BUYERS GUIDE 1 A Down Payment on Adventure BUYERS GUIDE 1 A Down Payment on Adventure 2014 Touring Bike Buyer’s Guide by Nick Legan CHUCK HANEYCHUCK BUYERS GUIDE 2

dventure — it calls us all. Unfortunately, the short chainstays For those of us who seek it on many mountain bikes often make aboard a , one of the for /heel interference. Using a most difficult decisions is suspended for extend- what machine to take along. ed road touring is overkill in many AIn many cases, a “make-do” attitude instances. works just fine. After all, it’s getting out Likewise, a road touring bike, when in the world that matters most, not the fully loaded, is fairly limited in off-road amount of coin spent on your ride. But scenarios. Although modern tour- if you have the luxury of shopping for ing bikes are certainly strong, riding a new bicycle for your round of singletrack on a touring bike, though touring adventures, we’re here to help. possible, isn’t as much fun as it is on a We’ve broken this “Touring Bike mountain bike. Buyer’s Guide” down into binary Be honest about where you’re head- decisions. While we hope that all the ed and then read on for specific areas considered content here is appealing, of consideration to help guide your we understand that sometimes it’s im- search. portant to get to the point. Feel free to bounce around the article as your fancy Road machines leads you. With most of the industry It helps to boil decisions down to focused squarely on road racing bikes simple either/or scenarios, but it’s only slightly heavier than a loaf of important to remember that a lot of bread and mountain bikes that put overlap exists among various categories many monster trucks to shame, off-the- of . For instance, virtually all shelf touring bike models are limited. road bicycles can handle some unpaved But many of the options offered are roads. Likewise a mountain bike fitted good ones. Surly’s Long Haul Trucker with smooth tires can tackle many and Disc Trucker models, for instance, paved miles. Of course when used out- can be used for anything from grocery side its intended purpose, a bicycle can Surly runs to round-the-world expeditions. fail. But sometimes that’s all part of the Disc Trek, Kona, Raleigh, Gunnar, Soma, adventure. Trucker Fuji, and all offer similarly While we’ll focus most of our time capable machines. These bikes will on road touring machines, we haven’t require some personalization, and only forgotten about the growing number of a couple of them come equipped with bikepackers out there. Enjoy. comfortable can start to feel cramped as racks. But all will get you where you’re your flexibility improves or your desire headed, and the value of many of these The importance of being fit for a more aggressive position increas- machines is extraordinary. The double entendre of this section’s es. Likewise, with more miles under Handmade builders all over the title is intentional. When considering your belt, the more “seasoned” your country are also keen to build bespoke a new bike, a professional bicycle fitter seated area will be. This may affect sad- framesets for touring enthusiasts. Here can help you spend your money wisely, dle choice. It’s not uncommon for your the world truly is your oyster, assuming avoiding expensive components that fit to change over time. In fact, it’s nat- you have the bankroll to cover the costs don’t work for you and shortening the ural. As we injure ourselves, age, take associated with a custom bicycle. Typ- trial-and-error period of adjustment up or quit yoga, our body’s strength and ically we recommend that a first time that accompanies a new bicycle. If flexibility can vary wildly. Bicycle fit, touring bike consumer avoid the cost you’ve never had a professional fit like many things in life, is a process, not of a custom bike. Although you can get performed, now is the perfect time to a fixed set of measurements. anything you want with a custom bike, do so. that’s often part of the problem: choice If you live in a rural area, you may Decision: Road or off-road overload. It’s usually best to have some need to travel to the nearest city to find The first decision we encourage you firsthand experience out on the road a qualified fitter, but the trip will be to make is whether your future cycling to develop some preferences. It’s also worth your time. Ask your cycling bud- endeavors will be strictly paved affairs entirely possible that self-supported dies for recommendations if necessary. or if the call of the wild howls at you. touring may not turn out to be your cup It’s also helpful to consider your Many people use mountain bikes of tea. So why invest such a large sum current fitness level and how it relates for road touring. Their robust frames, on a whim? That said, for very tall or to the fitness that you aspire to. With low gearing, and upright position tick very short riders, a custom bike may be increased fitness, a bike that was once a lot of boxes for many touring cyclists. the only practical option!

12 ADVENTURE CYCLIST a pr il 2014 BUYERS GUIDE 2

Whether you buy off the rack or not, Salsa Fargo when test riding a touring bike, think Mack Truck, not Ferrari. Performance can mean many things to many people. In the realm of touring bicycles, a bike that performs well doesn’t break, - ries its load with aplomb, and makes for an enjoyable, time while out exploring. Although weight is a concern for many riders, it should come second to reliability and function. After all, we rely heavily on our bikes when we go touring. Saving a few grams here and there can mean that you’re taking unnecessary risks. Better to keep your load light than skimp on the bike that will support you and your things.

