If your looking for all details on the bikes mentioned, I have written all the info you could need on my website : cycletraveloverload.com/best-touring-bikes-2022/
My partner and I started touring on Trek 520 Grandos, and have since moved to a CoMotion Java tandem! The Grando is great - we still have ours - but note that on smaller frame sizes, it's possible to have conflicts between the front wheel and your toes while turning. These days, we do almost all of our riding on the Java. It's an absolute workhorse of a bike, and it's a delight to be able to easily have conversations with each other while touring. Our favorite thing about the Java are the S&S frame couplers. It makes it dead easy to travel with; the whole thing packs down into two standard sized suitcases, and we pad the frame with our clothes and touring equipment. It's much easier than traveling with two separate bikes. I am almost certain all of my future bikes will have S&S couplers. They're such a game-changer! Our only regret with the Java is that we didn't opt for the Pinion gearbox and belt drive!
I have just spent ages deciding on a touring bike. It wasnt helped by the trend in gravel bikes but in the end, one bike kept coming into view, the Kona Sutra.
@@SubtractiveMoves Option paralysis. The Sutra has been great. The only mod I would need to consider is the gearing. Fully loaded in the mountains, I could do with the extra gear offered by the Sutra SE. I love how I can build it up for touring and strip it down for everyday riding with just a bar bag or frame bag.
( WE ) want the TRUTH ! ! Not Two ( 2 ) year's back... * Personally..., I like you and your videos' ! ! * Just..., get your video's ( up-to-date ), = ( 2024 ) ! ! "Semper Fi" Mike in Montana P.S.: Keep up the good work... :)
Some excellent touring bikes; thanks for reviewing them. Anyway, I never like the components on off-the-peg touring bikes, so I bought the frameset (Surly Disc Trucker 2019) instead, fitted my own choice of parts - Shimano XT 10 Speed, along with hand built wheels, for e.g. - which of course costs more, but this gives me the creativity and freedom I want.
You left out the Ridgeback Panorama, which I prefer above most of the bikes presented here. It has regular shifters (as I don't see the point of bar end shifters, which I deem very cumbersome and unpractical to use). It has front and rear rack, a bike stand, front and rear fenders, a third bottle cage, etc. It has everything you would need or want. For less than 2000 € (1849 € here in France).
@@CycleTravelOverload I rode around the periphery of Florida in Jan/Feb, then took a trip across MA and NY (Erie Canal Trail) in May. I'm planning to ride the GAP (Great Allegheny Passage) and C&O trail starting in September, then continuing back down to Florida from Washington DC. I think I'll end the year having ridden around 5k miles on the bike. Loving riding my surly around the eastern US and camping in this beautiful country. North Florida and the Gulf coast were my favorite parts of Florida. The Suncoast trail and then the Pinnealis trail down to St Pete was especially nice. How about you? Any adventures planned?
I'm also 5'11'', the 56cm frame looks way too big for me (at least when I'm comparing it to my Tarmac SL6 online via bikeinsights). Kinda steered away from it since I don't want 26in wheels >.>
I had a Holdsworth from 1980 I used to cross North America. Recently parted with it as I wasn't riding it anymore. Such a beautiful machine. Bikes are works of art.
Slightly off topic but I'm from Bend, Oregon and every once in a while I see seemingly random video footage that was very obviously shot in my hometown and it always throws me off guard lol. I was not expecting that footage from Fuji to be shot in Farewell Bend park!! Though it immediately made me go to their website and check out their gravel offerings haha
Thorn Touring bike from Somerset England never made your list? I have done over 25k on mine, its never missed a beat. Carrys me, 83kg, plus my touring load and water about 35kg. It rides better loaded.
I was hit by a truck a few days ago on my Surly ECR. The drive side chain-stay is bent and the dropout is FUBAR. I'm devastated. I love my discontinued ECR. I'm keeping that frame in hopes that some day a bend back may be financially possible.
About high bottom brackets: a high bottom bracket makes a bike more stable at low speeds, which is what touring bikes are probably gong to be doing, while a low BB is better at speed in the sense that you can throw the bike into corners better. It's absolutely not true that a high bottom bracket is less stable, it's just a matter of what the bike is designed to do.
