I hope you found this video informative! 🥰 You can learn a tonne more by subscribing to this channel, or getting a copy of my Touring Bicycle Buyer's Guide: www.cyclingabout.com/touring-bicycle-buyers-guide
Thank you..keep it up... Curious to know your thoughts on the Marin four corners as it's a very popular bike in North America and considered for gravel / touring / backpacking
One of my favorite videos every year, although I haven't yet done any bike touring. Dreaming takes me a long way and these yearly videos takes me closer to buying a touring bike and just go for it. 👍
I never imagined that I'd be intrigued by a bike by Decathlon, but that Riverside Touring 900 has a lot of great components. Kudos to them for bringing some legitimate competition to the marketplace. I only wish the racks were black rather than silver.
To be honest I used to be like that, but I’m afraid to say I know and 2 decathlon bikes Have found them both professional within the customer care along with the build quality and replacement of parts
You could always have them anodized. Maybe even a complimentary color. The nice thing about silver racks is that it hides the wear; black racks get those silver wear marks from where the finish is worn off.
After doing extensive research and being a bike nerd for over 35years. I purchased a Priority 600 with pinion gates setup. Its the cheapest bike with pinion. Ive added redshift post and stem. Re laced the rear wheel. And absoultely love it.
Having any buyers remorse? I’ve been thinking about pulling the trigger on the Priority 600. At the top of my budget though. Happy with your purchase? How many miles have you put on it?
@@ImJeffRoe Mate, im stoked.. I use it for mild off-road instead of my 12k trek topfuel.. I only use the top fuel for proper trail riding.. Not sure on the ks but I had to relace rear wheel due to me being 95kgs and a fully loaded rig.. I say buy it.. The frame is same strength as the 600x so priority sais. I put redshift 30+ on front and a post on rear.. Its a dream ride.
Nice list! For 2022 I have converted my Salsa Beargrease to be my day adventure tourer. I went 29x3 on wheels and tires, and added the Surly Corner Bar and a set of aero bars. It’s been super fun in mixed riding around town, excited to get it in more remote areas!
Just wanted to say thanks for your work, we're currently 7,500 miles into an around the world trip on bikes modeled after your guide 'How Would I Custom Build A Round-The-World Touring Bike in 2019?'. Loving our Surly Ogres with Rohloffs and Son 28s, just wish we could do belt drive!
I have not found a single bike of interest that is not sold out or back ordered. This bike market is crazy! Great video as always, appreciate all the work and science you put into these videos. If you could have any weird, unreasonable dream bike, what would it be?
As someone who is just about to pull the trigger on my next bike this is a really useful and very well made video, with some little gems in there that I would never normally have even considered. Thanks.
These are the kind of videos, for those who are at least, half serious about getting into bike touring, should listen to. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with others in order for new comers to make better choices in what exact bike for their type of riding need and style should purchase. Saving on time and cost in the long run.
Dude thanks for making this video! I watched it a month ago and learned of the Masi, and after careful consideration bought it. I was hesitant about the lack of information online. I just got it yesterday and took it for a 26 mile test ride today and it is frickin awesome. The price is actually amazing when looking at the components. The tubus racks are another amazing touch. I also love the bar end shifters-- also the bike is just flat out beautiful with a lot of small Masi details that stick to their tradition.
I have watched this a few times now, going back for information that answers questions that come to mind as I rebuild and source the correct products, due to your reviews. thank you. for everything.
This information is excellent. It is also invaluable when building up or purchasing an older frame for touring, which is what many of us poorer touring enthusiasts have to resort to. I ride a 1980's model mountain bike with some key modifications. It has served me well for almost ten years and there is no end in sight. You'd be hard pressed to find a bike like this on the current new bike market.
Bike reviews don’t get much better than the cyclingabout efforts on RUclips, as well as his journal work he has in PDF format. ✅ added in the constant cycling effort worldwide and there is a level of been there done it to gain the knowledge to help chose even if you chose different.
Anyone considering touring should take a look at Rene Herse tires. These are some of the world's best tires and they provide a comfortable ride. One thing I didn't see in this video is a discussion of how comfortable a touring bike must be. Comfortable riders are stronger riders because they are dealing with less vibration that saps energy. Even the best scenery in the world means little if the rider is in pain.
This is so great. On-One, Riverside and Brodie are all so appealing both in value and service. Count me among the 2X and a kickstand class of rider too. Genesis plus Rohloff also appealing. Hopefully that Brodie bar is sold seperately.
I used my 22 year old aluminium frame and made my own 26 inch tourer which everyone wows about. I just used the components on Toms bike trip and the bike is killer. It has more than 200,000km on it now. Must have cost 1 grand max including tubus racks and shimano components and dynamo. Sweet
Looks like the Kona Libre is most accessible for a test ride in my area of the USofA. Thanks as always for the epic research and experience, brother! Ride safe!
Really nice guidance! My current touring bike is my normal street bike, it is pretty normal. So I have to think around the edge for the stuff that i carry with me, surprisingly I've been now travelling now for over 4000km with it and it has never failed me once on a tour. Dispite on day where crashed into an tree and bend my front wheel, but even then it carried me about 250 km further to the next cycle shop. But I'm looking forward to buy a new "real" touring bike, because I love this hobby and I'm really passionate about bicycles haha. Thanks!
could you please recommend some budget touring bikes? Your recommendation is way beyond my budget...$2000 or more definitely will buy a good one, but it is prohibitive
I think touring bikes are the best for commuting. I use one to get around my city, carrying things to and from work, getting groceries ect. Its the best.
