Touring Bike Recommendation

[tpb]

You may also want to look at the Bianchi Volpe. I commute about 16 miles (each direction) on one and it's a very comfortable, solid bike. It has the braze-ons for racks on back and (I think) on the front. I've loaded mine down with a laptop, clothes and lunch and it was still very stable.

BTW, I upgraded the derailluers to 105 and XT (it comes with Tiagra and Deore).

Enjoy!
tpb

[Blueberry]

F8th637 - I'm not sure why the LBS said that. DH has been (sort of) looking for a new bike, and kicking around options. They were steering him away from anything with disk brakes because he wants to be able to put on racks and tour.

CA

[F8th637]

F8th637 - I'm not sure why the LBS said that. DH has been (sort of) looking for a new bike, and kicking around options. They were steering him away from anything with disk brakes because he wants to be able to put on racks and tour.

CA

CA, if he does want a disc brake touring bike he should check out the Kona Sutra. I have the '06. I believe the '08 already comes with racks on the front and the back. It's not the lightest bike in the world but it is steel and incredibly smooth and stable with a load. It's not impossible to have a touring bike with disc brakes and racks. If it has the proper eyelets I don't see why he can't put a rack on a bike with disc brakes.

[Blueberry]

CA, if he does want a disc brake touring bike he should check out the Kona Sutra. I have the '06. I believe the '08 already comes with racks on the front and the back. It's not the lightest bike in the world but it is steel and incredibly smooth and stable with a load. It's not impossible to have a touring bike with disc brakes and racks. If it has the proper eyelets I don't see why he can't put a rack on a bike with disc brakes.

I think he's a long way fmrom deciding what he wants. Actually, I think what he wants doesn't necessarily exist. He wants something fast enough to do club rides on (and to hang with his normal group), and sturdy enough for touring (probably with a trailer). I think the Indy Fab Club Racer is about the only bike that would fit the bill I've seen...

CA

[F8th637]

I think he's a long way fmrom deciding what he wants. Actually, I think what he wants doesn't necessarily exist. He wants something fast enough to do club rides on (and to hang with his normal group), and sturdy enough for touring (probably with a trailer). I think the Indy Fab Club Racer is about the only bike that would fit the bill I've seen...

CA

Well, the Sutra has an adjustable wheelbase to make it a bit more responsive and fast or longer and stable but it sounds like it may not be as fast and responsive as he would like. The Club Racer looks like a dream. Good luck in his search!