Which Tourer?

cam.

hi, have been looking for a reliable comfortable (if pos ) tourer for traveling through europe and asia(hopefully).i have been looking at the ridgeback panorama and the canondale t800, if you have any info on these bikes or any others (buying in uk) it would be hugely appreciated.thanks

consciouspilot

I would take a look at the Trek 520, it is about $1000.00 USD and I have ridden mine for three years with lots of mileage and a few big tours with essentially no trouble at all. Cromoly steel frame and very dependable components, except the seat which is terrible. A brooks saddle has solved that problem. I would highly recommend this bike. I have no experience with the cannondale or the ridgeback although I know that they are both highly recommended as well.

cd667

What a lovely pair of bikes! But there are others well worth it...
The Dawes Galaxy is a superb bike, some say the best money can buy. Its 531 steel frame is superb, really comfy. If the worst came to the worst it would be possible for a village blacksmith in Asia to repair the frame - no chance of that with the aluminium Cannondale. Avoid the newer Super and Ultra Galaxies though, these seem to be closer to Audax bikes, having close ratio gears and seem a bit less relaxed than a touring bike - IMHO a tourer should have lots of gears with plenty of low ones, these become really important when the bike is fully laden or if you've been going all day. I saw an advert in the latest CTC magazine which was listing 2003 models for £540 - plenty left over for bags and other bits if you were looking at buying the Cannondale, I shall find the ad for you if you like.

Thorn and Hewitt are said to be good, although I've never ridden either. Look at www.sjscycles.com for the Thorn website, and http://www.hewittbikefitting.co.uk/ for Hewitt.

BTW, looking at the Dawes website I see it now lists the Galaxy frame as being made of aluminium. This is not a good thing.

Dawes, please tell us it aint so! I wouldn't suggest a bike with the spec of the one in the website for touring. I am considering replacing my Galaxy soonish, if this is what they're offering it won't be with another Dawes.

BTW I'm only replacing my Galaxy because I need a smaller one. Might you be interested in just a frame?