Off road Many mountain bikes make perfect- ly acceptable touring bicycles. For the sake of simplicity, we recommend a hardtail or rigid mountain bike if you’re considering road and off-road use. Rear be quite involved. off-road touring in mind. Salsa’s Fargo suspension is fantastic for highly tech- Co-Motion’s Pangea and Divide is a very capable drop-bar mountain nical singletrack, but carrying a load models, as well as Tout Terrain’s bike intended for bikepacking. Many that doesn’t interfere with an articulat- Silkroad and Panamerica, are extremely successful Great Divide Mountain Bike ed frame and bouncing rear can robust bicycles designed with loaded Route cyclists have ridden Fargos. Surly,

specialist for bike tours in Central Visit Central Europe – a paradise for cycling Surprising density of ancient castles Vienna to Prague Greenways & fairy–tale chateaux Salzburg to Prague Beautiful and varied countryside Vienna to Krakow Amber Trail Excellent network of paved backroads Budapest to Krakow Amber Trail Quality accommodation

Easy and convenient self-guided tours Passau to Vienna Danube Trail Guided tours with local guides Vienna to Budapest Danube Trail 8-day to 10-day tours Prague to Dresden

Visit www.topbicycle.com for trip descriptions, dates and prices. For a free brochure, email us [email protected]

Czech Republic Slovakia Austria Hungary Germany Poland

ADVENTURECYCLING.ORGinzerat_Top_bicycle.indd 1 15.2.2008 16:51:31 13 BUYERS GUIDE 3

bike, the Camargue. Diamondback With the explosion in popularity of bikepacking and its associated rackless Haanjo bags (frame, top tube, seat and handle- bar-mounted), many touring cyclists are finding that with careful packing and a mind for minimalism, a loaded bikepacker-style mountain bike can take them to areas beyond their pre- vious limits. While still a small niche, the off-road segment is growing.

Decision: Racks and or bikepacking bags Whether you decide to go with a road bike or a mountain bike, the next question to ask yourself is how you would like to carry your necessities. Traditionally, touring cyclists have used racks bolted onto their frames and forks with panniers hanging from them to Salsa’s sister company, offers the Ogre Rivendell has long produced very carry assorted items. and ECR models as affordable off-road capable bicycles for on–and off–road There are loads of brands that have touring bicycles. All great machines, touring. With fantastic styling and a loyal followings when it comes to pur- these fit distinctly into the form-fol- no-nonsense approach, Rivendells get chasing racks and panniers. A deeper lows-function category. you down the trail in style. Velo dive into them is for another article, but For those with more style in mind, Orange, a nouveau retro brand, re- it’s hard to go wrong with Tubus, Arkel, look to Rivendell and Velo Orange. cently released its new “bike-camping” and Old Man Mountain racks and Arkel, Ortlieb, and Blackburn panniers. More recently, many off-road cyclists have turned to “bikepacking” bags. These forego racks and strap directly to handlebars, saddles/seatposts, and the main triangle of your bicycle. This helps reduce weight and the possibility of bending a rack when riding off-road. (Plus, check out Josh Tack’s roundup of bike trailer options in the March 2014 issue.) If you’re interested in more informa- tion, check out these manufacturers: • Revelate Designs (disclosure: Adven- ture Cycling sells Revelate Designs bags and accessories in its CycloSource cata- log and online.) (relevatedesigns.com) • J.Paks (jpaks.com) • Porcelain Rocket (porcelainrocket.com) • Cleaveland Mountaineering (cleave landmountaineering.blogspot.com) • Oveja Negra Threadworks ( ) Plug into the evolution ovejanegrathreadworks.com of Frame material with the new Superflash USB When considering a road touring & Superflash Micro USB. bike, look for sturdy tubesets designed

25% of profits to bicycle advocacy Better Bicycle Products for a Better World specifically for the heavier strains of a

14 ADVENTURE CYCLIST a pr il 2014 BUYERS GUIDE 3

Seven carbon frames and forks (Volagi comes Expat SL to mind). But for longer, loaded touring, it’s still best to steer clear.

Touring bike geometry Whatever material you choose, make sure that if you plan on extend- ed touring, your new machine was built with loaded-touring geometry. Many bikes are touted as “light touring bikes,” and this typically means that a given bike has mounts for a rear rack. That doesn’t mean that it will handle that load well. Here are some key areas to check when perusing geometry charts: full touring load. Steel is still the dom- but the performance a titanium touring • Look for low bottom brackets with inant frame material for most touring bike can deliver is extraordinary. The seven to eight centimeters of drop bicycles, and with good reason. It’s vibration damping and anti-corrosive on bikes with 700C ; 26-inch strong, stiff, and easily repaired when in characteristics of titanium make it ideal wheeled bikes will have less. This remote areas. Aluminum is also a good for use in touring bikes. If the subtle lowers the center of gravity of the candidate for a touring frame, thanks looks of a Moots, Eriksen, Seven, or Sal- rider/bike. to its anti-corrosive properties and sa are calling you, it’s hard to go wrong. • Longer chainstays make for a stable affordability. Although carbon bikes are increasing- bike and keep your heels from hitting Titanium bikes are also extremely ro- ly standard in the racing realm, they are rear panniers. They also help make bust. Their price correlates directly with still the black sheep of the touring world. room for fenders, something to consid- the rarity of titanium and the difficulty There are several bikes made for light er in most parts of the world. in producing frames from the material, and fast credit-card touring that have • Taller head tubes help achieve OPEN ALL SEASONS FOR ALL ADVENTURES

Bik ish e R ef et it re Whitefish Bike Retreat h a A place created by cyclists for cyclists. Located in Whitefish, Montana on t W the ACA Great Divide, Northern Tier, and Great Parks Routes.

BIKE AND EXPLORE MONTANA EXPLORE AND BIKE Montana’s First And Only Bike Retreat 855 beaver lake road, whitefish, mt 59937 (406) 260-0274 | [email protected] | whitefishbikeretreat.com Get a jump on it!

