Questions tagged [touring-bikes]

Touring bikes are designed for long distance cycling with luggage. They are usually similar in design to road bikes, with slick tyres and drop handlebars, but have a wider range of gears, longer wheelbases for stability, and a more comfortable riding position. They typically come equipped with mudguards and luggage racks as standard.

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9 votes
2 answers
803 views

What are the geometric differences between a bicycle with aerobars (aka tribars) set up for touring (or long-distance) and one set up for speed?

I would like to ask some questions about aerobars, also known as tribars. I've seen them used on bicycles meant for very different purposes. In theory, the very low, horizontal, position is ideal for ...
5 votes
4 answers
1k views

Hybrid vs Touring weight carrying capacity

I am wondering why would someone choose a touring bike which is twice as much as a hybrid bike, after evaluating this. An aluminum frame hybrid bike is capable of carrying more weight than a steel ...
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17 votes
4 answers
3k views

Why are long haul touring bikes sold with 9-speed drivetrains?

Following up on this question, I had a look on the specifications of 'long haul touring bikes', such as the Trek 520, Salsa Marrakesh, and Surly Disc Trucker. One thing that surprised me was that they ...
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9 votes
2 answers
671 views

Touring bike with good support network in India

I am planning to tour India. And I have heard many of the US brand bikes don't have support in Tier-2 cities in India. I am worried, if I get struck with out being able to get any spares or a good ...
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10 votes
4 answers
2k views

I'm an absolute beginner in bike touring, about to buy a bike. Is it worth it to hire a bike fitting service before the purchase?

I'm an absolute beginner in bike touring, about to buy a bike. Currently I'm using local shared bikes and I always wanted to start my adventures on a bike, camping and so on. Given this, is it worth ...
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1 vote
2 answers
200 views

Are there smaller chain rings available for Shimano Tiagra Triple?

I have a Shimano Tiagra Triple 30/39/50 and I want to find out what is compatible in terms of smaller chainrings for touring. Ideally, I’d like to be able to go down to a 26 or even a 24 for the ...
2 votes
4 answers
744 views

Shimano Nexus 8 IGH : recommendation or changes in bike setup for high altitude ride

I have bought a second hand bike (VSF T-100) which incorporates Shimano Nexus 8 IGH. The balls wobble inside the gear. So gear is not smooth. I have to change the IGH with a new gear and rim. I will ...
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5 votes
2 answers
391 views

Different vibrating tone on a belt drive with a Shimano Alfine hub

I have recently bought a new Cube EXC Travel bicycle with a Gates carbon drive. This bicycle is equipped with a Shimano Alfie 8 speed internally geared hub. The bicycle is new and it seems that the ...
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1 vote
1 answer
272 views

Help identify this vintage bike

I would appreciate help in identifying this bike. I was thinking the bike could be a Raleigh as they are common in the UK however the moulding on the tubes is strange to me. I'm guessing the bike is ...
0 votes
2 answers
8k views

Can I fit 27.5 or 29 tires on 700c rims?

Id like to go with wider tires, but there is not tires 2.0 inch that is made for 700c rims. So is there any alternative to that?
0 votes
1 answer
237 views

How will swapping drop bars to butterfly bars affect bike fit?

I recently bought a Dawes Super Galaxy from the late 80s or early 90s. When I was researching bike fit beforehand I was told that swapping drop bars to flat bars can affect the bike fit since drop bar ...
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3 votes
1 answer
4k views

Compatibility between 4700 Tiagra 10 speed shifters and GRX RX400 10 speed derailleur

I want to build myself a drop handle bar touring setup bike. GRX RX400 seems like a good budget option. Bikeradar mentioned this groupset to be on same level as Tiagra. Gearing range on this groupset ...
1 vote
1 answer
607 views

Peugeot Milano, old steel

I found an old Peugeot bike, can this variant be restored ?, does is real chromoly or is it a kind of steel.
0 votes
0 answers
205 views

Pannier Racks On Frames Without Mountings

The winter was harsh and the wear on my beloved road bike and its incredibly fragile ultegra componentry was too much on my wallet and I'm starting to explore winter bike options. I've decided I want ...
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1 vote
1 answer
100 views

Hybrid/gravel bike mudguards/fenders with specific coverage

Are there any aftermarket fenders that only span from the chainstay to the seatstay? I don't trust the rigidity of full-length mudguards beyond the chainstay and this is only to minimize contamination ...
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0 votes
3 answers
3k views

What are the main differences in Giant's Toughroad and Revolt drop-bar bike series?

