GmanUK65
Über Member
- Location
- Wallsend, Newcastleupon Tyne
So this idea is a bit of a way off but I am planning on doing a 3 month tour around some of Europe in a couple years time. I know its a long way off but better to be planning early than later. First I need a bike, something I am planning to buy in about a years time to give me about a year in learning the skills and gaining the experience before the big one. I've noticed that there is quite a variety of bikes used for touring such as Steel bikes, aluminium bikes; bikes with drop bars, butterfly bars, hybrid style bars etc.
The type of bicycle I am looking for is one with drop bars (I have been riding road bikes for a few years, and still am). I have never used disc brakes but have heard they work well with touring bikes (I suppose better stopping power for 30+ kg than rim brakes) so I want one with those. 27+ gears is also a big option. I've been told steel is better, don't know why, maybe someone can tell me. I also would prefer one that comes with a rear rack.
So far I've looked at a number of bikes but don't know which to choose, or if there are better ones which I may not have seen. The bikes I have seen are:
Kona Sutra
Genesis Tour De Fer 10
Dawes Ultra Galaxy (this has no disc brakes, so unless there is good reason to get one, probably not)
Ridgeback Panorama
The best one in my view is Genesis Tour De Fer 10, but I could be wrong.
What views do people have on the above bikes?
In next several months I will in no doubt be asking other questions about touring which I may need assisting with.
Do you know of any other bikes I should consider
The type of bicycle I am looking for is one with drop bars (I have been riding road bikes for a few years, and still am). I have never used disc brakes but have heard they work well with touring bikes (I suppose better stopping power for 30+ kg than rim brakes) so I want one with those. 27+ gears is also a big option. I've been told steel is better, don't know why, maybe someone can tell me. I also would prefer one that comes with a rear rack.
So far I've looked at a number of bikes but don't know which to choose, or if there are better ones which I may not have seen. The bikes I have seen are:
Kona Sutra
Genesis Tour De Fer 10
Dawes Ultra Galaxy (this has no disc brakes, so unless there is good reason to get one, probably not)
Ridgeback Panorama
The best one in my view is Genesis Tour De Fer 10, but I could be wrong.
What views do people have on the above bikes?
In next several months I will in no doubt be asking other questions about touring which I may need assisting with.
Do you know of any other bikes I should consider