

If you don't require to carry camping gear and/or heavy loads, then you may not need a dedicated touring bike, a hybrid or city bike may fit the bill.

 

[dezza291051]

have a look here http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?board=16.0

this one would meet your requirements but I'm not sure on the size side of life for you (5ft 7" - 5ft 10"). It is a rohloff hub and would be suitable for canal/disused railways etc as well as on road. http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=5803.0

Hi Thanks...I saw this and got some detail pics etc...some marks on it and mainly I think it will be just to big for me.I'll keep looking thanks though steve

 

[jay clock]

I have a Koga Miyata World Traveller - lovely bike

 

[GarminDave]

+1 on the Koga Myata, I have a Signature and love it. I don't think you'd get a Rohloff Koga at £1500. I recently rode a Rohloff equiped bike, only for an hour, and was not as impressed as I thought I'd be; I like tinkering and a Rohloff is maintenance free relatively to a derailleur gears bike.

Enjoy your search,

Later

Dave