You should include the Surly Bridge Club, one of the most underrated touring bikes on the market! BTW, I also have a Kona Sutra 2021, which is an awesome touring bike.
If you dont need steel and are looking for a budget option, get the trek 920, ive now been driving it for ca. 50.000 kms incredible amount of abuse, trips over three months in length and its never let me down, its fast, stable and kind of sexy.
I need your opinion about 3 bikes. I'm ready to buy a touring bike. Which would you choose among Genesis Tour de Fer 10 (flat), Trek 520 and Fuji Touring? Thanks for advance and keep up the great work!
I have a 2011 Vivente World Randonneur that I have been very happy with. It came well equipped and has been pretty solid. I did have to replace the bottom bracket three times in six months but have now had a ceramic one in since 2012 and have had no trouble with it. The previous one was a nylon Shimano one; can't recall the model and it did not perform well for me. I'd love to try the one with the Rohloff hub but don't have 5 grand odd sitting round doing nothing.
@@allanrobins1564 "replace the bottom bracket three times in six months" Wow! Are you a very big, very strong guy? Was it a pressfit or threaded model, can you remember that?
Trek doesn’t make either version of the 520 any longer… That being said, I’ve pretty much made up my mind for the Bombtrack Arise. It doesn’t even try to be a gravel/touring bike. Surly’s new geometry is too high a BB for touring, lower would be more stable… Too many bikes are starting to be more Gravel bike than anything. Gravel vs touring are not the same thing, merging the two is just trying to meet the gravel bike craze that is going on. Even using the “rail trail” argument fails, as rail trails are pretty flat the most you can argue is that most are not paved but crushed stone not even gravel.
Hey depends on the type of road bike? Endurance road maybe (bit more relaxed geometry for adventure) and what trailer? What type of adventure and where are you heading? Would love to hear more, thanks
You left out the Cannondale Topstone. For $1400 you get the aluminum frame, full carbon fork. Gearing is 9 speed, with competitive range. All the braze ons for racks and bottles are there. A very long upright bike with a solid smooth ride feel. Very easy to get a Shimano HG cassette 12-36, and put a 13 in final position. As a fixed gear rider, pushing the 96 gear it's easy to go 25mph. Any faster with the non aero body position is a waste, especially heavily laden downhill. It comes with 37mm gravel tires, but 30mm road tires are for me. A semi- gravel offering.
Sadly Trek has dropped the 520 smh. I don't get it. They offer an endless flotilla of aluminum/carbon adventure/gravel bikes abut drop their one and only "classic" steel touring bike.
Excellent to start with some technical specifications! it's very rare... everyone looking for serious rides in a specific category should start with that, since most of us can't try many different bikes before buying. That said I'm looking at a cyclocross bike - as an allrounder for shorts drives and some exercise, 80% paved roads - which kind of the opposite of what you are looking for in a travel bike, when it comes to frame specs!
Salsa Fargo is such a capable and comfortable bike. Some call them gravel bikes but I really think they fit into the drop bar mountain bike / touring bike category. I rode my mates youtube.com/@thecollegepicker?si=detXvwl-Qo_WA6Wm such a dream bike!
I rode across America on a Trek DS2 but it couldn’t handle the weight. Trek lent me a 920 and I loved it. Gunna get a Trek 520 though as they’re a little cheaper for my next ride
Just get a 2009-2012 version of the 520. This model is on par with the more recent models. I have it and I had a Surly LHT. I prefer the 700c wheels on the Trek 520 over the 26" Surly LHT.
Both good choices.. I think I might have to make a best commuter bike video? Haven't covered commuter bikes too much but this article has some more options : cycletraveloverload.com/gravel-bikes-for-commuting-best-commuter-gravel-bikes/ also flat bar gravel bikes would make great commuters cycletraveloverload.com/best-flat-bar-gravel-bikes/ But will definitely have to make more commuter bike content..
I've a Kona Sutra SE ... just luv it ... handles with or without load fab ... using it as a commuter, fun day out , a few overnighter and my grocery run ... you can't go wrong ... 5 stars ... I've had mine for over 5 years looking to purchase a new one for 2023 ...
