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Tormac · 06-25-2009, 08:30 AM

Are you looking for a bike to do full loaded touring, or more of a sport bike for “credit card” touring (i.e. are you camping and carrying most everything with you, or are you sleeping in hotels and eating out and only carrying a minimum of gear).

If you are buying a full on touring bike, I think the best thing out there is one of Waterford's adventure cycles.

(Waterford Precision Cycles, Welcome to Waterford Precision Cycles)

You won’t find a better riding full touring frame. I’ve used one for years and am very happy with it. The lugged steel frame gives a very pleasant ride, with just enough compliance unlike oversized aluminum frames. The steel is also going to be more durable and repairable in the long run (assuming it is protected from rust).

Of course they are pricey, and if this is a bike you just plan on using once or twice, then a traditional lugged frame may be too expensive, and a cheaper made aluminum or carbon fiber bike might make more sense.

I believe Waterford will do custom frames if you’re personal build requires one.

If you’re on more of a budget Cannondale makes a nice line of touring bikes as well.

( 2009 Cannondale Touring 2 )

The trek is not bad either.

( Trek Bikes | Bikes | Road | 520 )

As far as the parts go, you are likely looking at a mix of Shimano Deore parts with some road parts. To handle the larger gear range of a triple and large rear cog the drive train is going to be mountain bike parts. Campy has made some mountain bike groupos, but are very pricey, and have developed a reputation for being cranky and require constant maintenance.

Like MikeinAlexandria suggested, trying to find a bike shop in the area where some of the guys do loaded touring.

What kind of riding do you do? Since you mentioned having a 20 year old criterium set up I’m assuming you used to do triathlons? Or were you into more specialized road riding like time trials? While you’re pricing out things be sure to include racks, panniers, and tools if you plan on doing loaded touring. If you’ve not done loaded touring, you may not have a lot of the accessories that will be necessary.

06-25-2009, 08:30 AM	#6 (permalink)
Tormac Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Blackswamp, OH Posts: 86	Are you looking for a bike to do full loaded touring, or more of a sport bike for “credit card” touring (i.e. are you camping and carrying most everything with you, or are you sleeping in hotels and eating out and only carrying a minimum of gear). If you are buying a full on touring bike, I think the best thing out there is one of Waterford's adventure cycles. (Waterford Precision Cycles, Welcome to Waterford Precision Cycles) You won’t find a better riding full touring frame. I’ve used one for years and am very happy with it. The lugged steel frame gives a very pleasant ride, with just enough compliance unlike oversized aluminum frames. The steel is also going to be more durable and repairable in the long run (assuming it is protected from rust). Of course they are pricey, and if this is a bike you just plan on using once or twice, then a traditional lugged frame may be too expensive, and a cheaper made aluminum or carbon fiber bike might make more sense. I believe Waterford will do custom frames if you’re personal build requires one. If you’re on more of a budget Cannondale makes a nice line of touring bikes as well. ( 2009 Cannondale Touring 2 ) The trek is not bad either. ( Trek Bikes \| Bikes \| Road \| 520 ) As far as the parts go, you are likely looking at a mix of Shimano Deore parts with some road parts. To handle the larger gear range of a triple and large rear cog the drive train is going to be mountain bike parts. Campy has made some mountain bike groupos, but are very pricey, and have developed a reputation for being cranky and require constant maintenance. Like MikeinAlexandria suggested, trying to find a bike shop in the area where some of the guys do loaded touring. What kind of riding do you do? Since you mentioned having a 20 year old criterium set up I’m assuming you used to do triathlons? Or were you into more specialized road riding like time trials? While you’re pricing out things be sure to include racks, panniers, and tools if you plan on doing loaded touring. If you’ve not done loaded touring, you may not have a lot of the accessories that will be necessary.