Plan your next biking trek to the picture perfect Palouse Low traffic roads, and 35 miles of paved trails to explore. For your FREE biking map call or visit 800-365-6938 pullmanchamber.com

ADVENTURECYCLING.ORG 15 BUYERS GUIDE 4

higher handlebars without monstrous This allows you to react to a pothole or Frame fitments amounts of headset spacers and other obstacle quickly. Although it’s best to research the flipped stems. It makes for a stronger Unlike road touring bicycles, geometry of your new bicycle, the front end, which is especially import- currently there is no specific off-road braze-ons on a prospective frame will ant when carrying a front load. touring/bikepacking geometry. This is help illustrate its intended purpose. A • It’s not exactly a geometry mea- partly unnecessary when using bike- frameset or bicycle with front and rear surement, but do consider your front packing bags because of the centraliza- rack eyelets, mounts, three or racks when you build up your touring tion of your load in a frame pack. After more water mounting points, machine. Be sure to use front-specific that, it’s a matter of balancing weight a pump peg, and a spare spoke-hold- racks to keep the load as near to the distribution fore and aft to maintain er braze-on certainly indicates a bike steering axis of your bike as possible. neutral handling. meant for long, fully loaded miles.

Spice Up Your Ride Transforming men’s bikes into women’s-specific rides

by Kristen Peterson SADDLE CUT OUTS one can make all the difference. the drops and the tops should Most men’s bikes come with Specialized’s women’s saddles try handlebars with a smaller Touring and bikepacking aren’t saddles that don’t work for female work for many female cyclists be- drop measurement (the distance just for men. More and more riders. Upgrading the bike with cause they come in three different between the top of the bars and women are experiencing the ex- a women’s-specific saddle can widths to suit different body types. bottom of the drops). The shape citement, challenge, and freedom make all the difference in creating Just remember that saddle widths of the drops can also affect the that adventure cycling provides. a comfortable and enjoyable ride. are measured in connection to your feel of a bike. Some women However despite the growing Most women’s-specific saddles sit bones, not your rear end. Riders prefer an anatomical bend rather number of women joining in on have a small section cut out in the with tiny butts can sometimes than the classic round bend. The the adventure, very few wom- middle of the saddle. This helps need a wide saddle. anatomical shape helps riders en’s-specific touring bikes exist. disperse pressure and avoids areas with small hands get closer to Women have different body with sensitive soft tissue. The cut NARROW HANDLEBARS the brakes and shift levers while geometries and structures than outs also promote blood flow to Women typically have narrower riding in the drops. men, which can make finding a keep women comfortable, even on shoulders than men and need bike that fits and feels comfort- longer rides. Terry saddles are a narrow handlebars for their bike. SHORTER LEVER REACH able a challenge. When looking popular choice for many female cy- However, men’s bikes often come Women with small hands and into an adventure bike, keep in clists and most of these include a with wider bars to accommodate short fingers often find it difficult mind that men’s and women’s cut out design. Fizik’s Arione Donna a variety of potential cyclists. to reach the shift and brake bodies typically differ in three helps bridge the gap between cut Riding with bars that are too levers with their hands on the important areas for cycling: outs and standard saddles. It has wide can cause all kinds of neck bars. This can be very dangerous! • Women and men differ greatly a recessed section in the middle and back discomfort and can Switching to anatomical bend in the pelvic area, which affects of the saddle that helps reduce even trickle down to hand and bars can help move a rider’s how and where we sit comfort- pressure without a full cut out. undercarriage pain. Most bars hands closer to the levers but ably on a saddle range from 36cm to 46cm in not everyone prefers this style of • Women usually have narrower SADDLE WIDTH width and riders can find the size handlebar. Another option is to shoulders than men Saddle width can significantly im- they need with a little help from swap the shift and brake levers • Women tend to have smaller pact comfort. A saddle should be a friend. Find the boney notch for a pair with a shorter reach or hands than men wide enough for the rider to com- (acromion) on each shoulder and adjustable reach. Several manu- Without many women’s-specific fortably put their weight on both sit measure the distance between facturers, including and bikes available, one option for bones while riding in any position. these two points. This width is a SRAM, now offer levers that can women is to have a custom bike Saddles that are too narrow can good estimate for the size of drop be adjusted closer to the bars built to suit their specific needs. force cyclists to twist their pelvis, handlebars needed. depending on preference. However, custom bikes are pric- which can add extra pressure on ey, and many women just getting delicate soft tissue causing severe HANDLEBAR SHAPE PERSONALIZE YOUR BIKE started in touring may not be pain and discomfort. Women’s Drop bars come in a variety of Cycling is all about adventure ready to make this big investment sit bones are typically wider than shapes and sizes. For smaller and a personal journey. Your right away. However, that doesn’t men’s, so wider saddles tend to riders with petite hands, finding a bike should reflect this as well mean women have to settle for feel more comfortable. However, bar that is comfortable and ma- as your personal style. Once you a poorly fitting, uncomfortable every woman’s body is different neuverable can be tricky. Riders have a comfortable saddle, bars, bike on their next adventure. With so testing different saddle types who feel too stretched out when and levers picked out, consider a few minor changes to a bike’s and widths is recommended. Talk using the brakes should look for spicing up your ride with some saddle, handlebar, and shift/ to your local bike shop, as many bars with smaller reach (distance colorful bar tape or bottle cages. brake levers, most any bike can of them will let customers try out from the tops of the bars to the Personalizing your bike is a fun be transformed into a wom- saddles before purchasing. Be most forward part of the bend). and creative way to bring your en’s-specific rig ready to explore. patient and thorough when testing Riders who have a hard time style and attitude along on every saddles because finding the right moving their hands between ride.