Thanks for the awesome content Alee! Your buyers guide and tech content were super helpful for buying my first touring bike, and the travel docos are fantastic. Just a note for anyone that does go for the Cube Travel, and wants to improve the climbing gear with a 36 tooth casette. You may also need to swap out the crank or get an abnormally long chain to cope with the 48 tooth ring up front and the 36 toother out back. Happily this just means you improve the climbing gear even more to 16.7 gear inches, but something to factor in when buying. Also the standard rack isn't great for Ortlieb panniers as the hooks have few places where they can fit nicely. Ideally it needs more straight bits of rail without joins and welds in the way. In time I think I'll upgrade to a Tubus rear rack but for now,I'm loving the bike and can't wait to take it out on my next tour. Cheers!
Nice video, I've done over 30 multi-week (and one 3 month in USA) loaded tours on a 90's converted MTB with drop bars, and I've never needed a dynamo and lights. I get it if you are riding in remote wilderness, but really, How many people are doing that so a mass market bike needs the expence and complexity of a dynamo.
At least in germany you get fined for riding in the dark without lights (no matter how well lit the street is you are riding on), and I think it is pretty similar in other European countries. I was more suprised that lights were included as an extra since there are a requirement here for any bike (except dedicated racing/mountainbikes). Edit: on second thought: regardless of laws I think having lights (and a dynamo is just a great solution, since you dont have to worry about charging anything) is also a security concern, since cars see you a lot better if you have lights. So I think there are even more important in more populated areas and not so much in the wilderness where you will not meet so many cars/vehicels.
Now, during winter, I always arrive home after dark. The same has happened while touring when campsites were full and I had to look for accommodation after dark. A light, with a dynamo or not, is needed to see and be seen.
I bought a used on one inbred 18" slot dropout frame off eBay and a rigid fork from on one a few years back, with the intention of building a go anywhere, do anything bike. I had a rohloff / son 28 Andra 40 wheelset built and run a 32/ 44 chainset with a 17 teeth sprocket on 26 x 2 .15" Schwalbe tyres. This setup gives me a gear inch range of 13.6 to 98.5". I have tubus rear and surly front racks and dynamo lights and charger, a suntour parallelogram seatpost, on one Geoff bars, trp cable brakes, hope 180mm discs, mud guards and hebie kickstand. That'll do me.
My set up is 15.8 & 91.6 using that formula plenty for me that’s with a 30T chain ring and 9-52 cassette 1X drive both by E thirteen , moving that set up to the jones SWB frame I’m working on once it gets done I mostly off road tour
Have you ever tried the Priority 600 ? Price is attractive, Pinion gear box plus mostly cheap components, I wonder if the frame is stiff enough for long touring ?
Hello there and thank you for this prety useful and good video. One model I will suggest, it is Cube Nature EXC. Well I personally have one and it's 2019. model, but until today they didn't chaged a lot, only minor things. Bike is categozed as fitness bike or trekking bike, but is is very versatile. It comes from factory with 28" tires 44mm wide, the frame can accept tires up to 2,25". Can take rack mounts and kickstand and comes with shimano drivetrain with 30 speeds and 63mm coil fork. I converted mine drastically, so it can take steep hills and I put wider tires. Currenty it's 1x11 34t oval AB and 11-51 cassette in the back, tires are 2.1" tubeless set up, new hubs and DT enduro rims, so it can literally go anywhere I want. For is also replaced with RS Reba RL 100mm, I also upgraded brakes to 180mm rotors and whole braking system to M8000-M8100 combo. I have done 3000-4000 Km with it and for myself it is really really great bike.
So, about the Masi Giramondo.... I have been trying to buy that bike for some years now. This is why it hasn't succeeded yet; The original Masi was from Italy, brought his bike company with him to the US and then they had a fall out which resulted in Masi US being owned by Haro bikes and Masi Italy still owning Masi brand name in Europe. So the Giramondo can not be sold here for that reason. If anybody ever goes on a tour in Sweden with your medium sized Masi Giramondo I will be happy to buy it from you before you leave. P.S I can really recommend the books by Mr Denham. Supereasy to buy and you get updates for free. Totally worth it.
Brilliant informative succinct video. FYI, I have a cube hyde Pro that I toured the Spanish coast to Portugal and back over 15 months. The basic bike cost 550 euros with your recommended upgrades of course. Also with regards to camping equipment I agree with you again, I started out with lightweight gear but have since changed to more substantial slightly heavier gear, it pays dividends.