I'm at a bit of a loss trying to decide what sort of a (Giant) bike I should be looking towards. I used to have a Ribble Sportive 7005 from 2014 to 2017. I am now looking for something that would ...
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4 votes
2 answers
415 views

Can you identify this "BSB 400" steel frame?

I was given quite a nice old tourer some years ago. I think it was a custom-built frame. The only identification is "BSB 400" in a 1980s typeface: It's Reynolds 531, has cantilever bosses and 130mm ...
0 votes
2 answers
745 views

Are Deore trekking / MTB groupsets compatible with cyclocross frames for touring conversion?

I have a pre-disc-brake vintage 10 speed cyclocross bike that has already seen me through some tours, however, I find the compact chainring is sometimes not geared low enough. I'm also growing ...
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6 votes
4 answers
2k views

Will tires with spikes on a loaded heavy touring bicycle puncture the tubes?

I am thinking of buying Schwalbe "Marathon Winter Plus" or "Winter" tires with spikes. I intend to use them on a touring bike which when loaded will have: about 25kg (55 pounds) of luggage (2x5kg on ...
11 votes
12 answers
4k views

Good type of bike to get for commuting (thinking of road v touring)

I'm new to this site but I've been intrigued by the thought of picking up cycling as a means of my new way of transport as well as for recreational purposes. As a little background, I live in London ...
5 votes
1 answer
667 views

How to mount central (two-legged) kickstand on normal bike frame

I bought this kickstand, but it has grooves in the top that the instructions said should slot into the "stand plate" on the frame. My frame looks like this: doesn't seem to have a plate of any kind, ...
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2 votes
3 answers
4k views

Trek Domane panniers

I have a 2018 Domane SL5. I would love to get into bike touring and I love this bike. It is very comfy to ride and I can imagine that it would be great for the distances I'm planning to cover on my ...
1 vote
1 answer
421 views

Can I replace a 3x8 1999 Sora crankset with a Claris FC-2403?

I expect I would need a compatible bottom bracket too, like the one that this Claris crankset is frequently bought together with, here. The front derailleur is already a Claris, a few months old. ...
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2 votes
2 answers
521 views

I think I bought the wrong bike

A few weeks ago I decided I would start commuting by bike since I live in a central location in a fairly bike-friendly city (mainly to campus, work, gym, etc), through roads, and trails that are not ...
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16 votes
10 answers
5k views

How to slow yourself down (for playing nice with others)

I have a road/touring bike that I take on longer rides with other folks. Sometimes other folks are riders of similar ability, and sometimes not. When I ride with people who ride slower, rather than ...
3 votes
1 answer
189 views

Tubus rack compatibility

I have author ronin 2019 and I'm wondering if this tubus rack suits to the fork of my bike. Did anybody use this front racks with similar forks?
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5 votes
3 answers
3k views

How do I purchase a drop bar bike that will be converted to flat bar?

I really like the Kona Sutra from both a price and specification point of view. As I have only ridden flat bar bicycles I am not sure if I can used to the drop bar. In case I cannot, I would like to ...
10 votes
13 answers
3k views

Touring vs race bike [closed]

I am Fabrizio, completely new in this forum full of experts, considering myself somebody who wants to take his very first steps at biking on the roads. I started to live in the Netherlands since 2 ...
7 votes
1 answer
4k views

Is there way to fix a disc brake rotor if slightly bent?

Rear disc on my Acid 2016 is little bit bent so while riding it makes a strange noise when that part of disc comes through the caliper. Is there any way fix that or should I buy new disc?
5 votes
5 answers
631 views

New bicycle for commuting

I'm just retiring my old roadie and looking to buy a new bike, and am torn on what kind to buy. I cycle 34 miles per day on my commute, down roads and canal towpaths (which are bumpy and have on ...
0 votes
1 answer
185 views

Please help me identify this bicycle (Peugot)

I recently finished a renovation project on a classic Peugeot road/touring bike and was wondering what the model and production year of this bicycle is. I tried but could not find anything myself. ...
1 vote
1 answer
185 views

Is a Surly front rack compatible with tubus mount for eyeless forks?