16 ADVENTURE CYCLIST a pr il 2014 BUYERS GUIDE 4

For off-road cyclists, rigid mountain bike forks with water-bottle mounts on the fork legs can help when it comes to carrying sufficient water. Salsa offers this standard on several of its models. Salsa’s Fargo and several fat bike forks come with mounts for either water bottle cages or Salsa’s Anything Cage, a holder for use with a waterproof compression sack — nifty for increasing carrying capacity.

Wheels When it comes to the parts that hang on your bike, pay special attention to a few areas. First, don’t overlook the wheels that support your machine. Doing so can be a recipe for disaster. Go with tried-and-true, high-spoke- count, traditionally laced wheels; 32- or 36-hole wheels with a 3-cross lacing pattern are hard to beat. High-quality aluminum rims and durable hubs will keep you smiling for miles. If your travels will be in mostly developed countries, buying a bicycle with 700C or wheels isn’t a problem. Con- versely, if you dream of Tibetan sunsets and African safaris, stick with a 26-inch wheeled bicycle. Sourcing spare tires, tubes, and rims is much easier thanks to the prevalence of 26-inch–wheeled bicycles worldwide. Finally, look for tougher-than-nails tires and tubes. Put simply, punctures stink!

Gearing Without delving too deeply into this topic, please spend more time consid- ering your low (climbing) gear rather than your high (tailwind, downhill) gear. Riding a bicycle up a mountain is far more fun than pushing one. Fortu- nately, modern touring bikes, especial- ly those with triple chainrings (three gears on the crank), are typically low enough. But be sure to familiarize yourself with gearing. A good way is to load up your current bike, then hit your local morale-killing monster of a hill. After noting the results, consult bike manufacturer websites for specs and discuss with your local bike shop guru. Expect to see cranks with chain- rings in the neighborhood of 48-36-26. Rear cassettes, often reliable eight- or