The biggest problem seems to be trying to purchase a 54 cm medium of any of these bikes at a bicycle shop anywhere in and around any outer suburbs of Melbourne. I've been trying to get something around 2 and a half grand for over 2 years or more now. Just out of frustration I bought a gravel Fuji Jari to bikepack a light tour. Also have an old 90s rigid 26 MTB that I put racks all round. I just can't get a touring bike in Melbourne.
@@CycleTravelOverload they just aren't around 2nd hand either. I saw a 26 inch wheel surely lht on line just down the road but frame is 56cm. It's been like this for about 2and a half years or more. The closest is a medium in a giant tough road 1. That has just arrived at Hallam cycle shop. But it's all aluminium. I mean what's the point when I have an old converted rigid MTB I built in chro moly. And also have a aluminium Fuji Jari 2.1 to bike pack.
i've also noticed the bike shortage in the melbourne region. i've asked around a lot, and the answer why there is none in stock is always the same: stores won't order them because they don't sell them, and they can't sell them because stores refuse to order them! it's a perfectly circular explanation, but the stores don't care because they are making bank selling ebikes to boomers.... fvck, another industry ruined by boomers >:(
@@mrman5517 you will be a boomers age in some years to come..good luck with all the hate and Kent's wanting to knock you off..I'm on in the very last six months of technically being a boomer. I want a 54 cm touring bike I can peddle.. don't give a sh!t about electric. So don't know what the hell you are on about..feel sorry for haters like you. Anyway today I found 3 on gumtree so I'll just head there.
Are they still alive?? I have seen no signs they are going back several years of looking. Worst website ever. I saw that Peter Newberry on CGOAB had one since 2013 doing Vietnam and neighbor countries. Anyway, I have done the same on my custom with a Rohloff14 and flawless SA XL-FDD dyno drum brake front.
@@GordoGambler they have new stock at my lbs so I would assume so. If you are looking for a bike give Noel a call. Not many companies left that you talk to the owner before purchasing.
Not sure how this old video showed up in the yuoutube feed but I watched it. The guy appears to be Australian so it is a bit odd that ge does not mention Vivente. Or Rohloff or belt drive.
For me high gears are also inportannt on touring bike, I did my speed records on fully loaded touring bike downhill. Did you konow the fact that old Fuji Touring's top speed is 90 km/h?
Wow that's amazing!! I will definitely try my best to include high gears stats in future videos.. I can see how you did your speed records with all that extra weight..
I had one of the original Fuji Touring bikes back in 2005 when it had the shimano Tiagra brifters with 3 x 9 Deore rear and had a Truivit triple at the front but i always felt it was too high in the lowest gear (granny) and I thin had something like a 50 on the largest. So by memory I think it could've been 50/38/26. It was a really nice bike and I regretted selling, I don't even remember why I sold it, I took it on the NSW 2005 Kusziusko to Kiama big ride, it done a sterling job.
No there are other bikes in this video that offer thru, both Trek 520's, the Focus, Bombtrack, pretty sure Toughroad has them too and Surly Disc trucker offers dual dropout eyelets. Not too sure with the Marin think quick release for that one.
I have the State All Road 4130. Would that be sufficient for less epic adventures (3 months or less)? I lowered the chain ring to a 38 since I'm fine with coasting downhill, and plan on changing the 11-42 cassette to an 11-46, and will change the brakes for sure. I know you weren't hyped on the spec, but will it probably make it through a SE Asia Tour? Cheers!
On 650b x 2.1" tires that should give you about a 22.5" climbing gear which is much better then the 27" from stock.. It might be okay for SE Asia but really steep hill climbs might be a struggle still at this gear inch. I am heading to Vietnam in a few months.. So excited..
@@CycleTravelOverload Right on, I'll see if I can get an even better climbing gear in there. Have fun in Vietnam, and make sure to remember to bring the #1 necessity for the country: noise cancelling headphones.
You're right about aluminum, It might only last 200 to 250 years tops. Did you know that the Air Force, including yours down under have aluminum aircraft. And the aluminum is not that different. I'm glad you're not a carbon fiber nut. Your videos are amazing. Thank you for the in depth reviews.
I've got a Kona Sutra ltd which is 1x and the frame is extremely robust and great to ride,no toe overlap(size 46)...I put a 30 tooth chainring with a 11- 42 cassette and this suits my need, I could have put a 2x on but more expense...I also put some nice DT Swiss wheels on as the old ones just were not up to it...but as your 120 kg plus gear you are going to need custom made 36 spoke wheels to carry your weight imo... Good luck, just thinking by now you've probably sorted everything and of course the Kona Sutra(original) may just be the fit for you!?!?
