Long Distance Tourer?

[grldtnr]

I hear what you are saying but not everything is about cost. If it were then all Audi drivers would be buying a Skoda.

So ,what is a Skoda?
Nothing more than an Audi in a donkey jacket.

I have a Skoda ,and to qoute the ads, a ''Happy driver'

 

[Gubbins]

So ,what is a Skoda?
Nothing more than an Audi in a donkey jacket.

I have a Skoda ,and to qoute the ads, a ''Happy driver'

Exactly my point! It's just that some prefer to wear a suit...

 

[Jonah]

I was tempted by the gravel bike option but they all use thru-axles and I couldn’t find any compatible kits to fit. I went for a Thorn Classic Tourer in the end and am waiting on the components to arrive to convert. I’m hoping this way I get a first class touring bike with decent range for about £2200 all in. I would really have liked the R&M but my other half wouldn’t let me!

 

[Gubbins]

I was tempted by the gravel bike option but they all use thru-axles and I couldn’t find any compatible kits to fit. I went for a Thorn Classic Tourer in the end and am waiting on the components to arrive to convert. I’m hoping this way I get a first class touring bike with decent range for about £2200 all in. I would really have liked the R&M but my other half wouldn’t let me!

Good job you have the skills for the conversion then. I dare not tell my other half that I have even looked at one, let alone how much they cost.

 

[Triple777]

Something like this might also do the trick, although this supplier only has it in 56cm.

I have toured on an unpowered MTB when I was much younger & fitter. It was not a good tourer. The gearing was useful, but the geometry made for a cramped ride unsuited to longer distances; that despite me making efforts to make it a more comfortable ride.

I have toured (Frankfurt to Budapest) on a 'proper' tourer, similar to the Surly. It was so vastly better than the MTB. It had drop bars, rim brakes and no suspension, but it was made for the job - not adapted - and did it very well. I should add that the luggage choice is another factor. Get good bags; e.g. Ortlieb and consider front panniers to spread the load equally.

What is your view on panniers Vs trailer?

 

[Nealh]

Thru axle Gravel bike I would consider a GSM mid drive with remote KT controller.

 

[Denis99]

Nuvinci vs Rohloff.

Luckily I have owned both.

The Nuvinci is probably less efficient than the Rohloff in terms of extra drag and resistance, but on the ebike it's not such the importance it would be without battery assistance.
So, I wouldn't say its a deal breaker.

Rohloff can be a little noisy at times, the Nuvinci is silent, again , not a massive issue.

However, the infinitely variable gearing and smooth gear change is something that is unique to me.

It has to be ridden to be appreciated, and having ridden conventional derailleur gears on an ebike, it does make a difference in terms of riding.

Chain wear, or stretch, has been non existent in the 750 miles of use, something that didn't happen with the derailleur system, I suspect the Rohloff would give minimal chain wear also.

Nuvinci is heavier than the Rohloff.

I prefer the Nuvinci, but Rohloff is still an excellent choice, in truth, no that much in it.

 

[anotherkiwi]

What is your view on panniers Vs trailer?

Trailer for me. The bike handles better except on long downhills where braking becomes an issue.

 

[Gubbins]

Nuvinci vs Rohloff.

Luckily I have owned both.

The Nuvinci is probably less efficient than the Rohloff in terms of extra drag and resistance, but on the ebike it's not such the importance it would be without battery assistance.
So, I wouldn't say its a deal breaker.

Rohloff can be a little noisy at times, the Nuvinci is silent, again , not a massive issue.

However, the infinitely variable gearing and smooth gear change is something that is unique to me.

It has to be ridden to be appreciated, and having ridden conventional derailleur gears on an ebike, it does make a difference in terms of riding.

Chain wear, or stretch, has been non existent in the 750 miles of use, something that didn't happen with the derailleur system, I suspect the Rohloff would give minimal chain wear also.

Nuvinci is heavier than the Rohloff.

I prefer the Nuvinci, but Rohloff is still an excellent choice, in truth, no that much in it.

What about the Carbon Belt option for the Rohloff? are they any good?

 

[Denis99]

I haven't had any experience of a carbon belt , so I can't make a proper assessment, looks good though.

 

[Triple777]

Nuvinci vs Rohloff.

Luckily I have owned both.

The Nuvinci is probably less efficient than the Rohloff in terms of extra drag and resistance, but on the ebike it's not such the importance it would be without battery assistance.
So, I wouldn't say its a deal breaker.

Rohloff can be a little noisy at times, the Nuvinci is silent, again , not a massive issue.

However, the infinitely variable gearing and smooth gear change is something that is unique to me.

It has to be ridden to be appreciated, and having ridden conventional derailleur gears on an ebike, it does make a difference in terms of riding.

Chain wear, or stretch, has been non existent in the 750 miles of use, something that didn't happen with the derailleur system, I suspect the Rohloff would give minimal chain wear also.

Nuvinci is heavier than the Rohloff.

I prefer the Nuvinci, but Rohloff is still an excellent choice, in truth, no that much in it.

Good to know, thanks.

 

[anotherkiwi]

I posted a picture of this in another thread (forgot which one): https://www.bikerumor.com/2017/10/13/burley-trailers-coho-xc/

I wish they had gone for a 20" wheel but otherwise it pushes all the buttons. I have a 2 wheel trailer and you have to keep the speed down especially in the corners. Remark you only put it on the roof once...

 

[Warwick]

I once toured with a Bike Hod round Holland. Nightmare. It was very windy & the upright nature of the trailer acted as a sail slowing me down immensely.

I'd say it depends on how much stuff you want to take. I usually put the tent in the front panniers and everything else in the rear panniers. A good touring bike will be set up to handle the load, so whilst handling won't be gazellesque, it shouldn't wobble to any great extent.

If it's a months-long expedition, maybe a low-slung trailer is the way to go.

 

[anotherkiwi]

I once toured with a Bike Hod round Holland. Nightmare. It was very windy & the upright nature of the trailer acted as a sail slowing me down immensely.

I'd say it depends on how much stuff you want to take. I usually put the tent in the front panniers and everything else in the rear panniers. A good touring bike will be set up to handle the load, so whilst handling won't be gazellesque, it shouldn't wobble to any great extent.

If it's a months-long expedition, maybe a low-slung trailer is the way to go.

I can see that type of trailer being a problem...