ADVENTURECYCLING.ORG 17 BUYERS GUIDE 5

We’ve tried to limit this table to true touring bikes Touring Bikes for Your Consideration and light tourers only — not bikes that might make good touring bikes. Many of the bikes in this table come in several configurations, including custom ver- sions, with varying costs associated. No prices reflect 611 Bicycle Company Hand- Co-Motion Cycles Ameri- Gilles Berthoud Highly-cus- shipping costs. made Touring model ($2550 cano ($3995; Gates/Rholoff: tomizable 26-inch and 700C and up). sixeleven $5645); 26-inch Pangea steel touring bikes (1880€ bicycleco.com, 540-929-0611. ($3995; Gates/Rholoff: and up): gillesberthoud.fr/ J.P. Weigle Classic randon- Mt. Airy Bicycles Carries $5645); 29er Divide ($4025; anglais/index1.php, +33 03 85 neur bikes ($8000-$12000; many hard-to-find and classic Ahearne Cycles Custom Gates/Rholoff: $5735); 51 46 51. 36 mos. waiting period). flickr. touring models. www.bike123. Touring model (Fillet brazed: Cascadia ($3995). co-motion. com/photos/49353569@N00, com, 301-831-5151. $2050; Lugged: $2250; Fork: com, 866-282-6336. Gunnar Bikes 26-inch Rock 860-434-0700. $375. Custom racks: $325). Tour (Frame: $1025); 700C Naked Bicycles Grand ahearnecycles.com, 503-473- Cyfac RandoNerv ($2600); Grand Disc (Stock frame and KHS Xtreme ($869). khsbi Adventure Basic ($1595); 2102. Vintage ($3000); Horizon fork: $1450); 700C Grand Tour cycles.com/bikes/2014-khs- Americano ($2495); ($6600), -Pekin ($2500). (Stock frame and fork: $1400) models/xtreme-14/, 310-632- Globetrotter ($2295; Bianchi Volpe ($1299). Custom available for all and Rohloff ($1975 frame and 7173 x 255. Stainless: $3295); Deutsche bianchiusa.com/bikes/road/ models. cyfac.fr, +33 (0)2 47 fork). S&S coupler options (Rohloff: $3995). Custom also steel/volpe, 510-264-1001. 24 67 42. also available. gunnarbikes. Koga Custom bikes, including available. timetogetnaked. com, 262-534-4190. the Worldtraveller (26”) and com, 250-285-3181. 10 bikes, starting offers a line Globetraveller (28”) (1,640€ at $798, including New World of 10 touring models from the Heart of Steel Bicycles Coto and up), koga-signature.com. Nashbar TR-1 Touring Bike Tourist ($1198); Tikit ($1398). Galaxy (£599) to Ultra Galaxy Doñana Tour ($3500); Vaga- Standard bike collection as ($749). nashbar.com, 877- bikefriday.com/bicycles/tour (£1799). dawescycles.com. bond ($3850). georgenaterry. shown at koga.com only avail- 688-8600. ing, 800-777-0258. com, 800-289-8379. able at official dealers. Devinci Caribou ($1549CAD). Norco Cabot ($995-$1415 www.devinci.com, 888-338- Hunter Cycles custom Kona Sutra (with racks: CAD). norco.com/bikes/ Midlands (Deluxe: $3700; S&S 4624. touring bikes (Frames: tig $1499); Rove ($1699) kona road/road-endurance/cabot/ Travel: $4675; Signature: call welded: $1750; fillet brazed: world.com, 360-366-0951. cabot-1. for price) Tourlite (Deluxe: Diamondback Haanjo ($800) $2250. Forks: $325 and up). $3545; S&S Travel: $4520; and Haanjo Comp ($1300); di- huntercycles.com. Kross Offers 8 touring/trek- by REI Safari ($899), Signature: call for price). amondback.com/bikes-pave- king models (all models 1520 Randonee ($1199), and light bilenky.com, 215-329-4744. ment-alternative-road idworx Bikes A variety of PLN and up). kross.pl/en/ touring Verita ($1299). rei. trekking bikes with Gates/ bikes/tour, 029 722 44 45. com/novara, 800-426-4840. Black Sheep Bikes offers Donkelope Bikes custom Rohloff, including the Easy many models with bike travel travel bikes (Frame: $1550 Rohler, Off Rohler, All Rohler, Littleford Bicycles custom Pake C’Mute frame ($260). in mind. (Double diamond and up. Fork: $300) and Easy TiRohler ($3400 and touring bikes (Standard pakebikes.com/product/ frames: $3100 and up; Curved donkelopebikes.com, 360- up). idworx-bikes.de, +49 228 Tourer: $3450, Classic F8EF09/C’Mute+Frame. frames: $3800 and up) 920-0484. 184700. Site in German. Tourer: $4490, Sport Tourer: blacksheepbikes.com, 970- $5125, Expedition Rig: $5495. Opus Legato ($1389), Largo 218-5952. Ellis Cycles Voyager Tour Framesets start at $2400). ($1169). opusbike.com/en/ ($3700 and up). elliscycles. Independence touring and Many options available includ- bikes/road/touring, 514-332- Boo Bicycles Boo Touring com, 262-442-6639. the Club Racer light-touring ing frame sets. littlefordbicy 1320. (bamboo with integrated rear frame sets (steel $2295; cles.com, 503-922-1934. rack: $3120 and up; Complete English Cycles handbuilt titanium $4095). ifbikes.com, offers the bike: $4950 and up). boobicy travel bikes ($2450 and 603-292-5673. Lynskey Backroad (Frame ultra-classic Clubman cles.com, 515-554-9226. up) englishcycles.com/cat/ and fork $2874 and up), Coo- Country (£1495). britishbicy custombikes/travelbikes, 541- Innerlight Cycles Custom per CMT (Frame $2514 and cle.com, www.pashley.co.uk, BreadWinner Cycles 683-3556. Touring H1 and 26” H2 (Click up), Sportive (Frame $2634 +44 01789 292 263. Aufderheide (Frame & fork: on Options for price list). and up) and Nantucket (Frame $2145. Complete bike: $5555) Eriksen Cycles touring bikes innerlightcycles.com/hybrid. $3295 and up). Custom also Pereira Cycles Touring and breadwinnercycles.com/ ($3200 and up). kenteriksen. htm, 530-795-3454. available. lynskeyperfor bikes (frame & products/aufderheide, 503- com/bikes/road, 970-879- mance.com, 423-499-5815. fork: $2700 and up; complete 810-2504. 8484. Ira Ryan Cycles Touring bike: $3850). www.pereiracy model (Frames: Fillet Brazed MAP Bicycles Custom cles.com, 503-333-5043. Brodie Elan ($1649); Fahrradmanufaktur Expedi- $2700, Lugged $2850; Fork: touring frameset ($4000 and Argus ($1299). brodiebikes. tion (five models from 1299- $550) iraryancycles.com/ up). mapbicycles.com, 503- Peter Mooney Cycles/ com/2012/bikes/speed.php, 2699€); Trekking (18 models bikes/tour, 503-810-2504. 285-0446. Belmont Wheelworks 604-325-2033. from 499-2199€): fahrradman Touring and Randonneur ufaktur.de. Site in German. Aurora Marioni Tourismo ($2100- frame and fork ($2995 and Bruce Gordon Hand-built ($960), Aurora Elite ($1600), $2700); Tourismo Extreme up). peter-mooney.com, 617- Rock ‘n Road Tour ($3310; Fuji Touring ($889). fujibikes. Bosanova ($1300). jamisbikes. ($2300-$2900). marinoni. 489-3577. with racks $3699; frame & com/bike/details/touring, com, 800-222-0570. qc.ca/html/Turismo.html, fork $1800). bgcycles.com, 800-631-8474. 450-471-7133. Rando Cycles Hiker (1999€), 707-762-5601. Jeff Jones Bicycles Stock Globe-Trotter (1999€), Tourer Gallus Cycles Adventure and custom adventure Moots Vamoots (Frame (1999€). www.rando-cycles. Cinelli Bootleg Hobo ($1849) Bike (Lugged: $2000; Lugless: bicycles and frames (Frames: $3165 and up); Vamoots DR com, +33 01 43 41 18 10. Site cinelli-usa.com/bicycles/hobo $1900). galluscycles.com/ $850 and up; Complete bikes: (Frame $3350 and up). moots. in French. adventure_a.html, 817-757- call for prices) jonesbikes. com, 970-879-1676. 2944. com, 541-535-2034. Raleigh Bicycles So- Motobecane Gran Tourismo journ ($1300) and the Port ($699). bikesdirect.com/prod- Townsend ($1000): raleigh ucts/motobecane/gran_turis usa.com, 800-222-5527. mo.htm.