Love these videos man, I've had a giramondo for a couple years and I love it, I've made lots of changes that make the bike way comfy, Ritchey coyote bars, Selle anitomica saddle with a thudbuster, no problem spending long days on this bike, was glad to see the masi
I just ordered your Touring Bike Buyers Guide. I have a new 2019 Kona Sutra that arrived the first week of the pandemic & has not been used. It’s going on a US coast to coast trip pulling a Bob Yak style trailer. I’m not real keen on off road touring but I am thinking about the Great Divide Mountain Bike Trail and I will ride one of my full suspension mountain bikes with front & rear panniers. I can’t ride an aluminum bike on the road. It kills my arthritis. I put a suspension post on the Kona and may add a carbon fork before my lengthy trip which I am breaking up in one segment from Kentucky to Yorktown VA then doing the other segment from Oregon back to KY with a tail wind. There are a lot more touring bikes available now that when I purchased the Kona. I had thought about the Tout Terrain with belt drive for a trip to Sweden, Finland and Norway. I’ll look over the bikes in your book and see what might work better and cost less. If not then after my US trip I’ll get the Tout Terrain or a different touring bike. I ride all carbon fiber road bikes and full suspension mountain bikes all with Spinergy wheels for road shock absorption here where I live. I think conventional alloy wheels and spokes are likely to be more bombproof for a lengthy trip even though I could use a pair on my Kona. I’m really tired of being in the house because of the virus 🦠 and want to get out on a long trip. I can’t wait to quit my job and get out there. Stay safe. I love 💕 your channel. 👍☮️🌞🌟🚵♂️🏔🏕🗺
When i was riding the French Alps offroad back in 1997 on a Specialized Stumpjumper, i had 22-34-48 front rings and 11-36 cassette. It was low enough for the alps, but to be honest, that is what was needed. And I wasnt even carrying any bags, and I was fit and raced aswell in those days. All bolts were replaced with titanium bolts, Titanium Hope BB, Front and rear Ti Hubs, wheels built with aluminium nipples instead of brass. Whole bike barely weighed anything. The bikes in this review would have been nowhere near good enough when your exploring real mountainous terrain. But, if your a roadie, then I guess its a good selection.
Great list. A few of these bikes really caught my eye. Also worth noting is that many of these can be had with a Rolhoff gearhub and some even offer a pinion gearbox.
Yeah, the pandemic hit right before I was supposed to pick up my bike. We were banned from the city I needed to go to and they wouldn't deliver. After a year the shop refunded me. I went to the local shop, bought a GIANT hybrid, ordered parts online and made a tourer. It has an aluminum frame and I definitely feel the wobble. I just learned to distribute the loads better. Surprised at the stock components the bike came with. The handlebars and tires I kept, but the drive train was heavy and it had no racks. It's done me solid for two years but I'm definitely looking to re-enter the higher end touring bike market.
you forgot 'fixabiity' as a criteria, plenty of places around the world will struggle to fix STI shifting or disc brakes for example, simple is best, also steel is easiest to re-weld
Tourers cover a wide range of types, depending on the load, road surface and terrain. Also, do you want your bike to do more than one thing, maybe touring self sufficiently with all food, clothing, tent, little stove but also using it for fast training? Mine is in the fast touring category, Reynolds 531 with 700 x 28 or 32 mm tyres and 28 inch to 96 inch derailleur. Campagnolo groupset. For example, several times when crossing countries I've taken part in bike races. Bike tourers are always welcome because you are non-threatening and can speak to people. I have often been invited home or fed. In Australia a woman had broken down and left me to look after her daughter when she went to get help. People trust you whereas they would not trust a male car driver. You can smell the country air, see wild animals, drink water from the stream and get extraordinarily fit. Viva la bike!
As always your videos are really well done. I bought a Cube travel 3 or 4 years ago and really love it. I just wish cube would add a few more braze- ons for a lower water mount and maybe a few more on the fork. It is really a hell of a value. I also have a Focus that I bought first that is a great bike. It will only handle a 38 mm tire and also is lacking frame mounts.
Keep it up... Curious to know your thoughts on the Marin four corners as it's a very popular bike in North America and considered for gravel / touring / backpacking
I have all of the guides , I'm based in the UK & trying to but a bike from another country especially USA the import duties & vat are unbelievable ,let alone shipping . this restricts any purchase to my own country :(.
Okay so it's seems to be a rack made by Focus themselves. Referenced in this video ruclips.net/video/RDZWgi1uz-w/видео.html But can't find it anywhere so maybe it's not out yet
Hello, Can someone pls Help me, i'm searching for the Porter at 12:15min with the 2 Drybags? I cant find it nowhere, i'm pleased for every hint! :D Regards from Germany🇩🇪
I'm intrigued to know if you've ever narrowed down a list of the best touring bikes for tall guys? I know you'd mentioned the Curve Titanasaur previously as a bike that tall guys might consider. I ride a custom Zinn road bike - with 210mm cranks, so I know the difference a bike that is set up for a tall guy can make. (I'm 2m tall)
I don't have anything specific. But you could cross reference my "best touring bike" resources from the last few years and compare it to this list on my website: www.cyclingabout.com/list-of-xxl-xxxl-bikes-for-tall-cyclists-62-63-64cm/
Co-Motion currently has an 8 month lead time on delivery, at least for an Americano. The Deschutes may be a bit shorter wait as it has few configurable options.
Hellow!! excelente work in these videos. I wonder if you could explain wich rigid forks you consider the best, wich brands would you prefer. I would like to update my mountain bike to touring, so thank you if you read and answer me. 😊
Hey Alee, happy to see a new video... have you ever heard of or seen the new Giant Toughroad SLR EX ? Big fat tyres, dynamo lights, but with a lightweight frame and carbon fork.... Not a big fan of the hydro brakes but damn have a look at the thing, 1250eu with racks and the rest! Let me know what you think!
Did you have a look at the Radon Sunset Supreme bike for this test? It offers a great kit for a good value. The only potential downsides are 45 mm max tire width and a suspension fork.
