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Main
Date: 27 Oct 2006 15:18:09
From: Iwan Edwards
Subject: Tourer feedback wanted
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afternoon all.
I went into the nearest decent bike shop (Deeside cycles) looking t
buy a tourer that would allow for a fully laden expedition.
I was hoping to get a bike custom-built for my particular needs (ver
long arms) . But the guy in the shop suggested that I consider
pre-built on the basis that i would be saving money in the end
especially since my budget is under a grand.
He recommended the Ridgeback 'Panorama' (£800-900).
I cannot find any usefull information about the bike on the net an
i've never ridden a ridgeback so i was hoping somone might have som
useful input.
I have considered the Thorn Raven with the Rolhoff Hub at just over
grand but it is a hassle to get down to the nearest stockist.
Any feedback welcome. cheers
--
Iwan Edwards
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Date: 03 Nov 2006 23:10:41
From: Chris Y.F.N.W.
Subject: Re: Tourer feedback wanted
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From: Iwan.Edwards.2gcpxm@cyclebanter.com (Iwan=A0Edwards)
>afternoon all.
>I went into the nearest decent bike shop
>(Deeside cycles) looking to buy a tourer
>that would allow for a fully laden
>expedition. I was hoping to get a bike
>custom-built for my particular needs
>(very long arms) . But the guy in the
>shop suggested that I consider a
>pre-built on the basis that i would be
>saving money in the end, especially
>since my budget is under a grand.
Custom builts are hard to come by at less than a grand, at least the
really good ones are. But that's not to say they aren't out there. I've
never needed one, so I wouldn't know for sure, not having looked.
But he is right on one count, if you can find a brand that has a frame
geometry that does agree with your "bodilly dimentions", you may very
well save much, money wise.
My suggestion is check out the better manufacturer's stock frames and a
custom builder within your price range. May the best bike, and you, win.
- -
Compliments of:
"Your Friendly Neighborhood Wheelman"
If you want to E-mail me use:
ChrisZCorner "at" webtv "dot" net
My website:
http://geocities.com/czcorner
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Date: 28 Oct 2006 19:16:38
From: fastturtle
Subject: Re: Tourer feedback wanted
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> He recommended the Ridgeback 'Panorama' (£800-900).
>
> I cannot find any usefull information about the bike on the net and i've
> never ridden a ridgeback so i was hoping somone might have some useful
> input.
>
> I have considered the Thorn Raven with the Rolhoff Hub at just over a
> grand but it is a hassle to get down to the nearest stockist.
>
> Any feedback welcome. cheers.
Just judging by what I can find on the manufacturer's websites, it would
seem to me that the Ridgeback (http://www.ridgeback.co.uk) is a decent
bike for its price and should be right if you intend to tour in Europe and
to stick to paved roads. If your plans are to cycle through the Andes with
60 kg of luggage, then probably it won't be tough enough.
Components are in the low-medium range, but this has to be expected for
this price, and that may not even be an issue. I have personnally been
using a tourer with Sora shifters without having to complain. One detail:
I wonder how rigid is the adjustable stem - but if it is not, then it's
easy to replace.
I am a bit puzzled about the Rohloff craze. It is obviously seducing to
have all your gearing in a clean little box, that is actually said to be
quite reliable. But if it fails in any manner, I doubt you will find a way
to repair it and this will probably be the end of your tour. Also, but
this is personal, I didn't like too much the churning noises that the
Rohloff makes in some of the gears. I don't know whether this really
translates into power losses, but it made me feel uncomfortable.
Talking about a custom built bike: I just ordered one ("Audax" or
"randonneur" type) from a reputable french manufacturer. Sticking to
medium range components (Veloce) and the least expensive options
(exception is SON lighting), we are around 3000 Euro, which is twice your
budget. So I think your shop is right to recommend you a standard bike.
Turtle
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Date: 31 Oct 2006 18:37:34
From: Iwan Edwards
Subject: Re: Tourer feedback wanted
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Your advice is greatly appreciated Mr Turtle
--
Iwan Edwards
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