18 ADVENTURE CYCLIST a pr il 2014 BUYERS GUIDE 5

nine-speed versions, will also be wide ratio with 11-32 or larger rear cogs. Rawland Nordavinden Soma Fabrications Saga True North Cycles 26”, 700C framset ($725) rawland Touring (frame and fork or 650B models from expe- Off-road touring machines are often cycles.com $500); Grand Randonneur dition to light touring; many outfitted with 2 x 10 drivetrains. This (frame and fork $490); Dou- options available (Framesets: refers to the number of chainrings up Redline Metro Classic ble Cross (frame and fork $1600 CAD and up; complete ($1150) redlinebicycles.com/ $420 and up). somafab.com. bikes start at $3,000 CAD). front (two) and the number of cogs on bikes/2014-metro-classic truenorthcycles.com, 519-585- the rear wheel (10). Because of the very Spa Cycles Steel Tourer 0600. large rear cogs, up to 36 in some cases, Bikes (£945) and Ti Tourer Panorama (£1250); Expedi- (£1580). spacycles.co.uk/ Van Nicholas offers the Pio- and small chainrings, the range offered tion (£950); Voyage (£800); products.php?plid=m1b- neer, Amazon, Yukon in various is similar to previous 3 x 9 mountain and Tour (£600). ridgeback. 17s0p0. configurations, including Gates/ bike drivetrains. Also note that gearing co.uk. Rholoff. Prices for frames start Specialized AWOL ($1350); at 1299€; complete bikes at can be changed or fine-tuned to suit a AWOL Comp ($1950); AWOL 2477€. vannicholas.com/ rider’s strengths or an upcoming route’s Atlantis (frame, fork, and Comp framset ($700) Touring/5/allbikes.aspx, +31 (0) terrain. headset $2300), Hunqapillar, specialized.com/us/en/ 186-657718. a touring-trail bike (frame, bikes/road/awol fork and headset $2000); Vanilla Bicycles Touring Brakes: disc or rim custom touring frames Spectrum Steel and and Randonee models. Base The trend toward disc brakes is start- ($3,500 and up). rivbike.com, titanium custom touring frame price: $3,350, $450 fork. 800-345-3918. bikes ($2950 and up). vanillabicycles.com, 503-233- ing to take over the arena. spectrum-cycles.com, 610- 2453. Historically more associated with Roberts Cycles offers the 398-1986. mountain bikes, the use of disc brakes is Clubman (£1295), Transcon- Velosmith Jota ($A6360), Cy- tinental (£1395), Cumbria Steelman Cycles Steel and clotouriste ($A4650), and Great particularly appropriate when consid- (£1395), Roughstuff (£1395), custom touring bikes ($2750 Southern ($A4650). Custom ering the increased loads of touring and and Women’s Compact Tour and up). steelmancycles. also. Available in Australia only. diverse weather that a touring cyclist (£1275). robertscycles.com, com, 650-364-3939. velosmith.com.au, +61 (0)3 +44 (0)20-8684 3370. 6266 4582. encounters. Surly Long-Haul Trucker Proponents of disc brakes rave about Rodriguez Bicycles Adven- (Frame: $470, bike: $1350; Velotraum Konzept (1660€ the increased stopping power, intuitive ture ($2599 and up); S&S- Deluxe frame: $999); Disc and up). velotraum.de/system/ equipped ($3299 and up); Trucker ($1500), Cross- velotraum-konzept, telefax: modulation, and consistent perfor- the Willie Weir co-designed Check (frame: $480, bike: (07033) 81505. Site in German. mance in wet weather. They also allow UTB (Ultimate Touring Bike $1250), Big Dummy (frame: a cyclist to continue despite a wheel from $2699); the Rainier $950, bike: $1999) and the Velo Orange Campeur light tourer ($1999 and up); 26” Troll (frame: $525, bike: frametset ($500); Pass Hunter that isn’t perfectly true because the rim custom models with Rohloff $1700). surlybikes.com, 877- frameset ($520); Polyvalent won’t be hitting the brake pads. ($4599 and up). rodcycle. 743-3191. MKII framset ($500) While hydraulic systems are finding com, 206-527-4822. velo-orange.com Sycip 26” or 700C steel their way to the road, most that you’ll Salsa Vaya Travel ($3950; Touring (produc- Waterford Cycles T-14 series find on touring bikes are cable/me- framset: $2199); Vaya 2 tion and custom models: touring bike ($1500 frame; chanically actuated. SRAM, Hayes, (complete: $1950; framset: $1295 and up): sycip.com, $375 fork), and T-22 lugged $750); Vaya 3 (complete: 707-542-6359. touring series ($950 frame) TRP, and Shimano all offer quality $199); 29er Fargo (titanium (call for custom-built pricing). disc-brake systems for touring bikes. complete: $4299; titanium Thorn Cycles Expedition waterfordbikes.com, 262-534- But do be aware that both your frame/ frameset: $2199). Fargo 2 Nomad (£2269); Raven 4190. (complete: $2299; frameset (£2169); Sherpa (£1299); fork and wheels need to be $699); Fargo 3 (complete: Mercury (£2569). (Editor’s Windsor Bicycles The Tourist compatible. This isn’t something you $1699). salsacycles.com, note: All models can be ($1,495). windsorbicycles.com. can easily upgrade on a rim-brake– 877-668-6223. modified to your hearts con- tent. The amount of informa- Vivent World Randonneur equipped bicycle. Santos Travelmaster tion online for each model ($A1,949) viventebikes. Disc brakes do come with their own ($1449 to $3399); Trekking is mind-blowingly amazing). com/main/page_products_ set of issues. Rotors have to be straight. ($1639 to $3399), Trekking thorncycles.co.uk. bikes_2013_changes_2012_ Comfort ($1999 to $3699), to_2013.html When traveling with your bike, be sure Trekking Lite ($1749 to Tout Terrain offers over to remove your rotors when packing. $3599), and Travel Lite a dozen travel models YIPsan Bicycles Handbuilt Disc brakes add weight to a bicycle as ($3299). santosbikes.com, including the Panamericana adventure bikes ($2200 and up) +31(0)252 426123. (3590-4990€), Grand Route yipsanbicycles.com, 970-672- well. (3090-3590€), and Silkroad 0168. Rim brakes, of course, have their own Expat; (1990-3590€). en.tout-ter advantages and disadvantages. For one, Expat S; Expat SL (Frame rain.de, +49 761 20551000. Note: The July issue of only $2095; $2795; $3595; Adventure Cyclist will cover they are simpler and more approachable complete bikes from $5095): Ti Cycles Steilacoom titani- non-diamond frame bicycles for home mechanics. A rim-brake bicy- sevencycles.com, 617-923- um ($1745). Also offers cus- and will contain a table of cle is also typically lighter than one with 7774. tom touring bikes. ticycles. tandems, recumbents, folding com/TCF/cross-touring-stei bikes, and more. disc brakes. Finally, for world travelers, lacoom.html, 503-621-9670. sourcing spare parts for rim brakes is easier. The downside is faster brake-pad Trek 520 ($1,429). trekbikes. com, 800-879-8735. wear and the necessity for true wheels as the rim is the braking surface.