@@Cyclingabout Thanks for the reply, I’m looking for a fast bike with low enough gears to pull a bike trailer up-hill occasionally and found your content very useful. 👍
I don't understand why you can't simply rest your pedal on your helmet for a weightless kickstand. (bottom pedal slightly to the back of course at 7-8o'clock on the right or 4-5 seen from the left)
Thanks for the update: What are your thoughts about the priority 600 with a pinion gear box? I really like the low maintenance of this bike. I value your opinion as I am thinking of purchasing this bike for a long distance tour next summer. cheers
Gear-Calculator.com is a great way. You can find the highest and lowest gear inches of a bike by inputting your largest and smallest chainring/cassette teeth.
FANTASTIC REVIEWS. Thank you for your time, finally an exceptionally well presented video with tons of RELEVANT information. A BIT OF A ONE OFF, videos like this. Just subscribed. Can i also ask, your thoughts on a more premium adventure bike, like the end section of this video,. The bikes i like are the Surly Ogre, The Bombtrack Beyond Plus adv. The thing after watching this now is, i like the idea of sitting up and having a much more relaxed position, so i may have to swap style over substance, if that's the right way to put it. I ride with my wife in he evenings an electric bike the Rad Plus and it's such a comfortable riding position, except for the seat. Apologies i seemed to have droned on a bit.
Koga Miyata bikes are good Dutch bikes. But Santos and Avaghon are better, in my opinion. Both also manufacturers in the Netherlands. Because max weight (bike and rider) on koga is 120kg. And Santos and Avaghon 180kg!
I checked this a while back while building up a gravel bike. 105 shifters won't run a mtb derailleur out of the box, but you can get an adapter that will make them work. I just ended up going with grx for simplicity sake.
Thankyou Alee. When I can, I’ll be getting your book bundle (touring and bikepacking bikes). I’ve said before that I’m a noob, but I’m heading into nerd country, fast 🤭 With your extensive experience and knowledge, I can take my time choosing the right bike for me and learn loads on the way 🫶🏻
Thanks for the video, been looking forward to this one for 2022. Question...where were you when recording this? The mountainside with the city background, sort of semi desert looking terrain? Somewhat reminds me of the British Columbia interior.
Pretty sure it's Oaxaca, Mexico.. Alee hung out there for a long while during Covid and I even got to meet him there just before he left for his Baja Divide ride!..
I hope you found this video informative! 🥰 You can learn a tonne more by subscribing to this channel, or getting a copy of my Touring Bicycle Buyer's Guide: www.cyclingabout.com/touring-bicycle-buyers-guide
Any affordable bikes with a Gates carbon belt? Thanks again Alee.
Can you please make a video about best affordable gravel bikes with flat bar; Jamis Sequel, Marin DSX, etc. Thanks
@@Batman-py2dy Check out this article on my website: www.cyclingabout.com/best-flat-bar-gravel-bikes-2021/
Thank you..keep it up... Curious to know your thoughts on the Marin four corners as it's a very popular bike in North America and considered for gravel / touring / backpacking
@@Cyclingabout thanks buddy, great article
One of my favorite videos every year, although I haven't yet done any bike touring. Dreaming takes me a long way and these yearly videos takes me closer to buying a touring bike and just go for it. 👍
me too
I never imagined that I'd be intrigued by a bike by Decathlon, but that Riverside Touring 900 has a lot of great components. Kudos to them for bringing some legitimate competition to the marketplace. I only wish the racks were black rather than silver.
Hope you can buy one in 2022/2023.😉 Definitely best value for money!
To be honest I used to be like that, but I’m afraid to say I know and 2 decathlon bikes Have found them both professional within the customer care along with the build quality and replacement of parts
You could always have them anodized. Maybe even a complimentary color. The nice thing about silver racks is that it hides the wear; black racks get those silver wear marks from where the finish is worn off.
I went for silver racks on my silver bike but I guess a can of black spray paint would do it no damage
Aren’t decathlon triban bikes really good value?
Anyday a cyclingabout video comes out is a good day. Thanks Alee!
been cycling for 35 years, i find cyclingabout my go to site, lots information (overviews and focused) , Thank you
After doing extensive research and being a bike nerd for over 35years. I purchased a Priority 600 with pinion gates setup. Its the cheapest bike with pinion. Ive added redshift post and stem. Re laced the rear wheel. And absoultely love it.
Having any buyers remorse? I’ve been thinking about pulling the trigger on the Priority 600. At the top of my budget though. Happy with your purchase? How many miles have you put on it?
@@ImJeffRoe Mate, im stoked.. I use it for mild off-road instead of my 12k trek topfuel.. I only use the top fuel for proper trail riding.. Not sure on the ks but I had to relace rear wheel due to me being 95kgs and a fully loaded rig.. I say buy it.. The frame is same strength as the 600x so priority sais. I put redshift 30+ on front and a post on rear.. Its a dream ride.
Nice list! For 2022 I have converted my Salsa Beargrease to be my day adventure tourer. I went 29x3 on wheels and tires, and added the Surly Corner Bar and a set of aero bars. It’s been super fun in mixed riding around town, excited to get it in more remote areas!
Just wanted to say thanks for your work, we're currently 7,500 miles into an around the world trip on bikes modeled after your guide 'How Would I Custom Build A Round-The-World Touring Bike in 2019?'. Loving our Surly Ogres with Rohloffs and Son 28s, just wish we could do belt drive!
Frame builders can split your frame for you and you can have your dream machine....
I have not found a single bike of interest that is not sold out or back ordered. This bike market is crazy! Great video as always, appreciate all the work and science you put into these videos. If you could have any weird, unreasonable dream bike, what would it be?
Lol just keep it old school
One that I built
As someone who is just about to pull the trigger on my next bike this is a really useful and very well made video, with some little gems in there that I would never normally have even considered. Thanks.
