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by jimmythefish
3 Sep 2014, 10:59pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Using a Marin Lombard CX (cyclocross) as a touring bike?
Replies: 9
Views: 8774

Re: Using a Marin Lombard CX (cyclocross) as a touring bike?

I have used my Marin Lombard 2012 model for touring. It loves it too. Had to persuade the Blackburn front rack to fit, but once installed it remained securely in place. (Over)Loaded it up with front and rear panniers and handlebar bag, excessive amount of kit really, could barely lift it. Pedalled all over Brittany; voie verts/green lanes of varying quality- everything from smooth tarmac to deeply rutted mud/stone, proper roads. Very stable indeed. Ignore the cynics' dismissal of the CX genre, my Lombard seems to eat it all up; it's my general utility bike which I use for commuting, shopping, day rides and touring. Probably done more miles than my van over the same period. Recent models seem to come better spec'ed than my 2012 model, I upgraded the brakes and replaced the drivetrain after wearing it out within 1 year (high mileage including some muddy, gritty trails so not surprising). Enough points and clearance to fit mudguards and front and rear racks, though did have to use clips to modify front rack and front mudguard, but easily done and very secure. As long as your racks and luggage all fit, I'd say that the Lombard is as good if not better for touring than many of the more dedicated models, certainly within the same price bracket.