ADVENTURECYCLING.ORG 19 Decision: Drop or flat bars Kona Sutra This debate seems to have raged for many years, but our vote is that if you’ve had success with a certain han- dlebar arrangement, you should stick with it. In the end, enjoying the journey is the point. If you’ve had hand, arm, shoulder, or back issues in your cycling past, you may want to consider a change or even a (something we’ll cover in a separate issue). In general terms, many cyclists select a flat bar in order to achieve a more upright position and move weight from their hands to the saddle. (This usually also requires a wider saddle to accept and distribute this increased load.) If your current bike has been retrofitted with flat bars for this reason, when require a triple chainring. Unfortunately, dle and pedals/shoes. (Ladies, be sure buying a new bike, you should carefully there are fewer and fewer component to read the sidebar on women’s-specific study the geometry charts. With the manufacturers producing touring triples, items written by Kristen Peterson on influx of non-racers to cycling, man- and even fewer that manufacture brake/ pg. 16.) Where you plant your posterior ufacturers are offering more upright shift levers like Shimano’s STI levers is often the most important decision drop-bar bicycles than ever before. It’s that shift a triple-chainring setup. This is you’ll make. Discomfort in that region certainly worth another look around why you see many off-the-shelf touring has derailed many wonderful journeys. your local bike shop to see what they bikes with bar-end shifters. Be sure to shop around if you’re having have to offer. If you’ve had bad experiences with any issues. Also consider the interac- Many touring cyclists, both on road the drop bar on your current bike, it’s tion between the shorts you wear and and off, prefer drop bars. If long miles worth experimenting with different the saddle you use. Some combinations are in your future, having the oppor- models and brake-lever positioning. work better than others. tunity to move your hands frequently Small changes can have large effects on Shoes and pedals fall into a similar while remaining safely in control of comfort. category. You’ll want to have them sort- your bicycle can help avoid soreness. ed out well before you leave on a dream That said, there are some technical Contact points trip. Your shoes are the foundation of difficulties associated with touring bikes After this discussion on handlebars, your personal powerhouse. If some- with drop bars. To achieve gearing low I’d also draw attention to the other con- thing is rotten in the state of Denmark enough for loaded touring, most riders tact points on a bicycle: namely the sad- when it comes to your shoes, you’re in for miles of discomfort. Unfortunately there are no simple Trek 520 answers in this department. These are trial-and-error scenarios. If you run into chronic issues, once again I recommend a bike fit with a qualified, experienced fitter.

Fare thee well! We hope that wherever your two- wheeled travels take you, your expe- rience is a good one. With the choice overload that we all experience at times, making a confident decision can be tricky. If you have further questions after reading this Buyer’s Guide, be sure to check out the Adventure Cyclist forum (forums.adventurecycling.org). Tour- ing cyclists are a friendly lot who love to share their experiences and advice.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 66

