Which touring bike? - Trek 920 vs Kona Sutra vs Ridgeback Panorama vs Jamis Aurora

[macp]

Morning all

Im buying a touring bike and as their seems to be virtually no option to test ride im interested in opinions on the following bikes.I should point out that im not intending to traverse the globe or anything too serious.I think any of these would make a fine choice but what are your thoughts/advice.

Trek 920

Kona Sutra

Ridgeback Panorama

Jamis Aurora

 

[vickster]

Your local Evans should be able to get the ones they stock into store for a test ride. £60 (IIRC) refundable deposit

https://www.evanscycles.com/bikes/touring-bikes_c

They have all, at least in 2017 variant

https://www.evanscycles.com/help/test-rides

Go in and have a chat

 

[TheDoctor]

They all have fine reputations.
I'd maybe add the Thorn range from https://www.sjscycles.co.uk even though they're somewhat aesthetically challenging IMHO.

 

[mjr]

From that list and just based on the visuals, the Kona Sutra - good brand, fairly wide tyres and looks less likely to risk heel-strike with large panniers, but I could be wrong. I'm not convinced by disc brakes for touring, but I see you've picked that on all of them, so if you like them and know how to repair them, go ferrit!

 

[cubey]

Cube do some very nice touring bikes, had one for years, and the disc brakes are superb fully loaded in the rain.

 

[macp]

Thanks all yes I wanted disc on the new bike and Cube is a good shout. Just bought the wife a Curve and its very nice.

 

[Spiderweb]

As User46386 says have a look at Spa cycles in Harrogate. The Specialized Sequoia is worth looking at together with the Salsa Vaya and the Hewitt Cheviot.

 

[cisamcgu]

http://www.oxfordbikeworks.co.uk/models/model-1/

A less common option

 

[biggs682]

View attachment 337441

http://www.oxfordbikeworks.co.uk/models/model-1/

A less common option

and very nice indeed

have you looked at the Stanforth's ?? https://www.stanforthbikes.co.uk/

 

[macp]

Im wondering if I have lead you all up the garden path a little.I love the looks of the trad tourer but maybe its too much as im mostly commuting and using it for everything else like nipping to the shops. I want disc brakes a relaxed geometry with a more upright position and I want to be able to fit guards & racks.

Genesis Croix de Fer 10 or CDA 10 ?

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Here you go. Absolutely a do it all bike:

https://www.alpkit.com/sonder/sonder-camino-alloy

 

[Heltor Chasca]

I've always liked the Kona and the quirky Trek is just a crack. I have a Surly Disc Trucker. Splendid machine. Deep love for it.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

I have one of the first Sutras and very nice it is. Couldn't live with a Trek with a bent frame tho!

 

[Ice2911]

I love my Genesis Tour de fer 10, have you looked at those? http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/adventure/adventure/tour-de-fer/tour-de-fer-10

 

[AckaDappa]

Giant Toughroad slr1