These are the kind of videos, for those who are at least, half serious about getting into bike touring, should listen to. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with others in order for new comers to make better choices in what exact bike for their type of riding need and style should purchase. Saving on time and cost in the long run.
Dude thanks for making this video! I watched it a month ago and learned of the Masi, and after careful consideration bought it. I was hesitant about the lack of information online. I just got it yesterday and took it for a 26 mile test ride today and it is frickin awesome. The price is actually amazing when looking at the components. The tubus racks are another amazing touch. I also love the bar end shifters-- also the bike is just flat out beautiful with a lot of small Masi details that stick to their tradition.
Great to hear you're happy!
Thank you for warning against the Sram SX derailleur! I'm a mechanic and I can't even guess how many of those we've warrantied or thrown in the bin.
I have watched this a few times now, going back for information that answers questions that come to mind as I rebuild and source the correct products, due to your reviews. thank you. for everything.
This information is excellent. It is also invaluable when building up or purchasing an older frame for touring, which is what many of us poorer touring enthusiasts have to resort to. I ride a 1980's model mountain bike with some key modifications. It has served me well for almost ten years and there is no end in sight. You'd be hard pressed to find a bike like this on the current new bike market.
hey Jorg, this guy really knows his bikes
why is that?
Bike reviews don’t get much better than the cyclingabout efforts on RUclips, as well as his journal work he has in PDF format. ✅ added in the constant cycling effort worldwide and there is a level of been there done it to gain the knowledge to help chose even if you chose different.
I have my 1985 Dawes Ranger, LWB, 531 reynolds, relaxed geometry, light, tan Schwalbe table top 2.35s tyres to smooth out gravel and bumps.
Anyone considering touring should take a look at Rene Herse tires. These are some of the world's best tires and they provide a comfortable ride. One thing I didn't see in this video is a discussion of how comfortable a touring bike must be. Comfortable riders are stronger riders because they are dealing with less vibration that saps energy. Even the best scenery in the world means little if the rider is in pain.
This is so great. On-One, Riverside and Brodie are all so appealing both in value and service. Count me among the 2X and a kickstand class of rider too. Genesis plus Rohloff also appealing. Hopefully that Brodie bar is sold seperately.
As usual great video, I would like see a similar video specific to belt drives!
Great suggestion! I'll see what I can do.
@@Cyclingabout second this. Starting Deadhorse - Ushuaia this summer and looking to upgrade to a belt drive.
@@ImJeffRoe what'd you end up going with?
@@stevengibbs8117 so far I’ve cycled almost 6,000 miles on the Priority 600. It’s been great thus far! Currently at Lago Atitlan in Guatemala 🇬🇹
I used my 22 year old aluminium frame and made my own 26 inch tourer which everyone wows about. I just used the components on Toms bike trip and the bike is killer. It has more than 200,000km on it now. Must have cost 1 grand max including tubus racks and shimano components and dynamo. Sweet
@Wooly Chewbakker not really. I’m an engineer but I feel anyone could do it with a bit of guidance
@Wooly Chewbakker Bikes are simple things, easy to build/fix, its whats so great about them.
@@superwag634 where do I get the guidance though :D I'd love to build my own bike, but I don't have any equipment nor the place to do so
Looks like the Kona Libre is most accessible for a test ride in my area of the USofA. Thanks as always for the epic research and experience, brother! Ride safe!
Really nice guidance!
My current touring bike is my normal street bike, it is pretty normal. So I have to think around the edge for the stuff that i carry with me, surprisingly I've been now travelling now for over 4000km with it and it has never failed me once on a tour. Dispite on day where crashed into an tree and bend my front wheel, but even then it carried me about 250 km further to the next cycle shop. But I'm looking forward to buy a new "real" touring bike, because I love this hobby and I'm really passionate about bicycles haha.
Thanks!
Sadly before I buy a new bicycle, I will buy a camera to capture the wild life
could you please recommend some budget touring bikes? Your recommendation is way beyond my budget...$2000 or more definitely will buy a good one, but it is prohibitive
fuji touring
I think touring bikes are the best for commuting. I use one to get around my city, carrying things to and from work, getting groceries ect. Its the best.
Considering the used market these days, those second hand bikes can be more expensive than just signing up on the waiting list for the new bike.
Thanks for the awesome content Alee! Your buyers guide and tech content were super helpful for buying my first touring bike, and the travel docos are fantastic.
Just a note for anyone that does go for the Cube Travel, and wants to improve the climbing gear with a 36 tooth casette. You may also need to swap out the crank or get an abnormally long chain to cope with the 48 tooth ring up front and the 36 toother out back. Happily this just means you improve the climbing gear even more to 16.7 gear inches, but something to factor in when buying.
Also the standard rack isn't great for Ortlieb panniers as the hooks have few places where they can fit nicely. Ideally it needs more straight bits of rail without joins and welds in the way. In time I think I'll upgrade to a Tubus rear rack but for now,I'm loving the bike and can't wait to take it out on my next tour. Cheers!
Curious to not find the Priority 600. Belt drive, Pinion gear system, dynamos... It checks all my boxes!
Totally agree but I think the dynamo was ditched in the production run.
@@Trenchfoot1 I have one, has a dynamo that powers the stock front and rear lights.
I think price was quite a big factor in the choice of bikes. I'd also like to see more belt drive bikes reviewed and can accept they would cost more.
@@Rick--A-F I think you’re right.