Are people in Australia not in danger of head injuries when flying through the forest next to hardwood trees and no helmet while barely under control? Don't you people like flat bars?
So heavy bikes. I had a cheap (1.500€) aluminium gravel bike, less than 10,5 kg and I wouldn't carry those extra 2-3 kgs and paying more money by no means!
@@davidodell4687love mine too. Got the 2019 model. When I picked it up at the Trek bikeshop, he said he had never even seen one before. That shows you that they didn't sell many. Poor marketing, uneducated consumers, call it whatever. A lot of people missed out on an excellent bike.
![[UA] NAVI vs MOUZ | BO5 | IEM Rio 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CMBYk0cbGoA/mqdefault.jpg)
If your looking for all details on the bikes mentioned, I have written all the info you could need on my website : cycletraveloverload.com/best-touring-bikes-2022/
My partner and I started touring on Trek 520 Grandos, and have since moved to a CoMotion Java tandem! The Grando is great - we still have ours - but note that on smaller frame sizes, it's possible to have conflicts between the front wheel and your toes while turning. These days, we do almost all of our riding on the Java. It's an absolute workhorse of a bike, and it's a delight to be able to easily have conversations with each other while touring.
Our favorite thing about the Java are the S&S frame couplers. It makes it dead easy to travel with; the whole thing packs down into two standard sized suitcases, and we pad the frame with our clothes and touring equipment. It's much easier than traveling with two separate bikes. I am almost certain all of my future bikes will have S&S couplers. They're such a game-changer!
Our only regret with the Java is that we didn't opt for the Pinion gearbox and belt drive!
I bought a Novara Randonee in 2004 and ride it more than any other bike I have. It has held together very well.
I have just spent ages deciding on a touring bike. It wasnt helped by the trend in gravel bikes but in the end, one bike kept coming into view, the Kona Sutra.
I'm glad you found the Sutra. How has it been treating you? Such a lovely bike!
I'm in that cluster fack right now and the Sutra ....I think is also my decision.
I've been paralyzed forever over this crap
@@SubtractiveMoves Option paralysis. The Sutra has been great. The only mod I would need to consider is the gearing. Fully loaded in the mountains, I could do with the extra gear offered by the Sutra SE. I love how I can build it up for touring and strip it down for everyday riding with just a bar bag or frame bag.
This video is from 2022 and the title says 2024???????
The Trek 520 is also no longer available too
He’s just changed the title for clicks, it appears
He's a bad man,let's all boo him😂😂
Chill dude
( WE ) want the TRUTH ! ! Not Two ( 2 ) year's back... * Personally..., I like you and your videos' ! ! * Just..., get your video's ( up-to-date ), = ( 2024 ) ! ! "Semper Fi" Mike in Montana P.S.: Keep up the good work... :)
Some excellent touring bikes; thanks for reviewing them. Anyway, I never like the components on off-the-peg touring bikes, so I bought the frameset (Surly Disc Trucker 2019) instead, fitted my own choice of parts - Shimano XT 10 Speed, along with hand built wheels, for e.g. - which of course costs more, but this gives me the creativity and freedom I want.
You left out the Ridgeback Panorama, which I prefer above most of the bikes presented here. It has regular shifters (as I don't see the point of bar end shifters, which I deem very cumbersome and unpractical to use). It has front and rear rack, a bike stand, front and rear fenders, a third bottle cage, etc. It has everything you would need or want. For less than 2000 € (1849 € here in France).
Have one 20 years.
Front bags mounted low will slow down the steering and make the bike feel more solid on pavement.
I love my Surly Disc Trucker. I’m 5’11” and got the 56 cm frame with 700c wheels. Fits great.
Perfect bike and fit! Have you been on any adventures lately?
@@CycleTravelOverload I rode around the periphery of Florida in Jan/Feb, then took a trip across MA and NY (Erie Canal Trail) in May. I'm planning to ride the GAP (Great Allegheny Passage) and C&O trail starting in September, then continuing back down to Florida from Washington DC. I think I'll end the year having ridden around 5k miles on the bike.