20 ADVENTURE CYCLIST a pr il 2014 ADS/JUMP

Classified Ads continued

HELPING MAKE GOOD RIDERS BETTER SINCE FLORIDA KEYS HOTEL TRIP Fully supported, THE GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE AND 1981 — Join Transcontinental Record Holders outstanding hotel accommodations, DoubleTree C&O CANAL 334.5 continuous trail miles from Lon Haldeman & Susan Notorangelo for your by Hilton, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn. Pittsburgh to DC; custom or group tours; includes cycling adventures from 7 to 30 days. Specializing 6-day trip December 7-13 2014. Key Largo to B&Bs, inns, excellent meals, luggage shuttle, full in Training Camps, Historic Route 66, Rural Key West & back. Stunning beach scenery, great SAG support, vehicle or people and gear shuttle; Wisconsin, Eastern Mountains, Peru and over 80 meals, 2 layover days in Key West. Only $950.00. attractions including Frank Lloyd Wright’s cross-country events. PAC Tour, www.pactour. www.floridakeysbikeride.com, 847-309-4740, Fallingwater, Antietam battlefield plus so much com, 262-736-2453. [email protected]. more ... Call Trail Gail at 301-722-4887 240-727- 7039 or www.mountainsidebiketours.net “You FLORIDA KEYS The ultimate Bicycle Vacation. REDSPOKE, JULY 16-20 The “Cadillac of Pedal, We Pamper.” Bike the entire key system, down and back. bicycling tours” — fully supported! A 5-day, 300- Fully-supported including breakfasts and most mile recreational ride, presented by the Rotary SIGN ME UP TOURS See the U.S. from your dinners. Beautiful sunsets. Swim with the Club of Redmond. Our 27th year. Enjoy the bike. Ride for a day, a week, or coast-to-coast. dolphins. Snorkel. Dive. The Seven Mile Bridge splendor of the Cascade Mountains, the majesty Ride begins June 30, 2014. Details at www. just might be the most beautiful seven miles of river canyons and the beauty of rolling wheat signmeuptours.com. 816-228-4398. you will ever bike. November 1 - 8, 2014. Details fields as you ride from Redmond to Spokane. from BubbasPamperedPedalers.com or www.RedSpoke.org. BICYCLE RIDE ACROSS GEORGIA (BRAG) 35th [email protected]. It’s just not a bicycle tour, annual Bicycle Ride Across Georgia, June 8-14, it’s a Keys EXPERIENCE … It’s all GOOD!! YELLOWSTONE TO GLACIER Cycle 6 days 2014. 23rd annual Georgia BikeFest, Columbus, and 424 miles on the 10th Annual Park-2- GA, October 10-12, 2014. Great fun for families and CYCLE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL RIDE Park Montana fully-supported ride from West groups. Various mileage options. 770-498-5153, (April 4-6, 2014) Oriental, NC — Enjoy unique Yellowstone to West Glacier including all meals, [email protected], www.brag.org. waterfront camping and cycling on scenic SAG, and mechanic. Spectacular vistas and country roads in Coastal North Carolina. Register climbs. www.park2parkmontana.org. CYCLE DIVIDE MONTANA Here’s your chance to for 1, 2, or 3 days. Various mileage options for sample our heralded Great Divide Mountain Bike all skill levels from easy family to challenging WISCONSIN BACKROADS HOTEL TRIPS Fully Route fully supported and load free! We’ll travel century. Additional lodging options are available. supported affordable week-long HOTEL trips. from the lively resort town of Whitefish, located Fully supported with SAG support and rest stops. One price included hotels with indoor pools near Glacier National Park, to the southern end of [email protected] www.ncsports.org. – whirlpools, buffet dinners, food stops, & the spectacular Swan Range, one of Montana’s less- happy hours! Quiet, scenic backroads through visited geologic gems. Riding mostly on abandoned COLORADO SAN JUAN SKYWAY Inn-to-Inn NORTHWOODS, DOOR COUNTY & more. logging roads and a bit of single-track trail, we’ll Tour Verdant valleys harboring crystal-clear Celebrating our 30th year! 5-Day Only $590, experience the high country of one of the world’s streams, mountain passes, and steep slopes ablaze 7-Day Only $695. www.pedalacrosswisconsin. great wild-land complexes. Along the way, we’ll with Indian paintbrush, characterize this new com, 847-707-6888, [email protected]. encounter a variety of flora and fauna — the sharp- weeklong, inn-to-inn tour of southwest Colorado’s eyed might even spot wild huckleberries ripe for San Juan Mountains. Starting in the vibrant, BIKE-OHIO.COM Bicycle vacations and tours in the picking, or the occasional bear on a distant friendly, and cycling-crazed town of Durango, we’ll Ohio. Each month from June through September, hillside. July 12-18. $1,159.00. adventurecycling. make our way along the San Juan Skyway, one of we offer four day hotel vacations. We visit org/tours. the world’s most spectacular road networks. June geography, attractions, and festivals that make 8-14. $1769. adventurecycling.org/tours. Ohio unique.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Take this checklist along when • Comfortable position with well-con- shopping: sidered contact points (handlebars, Nick Legan lives in Boulder, Colorado, but firmly • Robust frame: probably steel, alu- saddle, pedals) believes that adventure is a state of mind and has little to do with geography. As a former pro cycling minum, or titanium • Adequate brakes: disc brakes/rim team mechanic, he’s seen parking lots the world over • Low gearing: pedaling is more fun brakes and a few great roads along the way. than pushing • Room for fenders if you’re traveling in • High spoke count, quality wheels: wetter climates Kristen Peterson is a Colorado native who lives don’t get stranded • Touring-specific geometry (longer for two-wheeled adventures along quiet mountain roads the world over. She rode the entire 2012 Tour • Reliable drivetrain wheelbase, longer chainstays = better de France one day ahead of the men and is a former • Comfortable position with handling and increased clearance professional triathlete. Although new to bikepacking, well-considered contact points between heel and front of rear pan- Kristen is passionate about taking the roads less trav- (handlebars, saddle, pedals) nier eled while exploring the world. • Braze-ons for the racks and acces- sories you’ll be using

66 ADVENTURE CYCLIST a pr il 2014