@@johng1857 Ah, sorry. I was thinking 600X.
Nice video, I've done over 30 multi-week (and one 3 month in USA) loaded tours on a 90's converted MTB with drop bars, and I've never needed a dynamo and lights. I get it if you are riding in remote wilderness, but really, How many people are doing that so a mass market bike needs the expence and complexity of a dynamo.
What do you do for lights?
At least in germany you get fined for riding in the dark without lights (no matter how well lit the street is you are riding on), and I think it is pretty similar in other European countries. I was more suprised that lights were included as an extra since there are a requirement here for any bike (except dedicated racing/mountainbikes). Edit: on second thought: regardless of laws I think having lights (and a dynamo is just a great solution, since you dont have to worry about charging anything) is also a security concern, since cars see you a lot better if you have lights. So I think there are even more important in more populated areas and not so much in the wilderness where you will not meet so many cars/vehicels.
I agree, would seem commuters would be the riders who would benefit most from a dynamo
Now, during winter, I always arrive home after dark. The same has happened while touring when campsites were full and I had to look for accommodation after dark. A light, with a dynamo or not, is needed to see and be seen.
Thanks for the video for sure buying one of these when my car finally breaks!
I bought a used on one inbred 18" slot dropout frame off eBay and a rigid fork from on one a few years back, with the intention of building a go anywhere, do anything bike. I had a rohloff / son 28 Andra 40 wheelset built and run a 32/ 44 chainset with a 17 teeth sprocket on 26 x 2 .15" Schwalbe tyres. This setup gives me a gear inch range of 13.6 to 98.5". I have tubus rear and surly front racks and dynamo lights and charger, a suntour parallelogram seatpost, on one Geoff bars, trp cable brakes, hope 180mm discs, mud guards and hebie kickstand. That'll do me.
That was super informative. Thanks for the master class in touring bikes.
i would choose Cube... reasonable price range and super great bike
Very well done. I could (and will) watch this one over and over and....
My set up is 15.8 & 91.6 using that formula plenty for me that’s with a 30T chain ring and 9-52 cassette 1X drive both by E thirteen , moving that set up to the jones SWB frame I’m working on once it gets done I mostly off road tour
I'm hoping to hear a review of the Priority 600X if you have a chance. Great list of bikes!
Yep, definitely one I'd like to see too.
I truly recommend you checking the recumbent trikes too! Next level comfort for around the world!
That Riverside is absurdly good!
Thank so much -- been waiting for this video!! Excellent as usual and always good for a re-watch; Thanks man.
Have you ever tried the Priority 600 ? Price is attractive, Pinion gear box plus mostly cheap components, I wonder if the frame is stiff enough for long touring ?
Hello there and thank you for this prety useful and good video. One model I will suggest, it is Cube Nature EXC. Well I personally have one and it's 2019. model, but until today they didn't chaged a lot, only minor things. Bike is categozed as fitness bike or trekking bike, but is is very versatile. It comes from factory with 28" tires 44mm wide, the frame can accept tires up to 2,25". Can take rack mounts and kickstand and comes with shimano drivetrain with 30 speeds and 63mm coil fork. I converted mine drastically, so it can take steep hills and I put wider tires. Currenty it's 1x11 34t oval AB and 11-51 cassette in the back, tires are 2.1" tubeless set up, new hubs and DT enduro rims, so it can literally go anywhere I want. For is also replaced with RS Reba RL 100mm, I also upgraded brakes to 180mm rotors and whole braking system to M8000-M8100 combo. I have done 3000-4000 Km with it and for myself it is really really great bike.
So, about the Masi Giramondo.... I have been trying to buy that bike for some years now. This is why it hasn't succeeded yet;
The original Masi was from Italy, brought his bike company with him to the US and then they had a fall out which resulted in Masi US being owned by Haro bikes and Masi Italy still owning Masi brand name in Europe. So the Giramondo can not be sold here for that reason. If anybody ever goes on a tour in Sweden with your medium sized Masi Giramondo I will be happy to buy it from you before you leave.
P.S I can really recommend the books by Mr Denham. Supereasy to buy and you get updates for free. Totally worth it.
Brilliant informative succinct video. FYI, I have a cube hyde Pro that I toured the Spanish coast to Portugal and back over 15 months. The basic bike cost 550 euros with your recommended upgrades of course. Also with regards to camping equipment I agree with you again, I started out with lightweight gear but have since changed to more substantial slightly heavier gear, it pays dividends.
Love these videos man, I've had a giramondo for a couple years and I love it, I've made lots of changes that make the bike way comfy, Ritchey coyote bars, Selle anitomica saddle with a thudbuster, no problem spending long days on this bike, was glad to see the masi
I am surprised that the Prority 600 didn't make your list. It seems to fit thebuild well with Pinion gearbox, fenders, rack mounts, dynamo hub.