Loving riding my surly around the eastern US and camping in this beautiful country. North Florida and the Gulf coast were my favorite parts of Florida. The Suncoast trail and then the Pinnealis trail down to St Pete was especially nice.
How about you? Any adventures planned?
I'm also 5'11'', the 56cm frame looks way too big for me (at least when I'm comparing it to my Tarmac SL6 online via bikeinsights). Kinda steered away from it since I don't want 26in wheels >.>
Love my vintage steel tourers. Raleigh Royal, Raleigh Classic, Claud Butler Majestic. Wish I still had my F W Evans.
I had a Holdsworth from 1980 I used to cross North America. Recently parted with it as I wasn't riding it anymore. Such a beautiful machine. Bikes are works of art.
Since posting my comment above, I have acquired a really nice 1984 F W Evans. Looks new.
Slightly off topic but I'm from Bend, Oregon and every once in a while I see seemingly random video footage that was very obviously shot in my hometown and it always throws me off guard lol. I was not expecting that footage from Fuji to be shot in Farewell Bend park!! Though it immediately made me go to their website and check out their gravel offerings haha
Been running the Fuji touring disc 2022 for my first bike packing trip love it so far 🎉
Thanks for the feedback on the Surly Disc Trucker. I am saving up for this beauty.
Thorn Touring bike from Somerset England never made your list? I have done over 25k on mine, its never missed a beat. Carrys me, 83kg, plus my touring load and water about 35kg. It rides better loaded.
The novara randonee was my first touring bike also! Its phenomenal. I still ride it and its pronably my favorite bike ive ever rode.
Ohhh really that’s awesome! They are such great touring bikes!
I was hit by a truck a few days ago on my Surly ECR. The drive side chain-stay is bent and the dropout is FUBAR. I'm devastated. I love my discontinued ECR. I'm keeping that frame in hopes that some day a bend back may be financially possible.
About high bottom brackets: a high bottom bracket makes a bike more stable at low speeds, which is what touring bikes are probably gong to be doing, while a low BB is better at speed in the sense that you can throw the bike into corners better. It's absolutely not true that a high bottom bracket is less stable, it's just a matter of what the bike is designed to do.
Thank you! You mentioned some bikes that I will check out before purchasing.
All the best, let us know how you go..
You should include the Surly Bridge Club, one of the most underrated touring bikes on the market!
BTW, I also have a Kona Sutra 2021, which is an awesome touring bike.
Very good job. I believe you hit every bike that an adventure cyclist would want to look at that at least has a conscious about budget.
Hey Tommy thanks for the comment mate..
How about custom build with Pinion/Rohloff belt drive? Koga has some bikes like that or bike workshops can build one.
I would suggest the POSEIDON X-Ambition flatbar or dropbar for touring. With enough money left over for the trip itself.
If you dont need steel and are looking for a budget option, get the trek 920, ive now been driving it for ca. 50.000 kms incredible amount of abuse, trips over three months in length and its never let me down, its fast, stable and kind of sexy.
Love the video. Thanks very much.
AUD $ for anyone who wasn’t sure.
Thanks will do for next video :)
I need your opinion about 3 bikes. I'm ready to buy a touring bike. Which would you choose among Genesis Tour de Fer 10 (flat), Trek 520 and Fuji Touring? Thanks for advance and keep up the great work!
GENESSİS
I liked the Fuji you reviewed, bit of a weight weenie 😊oh and thanks for your informative reviews
You mentioned a stand. Very handy if they can be trusted. A gust of wind caught my bike and pushed it over => damaged derailleur. Spoiled my lunch.
My friend had a stand and parked where cars were around, someone reversed over his bike , just didn't see it , changed my mind about getting a stand
Vivente Gibb touring bike has all you mentioned and Rohloff speed Hub
I have a 2011 Vivente World Randonneur that I have been very happy with. It came well equipped and has been pretty solid. I did have to replace the bottom bracket three times in six months but have now had a ceramic one in since 2012 and have had no trouble with it. The previous one was a nylon Shimano one; can't recall the model and it did not perform well for me. I'd love to try the one with the Rohloff hub but don't have 5 grand odd sitting round doing nothing.
