New Bike recommendations for European touring

[ricks03]

I've spent the past 15 years with my Reynolds 531 touring bike spending 1-3 months at a time travelling around Western Europe.

Well, i've decided that it's probably time for a new bike. I make more $ now then when I purchased the other one half way through college, and if it improves my ride and trip it's well worth it.

I ride bikes much like most people ride cars, but i've been getting a forced education at the local cycling shops.

I'm thinking I want a titanium bike. The rigidity of aluminum concerns me (can you say cobblestones?), and it looks like I can get a smoother and lighter ride on titanium than steel.

I've now looked at the REI Randonee (steel), and the cannondale T800/T2000 (aluminum). I'm thinking the Litespeed BlueRidge, but nowhere local carries them in stock. I managed to ride my first Ty bike today (one of the other litespeeds) and I _think_ I can tell a difference over my stell bike (about 5 miles of test riding).

Money isn't really the issue, or more accurately if more $ will improve my trips then it's probably worth it.

Any recommendations? Endorsements for the litespeed? I've talked to several shops who've said, effectively, "litespeeds are amazing, but you really should try this bike that's less $." I suspect it's because they'd rather make the sale today, with what they have on hand.

Any recommendations?

Thanks
Rick

 

[daveornee]

Originally posted by ricks03
I've spent the past 15 years with my Reynolds 531 touring bike spending 1-3 months at a time travelling around Western Europe.

Well, i've decided that it's probably time for a new bike. I make more $ now then when I purchased the other one half way through college, and if it improves my ride and trip it's well worth it.

I ride bikes much like most people ride cars, but i've been getting a forced education at the local cycling shops.

I'm thinking I want a titanium bike. The rigidity of aluminum concerns me (can you say cobblestones?), and it looks like I can get a smoother and lighter ride on titanium than steel.

I've now looked at the REI Randonee (steel), and the cannondale T800/T2000 (aluminum). I'm thinking the Litespeed BlueRidge, but nowhere local carries them in stock. I managed to ride my first Ty bike today (one of the other litespeeds) and I _think_ I can tell a difference over my stell bike (about 5 miles of test riding).

Money isn't really the issue, or more accurately if more $ will improve my trips then it's probably worth it.

Any recommendations? Endorsements for the litespeed? I've talked to several shops who've said, effectively, "litespeeds are amazing, but you really should try this bike that's less $." I suspect it's because they'd rather make the sale today, with what they have on hand.

Any recommendations?

Thanks
Rick

First off tell us what tires you use.
Then tell us about fenders and racks.
Then tell us how much your touring load weighs.
I worked at one of the places that sells the inexpensive steel "touring" bicycles you mentioned. It is a good value for the money. However, choices like Bruce Gordon BLT and Co Motion Americano are quite in the category of real touring bicycles.
While I was working at the coop I purchased the Litespeed Blue Ridge. It is OK, but I previously owned a Bruce Gordon BLT and would rather use it for serious touring. The BLT has been refined to handle all serious touring requirements.
Tire clearance, proper touring fork, proper gearing, good rack and fender mounting are all part of the solution.
I also have toured with a Co Motion Americano. I like how sturdy the fork is and how strong the rear wheel is on this bicycle. They are from the tandem that Co Motion builds.
It sounds like you think titanium has some magical ride quality. I think that it is a good frame material but not magical.
Take a look at the following for some more guidance:
http://www.bgcycles.com/faq.html
http://sheldonbrown.com/touring/index.html

 

[ricks03]

Originally posted by daveornee
First off tell us what tires you use.

700 x 32

Then tell us about fenders and racks.

I am using fenders, blackburn lowriders in front, and blackburn rack in back.

Then tell us how much your touring load weighs.

About 25 lbs including all gear. My current bike is 30.5 lbs including ht racks, fenders, bottle mounts, and attachment points for lights.

It sounds like you think titanium has some magical ride quality. I think that it is a good frame material but not magical.

Not me, but every single other person I've spoken with seems to (6 local cycle shops, several on line forums). I MIGHT be able to tell the difference in the one ride I've had on ty, but I'm not sold.

But they're WAY lighter.

Take a look at the following for some more guidance:
http://www.bgcycles.com/faq.html
http://sheldonbrown.com/touring/index.html

I will, thanks,
Rick

 

[dch]

Hi Rick - nice resume of touring history!
I am going through the same process - though from racing Ti to touring Ti. If you are going to buy new, then I think your money is best spent on a Seven. A few dollars cheaper than the Blue Ridge and totally custom (Litespeed and Merlin charge many hundred more to customize). Also - the Blue Ridge is not a touring frame per se, but a cyclocross/touring - giving a higher bottom bracket than you may want (Airborne does one as well for about half the price as the Blue Ridge). If you don't care about new and/or custom, hang out on ebay untily your bike shows up. [There is a stunning 58 Merlin cyclocross there now
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=7298&item=3675463076&rd=1
- though without rack mounts (and the wheels are too light) - you can get around no braze-ons by using racks from oldmanmountain.com.]
Happy hunting!

 

[ricks03]

Originally posted by dch
If you are going to buy new, then I think your money is best spent on a Seven. A few dollars cheaper than the Blue Ridge and totally custom (Litespeed and Merlin charge many hundred more to customize). Also - the Blue Ridge is not a touring frame per se, but a cyclocross/touring - giving a higher bottom bracket than you may want (Airborne does one as well for about half the price as the Blue Ridge). If you don't care about new and/or custom, hang out on ebay untily your bike shows up. Happy hunting! [/B]

While I don't care about new/used, I'd also like to find a bike before my trip in late June.

I'm not certain what I really gain from custom. I mean, I don't know enough to know enough about what I want. Why is a higher bottom bracket bad? Any opinion the Seven Vancanza?

The Airborne bike is described as "If your thing is autumnal mud bogging or credit card touring" and I'm carrying gear.

In looking for Seven, I also found Moots. Arg. So many options. I just want a lighter bike!

Rick

 

[dch]

yes - so many bikes so little time:

a higher bottom bracket will allow more clearance for off roading - a lower bottom bracket will give a lower overall center of gravity = more stability on a loaded bike. I want a bike that will be comfortable off road and on, but not a 26" wheel - so for me a cyclocross may suffice as a tourer. If most of your riding will be on pavement you may want a more touring specific frame.

As David says above: Ti is not "magical"; but it should satisfy your desire for both a lighter bike and beautiful ride. I haven't ridden any of the big names, only obscure Ti names. Thats where the hype comes in - marketing vs. honest craftsmanship. Moots is in the middle and is my dream bike - add the ybb pivotless rear suspension (say - to a Psychlo-X) and you should have a masterpiece! But... the Vacanza may be a better allround tourer?
In this league, I'm sure every mile will put a smile on your face!