I just ordered your Touring Bike Buyers Guide. I have a new 2019 Kona Sutra that arrived the first week of the pandemic & has not been used. It’s going on a US coast to coast trip pulling a Bob Yak style trailer. I’m not real keen on off road touring but I am thinking about the Great Divide Mountain Bike Trail and I will ride one of my full suspension mountain bikes with front & rear panniers. I can’t ride an aluminum bike on the road. It kills my arthritis. I put a suspension post on the Kona and may add a carbon fork before my lengthy trip which I am breaking up in one segment from Kentucky to Yorktown VA then doing the other segment from Oregon back to KY with a tail wind. There are a lot more touring bikes available now that when I purchased the Kona. I had thought about the Tout Terrain with belt drive for a trip to Sweden, Finland and Norway. I’ll look over the bikes in your book and see what might work better and cost less. If not then after my US trip I’ll get the Tout Terrain or a different touring bike. I ride all carbon fiber road bikes and full suspension mountain bikes all with Spinergy wheels for road shock absorption here where I live. I think conventional alloy wheels and spokes are likely to be more bombproof for a lengthy trip even though I could use a pair on my Kona. I’m really tired of being in the house because of the virus 🦠 and want to get out on a long trip. I can’t wait to quit my job and get out there. Stay safe. I love 💕 your channel. 👍☮️🌞🌟🚵♂️🏔🏕🗺
What about my Scott Sub 20...just fully fitted it out as a world touring bike...
Or should I stick with my 25 year old Dawes?
Brilliant video, thank you!
That brody bike looks very similar to my Pinewood Gravel Bike and it is very pretty
When i was riding the French Alps offroad back in 1997 on a Specialized Stumpjumper, i had 22-34-48 front rings and 11-36 cassette. It was low enough for the alps, but to be honest, that is what was needed. And I wasnt even carrying any bags, and I was fit and raced aswell in those days. All bolts were replaced with titanium bolts, Titanium Hope BB, Front and rear Ti Hubs, wheels built with aluminium nipples instead of brass. Whole bike barely weighed anything. The bikes in this review would have been nowhere near good enough when your exploring real mountainous terrain. But, if your a roadie, then I guess its a good selection.
Best cycling channel on RUclips. A++
Great list. A few of these bikes really caught my eye. Also worth noting is that many of these can be had with a Rolhoff gearhub and some even offer a pinion gearbox.
Puts them out of the good value price range.
@@chrisallen9154 I completely agree. Just thought it was worth noting since he would often mention this stuff.
Yeah, the pandemic hit right before I was supposed to pick up my bike. We were banned from the city I needed to go to and they wouldn't deliver. After a year the shop refunded me. I went to the local shop, bought a GIANT hybrid, ordered parts online and made a tourer. It has an aluminum frame and I definitely feel the wobble. I just learned to distribute the loads better. Surprised at the stock components the bike came with. The handlebars and tires I kept, but the drive train was heavy and it had no racks. It's done me solid for two years but I'm definitely looking to re-enter the higher end touring bike market.
you forgot 'fixabiity' as a criteria, plenty of places around the world will struggle to fix STI shifting or disc brakes for example, simple is best, also steel is easiest to re-weld
Tourers cover a wide range of types, depending on the load, road surface and terrain. Also, do you want your bike to do more than one thing, maybe touring self sufficiently with all food, clothing, tent, little stove but also using it for fast training? Mine is in the fast touring category, Reynolds 531 with 700 x 28 or 32 mm tyres and 28 inch to 96 inch derailleur. Campagnolo groupset. For example, several times when crossing countries I've taken part in bike races. Bike tourers are always welcome because you are non-threatening and can speak to people. I have often been invited home or fed. In Australia a woman had broken down and left me to look after her daughter when she went to get help. People trust you whereas they would not trust a male car driver. You can smell the country air, see wild animals, drink water from the stream and get extraordinarily fit. Viva la bike!
3/4 of these brands, I've never heard of. But here in the USA, it's common to not get the better stuff.
Finally! New video! 😁👍. I am using my Marin Nicasio for my daily driver. Hope it is capable to do touring also.
Here we go again, another bike to get! Thank you!
Excelle3nt and very informative video!!! Thanks!!!
Man, this is awesome information!!
As a welder I love those uncleaned welds on Masi bike 😍
I just noticed you used two of my pictures! 😎
As always your videos are really well done. I bought a Cube travel 3 or 4 years ago and really love it. I just wish cube would add a few more braze- ons for a lower water mount and maybe a few more on the fork. It is really a hell of a value. I also have a Focus that I bought first that is a great bike. It will only handle a 38 mm tire and also is lacking frame mounts.
My 29er xc bike is basically like the brodie with the loop bar set up.
Keep it up... Curious to know your thoughts on the Marin four corners as it's a very popular bike in North America and considered for gravel / touring / backpacking
some damn fine bicycles in your list, thanks for the vid, great stuff
What an incredible video! Wow. Thank you.
Very useful information. thanks!
Ever heard about Heinz Stucke....he is officially the most traveled person on a bicycle and still going strong on an ordinary bicycle...
Thanks for this Excellent review.
i bought the diamant 247 deluxe
645km so far, going great :)
I have all of the guides , I'm based in the UK & trying to but a bike from another country especially USA the import duties & vat are unbelievable ,let alone shipping . this restricts any purchase to my own country :(.
I would never, ever bought travel bike with chain. That's a maintenance hell.
All these bikes you mentioned have chains not belt.
Hello! Great video thanks !
Do you have the reference of the rear rack at 12:14 please?
Thanks,
Paul
I'd also love to know what rack that is. Been googling like crazy but can't find anything
Okay so it's seems to be a rack made by Focus themselves. Referenced in this video ruclips.net/video/RDZWgi1uz-w/видео.html
But can't find it anywhere so maybe it's not out yet
Ok tank you very much.
I would be very interested by a rack like this.
Hello,
Can someone pls Help me, i'm searching for the Porter at 12:15min with the 2 Drybags? I cant find it nowhere, i'm pleased for every hint! :D
Regards from Germany🇩🇪
I was in the comments section for SAME question!!