I am looking at the Surly front rack and was wondering if it's compatible with this Tubus mount. If it's not I'll have to go for the Tara but I was keen on having a platform on my front rack. Any ...
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2 votes
3 answers
281 views

Touring bicycle must-have features

What should I take in consideration as an important feature(s) for a touring bicycle? My goal is to use it for long distance trips and eventually work commuting.
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1 vote
2 answers
169 views

MTB Helmet on a Road-Touring Cube bike

I'm getting the next month a Cube Nuroad black/red 2018 for my little trips and some commuting. I got and old Btwin MTB helmet bought in Spain. Is it good to wear on this type of bike? I'd use ...
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4 votes
3 answers
759 views

Is this bike salvageable?

I have an old Peugeot Vagabond. It's been sitting out in the New Mexico weather for more than a few years. I'm wondering if it's worth trying to fix up, or if I should just go get a new bike? I tried ...
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0 votes
1 answer
272 views

Trek 520 model changes during years

What are main changes in Trek 520 during the years? I have possibility to buy new Trek 520 year 2015 for 1000 Eur and year 2018 for 1300 Eur. Is there right place to safe some money? What are ...
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3 votes
4 answers
6k views

How much should a long distance touring bike weigh?

I'm planning in the far future to do a long ride of around 3000km (~1864mi). As I just have a single speed, I've been looking at what is in the market "designed" for that purpose in the price range ...
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0 votes
1 answer
77 views

Recommended brands for full-day rides and short multi-day tours [closed]

I’m going to be investing in a new touring bike soon for weekly centuries and the occasional few-day tour. I’m looking at the $2K or possibly $3K level. I currently ride a Lemond Croix de Fer, and I ...
0 votes
2 answers
87 views

9 speed SRAM shifter for dropbars?

Does anyone know if SRAM makes a 9 speed compatible shifter for dropbars? What's the best option for shifter/derailleurs for a 2x9 cross bike?
2 votes
1 answer
529 views

Buying a bike (new or 2nd hand) at start of EuroVelo 6

My wife and I will traveling from Nantes in France, to Budapest along the EuroVelo 6 Cycle Route. A distance of ~2300km For various reasons (travel ahead of time, logistics of transporting bikes etc.)...
10 votes
9 answers
30k views

Is it better to get a commuter bike with a front suspension or without one?

Is a commuter/city bike without front suspension comfortable?
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

A kickstand has killed my touring bike. Am I wrong?

While I was cycletouring in the Nederlands last year I had someone in a bike shop install a new kickstand, longer, stronger and more effective than the previous one. He didn't put anything at all ...
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3 votes
4 answers
257 views

Choosing frame size when still growing

I am about to purchase a 2018 Kona Sutra touring bicycle but I need some advice on how to know which is the right size for me. My measurements are 174cm tall with a 79cm inseam. I was advised that a ...
4 votes
1 answer
114 views

Tying tether on old luggage rack

I've got a bike with an ultra-old luggage rack which isn't of the kind which has a cheap spring-loaded "clasp" but rather an elastic tether which is permanently attached to the frame at the front and ...
4 votes
1 answer
468 views

Rear pannier bags on touring mountain bike

Why people are not using rear pannier bags on MTB for touring? Most of reports and photos I see have a saddle bag and the rest of luggage seems to go to the front of the bike. I have done touring ...
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1 vote
1 answer
2k views

What would be the best bike frame to build a gravel bike? [closed]

This handsome devil road bike is what im kinda looking for but i want some suggestions of what is the next best thing to start with, any ideas? I was looking for a good bike or bike frame that ...
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

8 speed drivetrain stronger than 9 speed?

I see a lot of people recommending 8 speed drivetrain over 9 speed for a touring bike because they are supposed to be stronger (e.g. in the buyers guide of the Adventure cyclist magazine, issue april ...
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1 vote
1 answer
227 views

Mounting long reach center pull brake on Marrakesh (or similar disc-braky) frame?

I wanted to build a commute/touring bike using a existing parts. I'm considering Salsa Marrakesh or similar frame that's designed for disc brakes. I'd love to use rim brake 650B wheels I already ...
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10 votes
2 answers
993 views

Internally-geared hub and chain case: running away from maintenance chores and grit damage

First off, the context of my question is 80% urban commuting and 20% weekend road trips of up to 70km, with a bit of casual trail riding mixed in. I ride my bicycle for transport and I value minimal ...
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1 vote
1 answer
418 views

Neck Pain on Road Bike

I used to alpine cycle with my road bike. Now ( years later) I am commuting and pulling a child in a burley tralier, earning awful neck pain. Does commute cycling require a different bicycle? If so, ...