@@allanrobins1564 "replace the bottom bracket three times in six months"
Wow! Are you a very big, very strong guy?
Was it a pressfit or threaded model, can you remember that?
Trek doesn’t make either version of the 520 any longer… That being said, I’ve pretty much made up my mind for the Bombtrack Arise. It doesn’t even try to be a gravel/touring bike. Surly’s new geometry is too high a BB for touring, lower would be more stable… Too many bikes are starting to be more Gravel bike than anything. Gravel vs touring are not the same thing, merging the two is just trying to meet the gravel bike craze that is going on. Even using the “rail trail” argument fails, as rail trails are pretty flat the most you can argue is that most are not paved but crushed stone not even gravel.
Thoughts on using a road bike with a trailer? Thanks.
Hey depends on the type of road bike? Endurance road maybe (bit more relaxed geometry for adventure) and what trailer? What type of adventure and where are you heading? Would love to hear more, thanks
You left out the Cannondale Topstone. For $1400 you get the aluminum frame, full carbon fork. Gearing is 9 speed, with competitive range. All the braze ons for racks and bottles are there. A very long upright bike with a solid smooth ride feel. Very easy to get a Shimano HG cassette 12-36, and put a 13 in final position. As a fixed gear rider, pushing the 96 gear it's easy to go 25mph. Any faster with the non aero body position is a waste, especially heavily laden downhill. It comes with 37mm gravel tires, but 30mm road tires are for me. A semi- gravel offering.
Sadly Trek has dropped the 520 smh. I don't get it. They offer an endless flotilla of aluminum/carbon adventure/gravel bikes abut drop their one and only "classic" steel touring bike.
You just answered your own question=gravel is $$$$$$ touring is=$ for Trek
Excellent to start with some technical specifications! it's very rare... everyone looking for serious rides in a specific category should start with that, since most of us can't try many different bikes before buying.
That said I'm looking at a cyclocross bike - as an allrounder for shorts drives and some exercise, 80% paved roads - which kind of the opposite of what you are looking for in a travel bike, when it comes to frame specs!
What do you think about the salsa fargo?
I know it’s an adventure bike but so is your ogre.
Salsa Fargo is such a capable and comfortable bike. Some call them gravel bikes but I really think they fit into the drop bar mountain bike / touring bike category. I rode my mates youtube.com/@thecollegepicker?si=detXvwl-Qo_WA6Wm such a dream bike!
@@CycleTravelOverload asking about it as a road touring bike. It is similar to your ogre
Great video but i'm very glad with my co-motion Americano rolhoff speed hub
good review, thanks for your time. You got a sub
Thanks for subbing
HOW ABOUT THE BEST TOURING E-BIKES; BIKE THAT CAN USE REAR PANIERS AND FRONT FOK PANIERW OR BAGS?
How about REI's house brand CO-OP Cycles ADV 1.1?
I rode across America on a Trek DS2 but it couldn’t handle the weight. Trek lent me a 920 and I loved it. Gunna get a Trek 520 though as they’re a little cheaper for my next ride
I've had no luck getting a 2022-23 Trek 520. I think they discontinued it, unfortunately.
I have a blk 2015 with disc brakes and index shifting
Just get a 2009-2012 version of the 520. This model is on par with the more recent models. I have it and I had a Surly LHT. I prefer the 700c wheels on the Trek 520 over the 26" Surly LHT.
What's a good commuter for work and pleasure. I've had my eye on the toughroad for a while , quite like the look of the marin 4 corners
Both good choices.. I think I might have to make a best commuter bike video? Haven't covered commuter bikes too much but this article has some more options : cycletraveloverload.com/gravel-bikes-for-commuting-best-commuter-gravel-bikes/ also flat bar gravel bikes would make great commuters cycletraveloverload.com/best-flat-bar-gravel-bikes/ But will definitely have to make more commuter bike content..
I've a Kona Sutra SE ... just luv it ... handles with or without load fab ... using it as a commuter, fun day out , a few overnighter and my grocery run ... you can't go wrong ... 5 stars ... I've had mine for over 5 years looking to purchase a new one for 2023 ...
