WSD Road vs. Touring Bike

I'm on the verge of purchasing my first road bike in preparation for a century at the end of August. My question for the more experienced riders out there is this: what are the major differences between "touring" road bikes and "road" bikes, especially with respect to entry-level models under and around $1000?

I've test ridden quite a few bikes...my favorites so far have been the Specialized Dolce Triple and the Gary Fisher ARC (not WSD). Because I'm 5'3-4" and have a particularly short torso/reach, I've found the WSD bikes just fit me better; I had the stem changed to a shorter one with about a 100º angle on the Fisher.

However, lately I've been wondering if a bike that's designed for touring/long distance riding (e.g., a Bianchi Via Nirone) -- would be more comfortable for me than a "regular" road bike? I'm planning to train for more long rides after this century, working up in the next year or two to the AIDS LifeCycle. I am *not* a sprinter, so I don't really have a need for speed and don't like an aggressive position on the bike (one of the reasons I didn't enjoy my test ride of an Orbea as much).

If a touring bike is something I should look into, are there women's models that I should look for? Most of the women's models I've encountered (online and in-person) are of the standard road style, designed to be light and sporty. Am I worrying too much? Are these bikes just as suitable for distance riding?

(ftr: I ride a 15yo Bianchi hybrid for my daily commutes, grocery shopping, training rides, dates, and everything in between. She's big-boned and sturdy, so anything in the road category will feel light and zippy, not to mention stiff.)

I posted a question about bike purchasing a few weeks ago, and got some very helpful answers here.

My question wasn't exactly the same as yours, but there is helpful information about touring bikes.

The quick answer is that a touring bike is designed for just that - touring. Set up to carry panniers and a longer, more comfy wheelbase. For supported road rides - your century and something like the AIDS LifeCycle, a road bike is ideal.

I think Terry is the only one that makes a womens specific touring bike---shame on the other companies!!!:p They are beautiful but, pricey:(

I have a trek 520 that I just got in April (touring bike) that I plan to use on a few centuries,my daily commute, RAGBRAI and hopefully some tours in the future.

My opinion...go with a road bike and set up your hybrid for touring if that is something you want to do in the future.

I'd say get a road bike. :)

Totally OT but can I say Owlie I love your sig line. I'm a little slow so I just figured it out. I think I might actually be a slimer.

you can also get a seat post mounted and removable rack for a road bike that allows you to carry a bag or trunk for touring. They come in all sizes, insulated and none, are easily removable so that you can carry them around as a day pack. Mine will hold two 12 oz bottles of water, tool kit, rain gear, sandwich, snacks, spare tube, inflation kit, map and a few other odds and ends. It add weight though, especially if you aren't disciplined about the amount of stuff you stuff it with. Incidentally, peanut butter and m&m sandwiches from two days ago are still edible, if a bit squashed and melted through.

I would go for the r0ad bike and assume that most distance rides you will be doing will probably be supported, thus eleminating the need for the rack and bag which you can replace with an under seat tool kit, two bottles , a frame pump or inflation kit and 3 jersey pockets.

marni

Thanks everyone! I'm glad there's unanimous support for the road bike. Makes things easier for me!

Can't wait to get on a bike that doesn't weigh 40 pounds. :) I suspect 50 miles will seem much more attractive.

You can get road bikes that aren't as aggressive in position - just make sure the bike shop knows you want to be more comfortable. I think the specialized ruby has a pretty relaxed position.

I am about your height and also find that WSD tend to fit me better. But, I bought a Bianchi Volpe a couple years ago and LOVE it. Before test riding it, my LBS did a fitting and were able to make it very comfortable for me. Typically, it is my commuter bike but we've also used it for light touring (with panniers and trunk bag) and all-day rides.

I have to say that I love my touring bike (Surly LHT) much more than my WSD flat-bar road bike - and they both have flat bars. I dislike road bars, but then again I am an odd person.

It is a great multi-purpose bike and doesn't have to be limited to loaded touring. It may not be the fastest bike in the pack, and I do take it on group rides, but it isn't the slowest and is a joy to ride. This is my long-distance bike.

Not that I am biased or anything ;)

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Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Totally OT but can I say Owlie I love your sig line. I'm a little slow so I just figured it out. I think I might actually be a slimer.

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Thanks! I'm trying to find a tiny snail* to keep in my bike bag. :D Slime is so hard to clean out of clothes, though...


*not a real one.