Excellent summary. If only I could get any of these in Thailand!!
I'm intrigued to know if you've ever narrowed down a list of the best touring bikes for tall guys? I know you'd mentioned the Curve Titanasaur previously as a bike that tall guys might consider. I ride a custom Zinn road bike - with 210mm cranks, so I know the difference a bike that is set up for a tall guy can make. (I'm 2m tall)
I don't have anything specific. But you could cross reference my "best touring bike" resources from the last few years and compare it to this list on my website: www.cyclingabout.com/list-of-xxl-xxxl-bikes-for-tall-cyclists-62-63-64cm/
Co-Motion currently has an 8 month lead time on delivery, at least for an Americano. The Deschutes may be a bit shorter wait as it has few configurable options.
Hellow!! excelente work in these videos. I wonder if you could explain wich rigid forks you consider the best, wich brands would you prefer. I would like to update my mountain bike to touring, so thank you if you read and answer me. 😊
Nice video 👍. Where is the landscape behind you? It looks like the Andes in Ecuador...
Very useful info great set of bikes for sure you picked ..tho i may have to watch it twice to absorb it lol
Hey Alee, happy to see a new video... have you ever heard of or seen the new Giant Toughroad SLR EX ? Big fat tyres, dynamo lights, but with a lightweight frame and carbon fork.... Not a big fan of the hydro brakes but damn have a look at the thing, 1250eu with racks and the rest! Let me know what you think!
What is your opinion about Giant Toughroad SLR 1?
I used the 2016 for new zealand and australia
Did you have a look at the Radon Sunset Supreme bike for this test? It offers a great kit for a good value. The only potential downsides are 45 mm max tire width and a suspension fork.
I would say the Radon Sunset is on-par with the Rose I featured here. There are lots of great bikes out there - it can be hard to pick just one.
@@Cyclingabout Thanks for the reply, I’m looking for a fast bike with low enough gears to pull a bike trailer up-hill occasionally and found your content very useful. 👍
What about the Santos Travelmaster 3+ ?
It would eat your Koga for breakfast ;-)
Ive heard 36mm is recommended for endurance cycling on road bike.
I don't understand why you can't simply rest your pedal on your helmet for a weightless kickstand.
(bottom pedal slightly to the back of course at 7-8o'clock on the right or 4-5 seen from the left)
Can you do a video when you don't factor in money? Although I assume every category will be topped by an internal hub or gear box with belt drive.
This is great! Already purchased your books.Thanks for your hard work!
Many thanks!
Thanks for the update: What are your thoughts about the priority 600 with a pinion gear box? I really like the low maintenance of this bike. I value your opinion as I am thinking of purchasing this bike for a long distance tour next summer. cheers
the riverside touring 900 really caught my eye, but it seems to impossible to buy now.
How to exactly calculate gear inches? Should we use the largest chainring, or the smallest? Likewise, the cog/sprocket?
Gear-Calculator.com is a great way. You can find the highest and lowest gear inches of a bike by inputting your largest and smallest chainring/cassette teeth.
@@Cyclingabout I see. I just grasp the concept. Thank you for answering my question. Appreciate it very much.
Cube Travel Pro for me, the reason you can't get over the price point is unlike most bikes they don't try to make 20x cost margins
FANTASTIC REVIEWS. Thank you for your time, finally an exceptionally well presented video with tons of RELEVANT information. A BIT OF A ONE OFF, videos like this. Just subscribed. Can i also ask, your thoughts on a more premium adventure bike, like the end section of this video,. The bikes i like are the Surly Ogre, The Bombtrack Beyond Plus adv. The thing after watching this now is, i like the idea of sitting up and having a much more relaxed position, so i may have to swap style over substance, if that's the right way to put it. I ride with my wife in he evenings an electric bike the Rad Plus and it's such a comfortable riding position, except for the seat. Apologies i seemed to have droned on a bit.
Koga Miyata bikes are good Dutch bikes. But Santos and Avaghon are better, in my opinion. Both also manufacturers in the Netherlands.
Because max weight (bike and rider) on koga is 120kg. And Santos and Avaghon 180kg!
very deep and detail, ride safe and thanks
The Shimano 105 11s pairs with a MTB derailleur in the Co-motion Deschutes? I'm not sure if it could work.
I thought the same thing, but Alee is generally very knowledgeable about gearing, so my guess is they've implemented a work around....
I checked this a while back while building up a gravel bike. 105 shifters won't run a mtb derailleur out of the box, but you can get an adapter that will make them work. I just ended up going with grx for simplicity sake.
Thankyou Alee. When I can, I’ll be getting your book bundle (touring and bikepacking bikes). I’ve said before that I’m a noob, but I’m heading into nerd country, fast 🤭 With your extensive experience and knowledge, I can take my time choosing the right bike for me and learn loads on the way 🫶🏻
Excellent Bike for the road I cycle 10 miles about ...
Thanks for the video, been looking forward to this one for 2022.
Question...where were you when recording this? The mountainside with the city background, sort of semi desert looking terrain? Somewhat reminds me of the British Columbia interior.
I wonder about this too!
My guess is Colombia or Central America.
Where in the world is Alee Dunham???
Pretty sure it's Oaxaca, Mexico.. Alee hung out there for a long while during Covid and I even got to meet him there just before he left for his Baja Divide ride!..
@@adammacer That's cool to know. thanks Adam.
What time in the video? I've got shots in this video from all over Latin America.