The biggest problem seems to be trying to purchase a 54 cm medium of any of these bikes at a bicycle shop anywhere in and around any outer suburbs of Melbourne. I've been trying to get something around 2 and a half grand for over 2 years or more now. Just out of frustration I bought a gravel Fuji Jari to bikepack a light tour. Also have an old 90s rigid 26 MTB that I put racks all round. I just can't get a touring bike in Melbourne.
That is correct either Australian distributors are bringing wrong sizes into Australia or manufacturers are not producing correct size quantity.
Yeah its difficult some of the bikes I wanna get are not available either. Seems trying used market is an option but they go quick.
@@CycleTravelOverload they just aren't around 2nd hand either. I saw a 26 inch wheel surely lht on line just down the road but frame is 56cm. It's been like this for about 2and a half years or more. The closest is a medium in a giant tough road 1. That has just arrived at Hallam cycle shop. But it's all aluminium. I mean what's the point when I have an old converted rigid MTB I built in chro moly. And also have a aluminium Fuji Jari 2.1 to bike pack.
i've also noticed the bike shortage in the melbourne region. i've asked around a lot, and the answer why there is none in stock is always the same: stores won't order them because they don't sell them, and they can't sell them because stores refuse to order them!
it's a perfectly circular explanation, but the stores don't care because they are making bank selling ebikes to boomers.... fvck, another industry ruined by boomers >:(
@@mrman5517 you will be a boomers age in some years to come..good luck with all the hate and Kent's wanting to knock you off..I'm on in the very last six months of technically being a boomer. I want a 54 cm touring bike I can peddle.. don't give a sh!t about electric. So don't know what the hell you are on about..feel sorry for haters like you. Anyway today I found 3 on gumtree so I'll just head there.
Why would you want bar end shifters?
Mate great video except you left out our Aussie touring Legend Vivente World Randoneur😊
Are they still alive?? I have seen no signs they are going back several years of looking. Worst website ever.
I saw that Peter Newberry on CGOAB had one since 2013 doing Vietnam and neighbor countries.
Anyway, I have done the same on my custom with a Rohloff14 and flawless SA XL-FDD dyno drum brake front.
@@GordoGambler they have new stock at my lbs so I would assume so. If you are looking for a bike give Noel a call. Not many companies left that you talk to the owner before purchasing.
Not sure how this old video showed up in the yuoutube feed but I watched it. The guy appears to be Australian so it is a bit odd that ge does not mention Vivente. Or Rohloff or belt drive.
Thanks a ton. Exactly what I was looking for. Now to decide Kona , Trek or Bombtrack 😊
Kona Sutra SE all the way... if you can find one
How do you clean your chain when touring?
How do people do this ? How do you get the time and money to ride around the world for a year?
I think it’s a matter of priorities. Even a short trip can feed the soul
I know this is an older video, but it said touring bikes for 2024. Unfortunately, the Trek 520 has been discontinued.
What do you think about the salsa Journeyer?
You chould check out the tout terrain expedition and falkenjagd hoplit +
For me high gears are also inportannt on touring bike, I did my speed records on fully loaded touring bike downhill.
Did you konow the fact that old Fuji Touring's top speed is 90 km/h?
Wow that's amazing!! I will definitely try my best to include high gears stats in future videos.. I can see how you did your speed records with all that extra weight..
I had one of the original Fuji Touring bikes back in 2005 when it had the shimano Tiagra brifters with 3 x 9 Deore rear and had a Truivit triple at the front but i always felt it was too high in the lowest gear (granny) and I thin had something like a 50 on the largest. So by memory I think it could've been 50/38/26. It was a really nice bike and I regretted selling, I don't even remember why I sold it, I took it on the NSW 2005 Kusziusko to Kiama big ride, it done a sterling job.
Thank you mate I own a 2010 LHT and a 2012 DT both I love .Thought the current DT I would not purchase and go for a Kona model.
No worries mate, thanks for the comment.. What Kona bike would you get?
@@CycleTravelOverload I would go for a Sutra model
Oh god I absolutely love your denim jacket, where did you get it ? 😲
Hey thanks!! I got it from the thrift store for like $10 :) Levi's :)
I thought the Trek 520 is no longer in production?
Great vid. Is the Kona Sutra the only one that has through axles?
No there are other bikes in this video that offer thru, both Trek 520's, the Focus, Bombtrack, pretty sure Toughroad has them too and Surly Disc trucker offers dual dropout eyelets. Not too sure with the Marin think quick release for that one.
