What bike?

[Deleted member 31621]

I'm looking for a bike to use for touring Britain to Germany. It obviously has to be strong, comfy and able to carry paniers. I'd of course like to use it in the future from similar trips. On a pretty tight budget, so looking for something under £400, and I'm assuming I'll have to purchase paniers etc. on top of that. I wondered if anyone had any suggestions? I've looked around but I don't know a huge amount about cycling so having a hard time determining what is actually suitable for my needs. For what I can gather I won't be able to get a touring bike at that price, but wondered if a hybrid would suit me fine?

 

[Cycleops]

A Specialized Sirrus would ft the bill quite well, plus a few others in that price range, but the Sirrrus is the most popular. Should be a few "end of season" deals coming out now. Otherwise if you know what to look for why don't you go secondhand? Ebay and preloved have loads of examples, then you can go for a fully fledged tourer. Beware old worn out examples and make sure you get the right size.. Don't know why someone else hasn't posted their suggestions.

 

[MarkF]

I've toured on a Sirrus, 2 panniers, 1000 miles, no problem. They are "sized" small so make sure you try before you buy.

Personally I would buy a Dawes Discovery, a sturdier bike with better component quality (IMO).

 

[avalon]

As Cycleops mentioned, why not go second hand? Even if you can't find a purpose built touring bike there are plenty of old rigid mountain bikes on the market and they're great for turning into touring bikes when you're on a budget. Look out for one that has mounting points for a pannier rack and mudguards.

 

[Cycleops]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REDUCED-D...1153308618?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item1c354cc7ca Found this one on the bay for £150. I know it is all down to location but there I am sure there are plenty out there near to you.

 

[Deleted member 31621]

Thanks for the suggestions. It increasingly looks like I'm going to have to go second hand as I don't think I'm going to get much suitable for the money. My parents have an old touring bike (maybe 30 years) that hasn't been used in quite a while (as far as I know, at least 20). To the eye it looks in half decent shape. I would get this serviced of course, but is this likely to be suitable? I'm worried about getting half way along my trip and having some sort of mechanical failure.

 

[avalon]

It will probably be just as reliable as any modern bike as long as you service it before you use it. My wet weather bike has a 1980 frame and most of the components are of a similar age.

 

[Cycleops]

Thanks for the suggestions. It increasingly looks like I'm going to have to go second hand as I don't think I'm going to get much suitable for the money. My parents have an old touring bike (maybe 30 years) that hasn't been used in quite a while (as far as I know, at least 20).

Post a pic and lets have a look, we can probably give you some general advice regards what needs to be done. Beware though, old bikes can be a money pit.

 

[Deleted member 31621]

Pictures here. Just want to know if it's suitable and in decent enough shape to be used.