What about Genesis Tour ???
I saw this bike and is sooooo Beautiful
And the Croix de Fer
I have the State All Road 4130. Would that be sufficient for less epic adventures (3 months or less)? I lowered the chain ring to a 38 since I'm fine with coasting downhill, and plan on changing the 11-42 cassette to an 11-46, and will change the brakes for sure. I know you weren't hyped on the spec, but will it probably make it through a SE Asia Tour? Cheers!
On 650b x 2.1" tires that should give you about a 22.5" climbing gear which is much better then the 27" from stock.. It might be okay for SE Asia but really steep hill climbs might be a struggle still at this gear inch. I am heading to Vietnam in a few months.. So excited..
@@CycleTravelOverload Right on, I'll see if I can get an even better climbing gear in there. Have fun in Vietnam, and make sure to remember to bring the #1 necessity for the country: noise cancelling headphones.
You're right about aluminum, It might only last 200 to 250 years tops. Did you know that the Air Force, including yours down under have aluminum aircraft. And the aluminum is not that different.
I'm glad you're not a carbon fiber nut.
Your videos are amazing. Thank you for the in depth reviews.
Do you know If there are any touring ebikes?
Motorcycles?? NUTS.
Im in Australia. Im 6,1 120kg . Large foot .im looking for a full steel bike to camp and touring with . Help what do you recommend,? Thanks 😊
I've got a Kona Sutra ltd which is 1x and the frame is extremely robust and great to ride,no toe overlap(size 46)...I put a 30 tooth chainring with a 11- 42 cassette and this suits my need, I could have put a 2x on but more expense...I also put some nice DT Swiss wheels on as the old ones just were not up to it...but as your 120 kg plus gear you are going to need custom made 36 spoke wheels to carry your weight imo...
Good luck, just thinking by now you've probably sorted everything and of course the Kona Sutra(original) may just be the fit for you!?!?
What is the point of bar end shifters ? I can't see how it's better (?) If someone can help :)
not having to take your hand off bars
I agree about the bar end shifters. I'm old enough to know that they only became a "thing" because they were better than downtube shifting.
what would you reccomend for something like the pan america tour, a super long journey?
Brilliant
you cant go wrong with Novara timeless
Love the jif and a bottle cage and mad respect for wheeling a loaded touring bike
Trek 520 no longer available in the USA
AUD or US dollars?
USD
Electric changes things. Weight negated by pedal assist.
v nice
Ridgeback panorama
They never do them for small people. Small or xs
The Salsa Marrakesh didn’t make the cut,maybe next time
I want all of them
Wouldn't that be great :)
Greedy
2022?????? BAD CLICKBAIT BAD
Could not care a less about peddling down hill. I need all the rest I can get lol
So you just change the video title from 23 to 24?
Are people in Australia not in danger of head injuries when flying through the forest next to hardwood trees and no helmet while barely under control?
Don't you people like flat bars?
All luddite tech in 2024.. Get a Rohloff14 or Pinion, or STAY HOME. LOL.
Thru axles SUCK on heavyweights.
Kona Sutra max size 58 cm...
A used Bruce Gordon
So heavy bikes. I had a cheap (1.500€) aluminium gravel bike, less than 10,5 kg and I wouldn't carry those extra 2-3 kgs and paying more money by no means!
Hello february 2024 😂
Bombtrack arise tour is a shitty bike ! I had to replace brakes, cogs etc... Very disappointed
=Consumerism=
Need a woman that will go touring with me 😊
If you carry it on your back, you will find it easy
Trek 920 the best why did they stop making it
Probably same reason they quit making the 520. Nobody was buying them.
@@rickchandler2570 Well I love mine Don't know why they would would get rid of something So Good.
@@davidodell4687 Yeah I had a couple of them. Loved them. It’s a business and they don’t care about great products that doesn’t sell.
@@davidodell4687love mine too. Got the 2019 model. When I picked it up at the Trek bikeshop, he said he had never even seen one before. That shows you that they didn't sell many. Poor marketing, uneducated consumers, call it whatever. A lot of people missed out on an excellent bike.
Sheesh a single bike costs more than my entire lifes savings...
Get a job.
You have 2 kidneys.