limited choice for 26" wheel tourer

[francovendee]

I have been looking at getting a new bike and whilst I'd like V brakes and an 8 speed cassette but I can live without these but:

It must have 26" wheels

I want straight handlebars.

Looking on line I can find bikes from Thorn and Surly offering both but I'm not very keen on either. Are there any other makes available that offer what I'm seeking

I currently ride a 20 year old MTB which over the years I've made into a bike that suits me. The trouble is it's alluminium and I've been made aware that It doesn't have indefinite life, so before disaster strikes I want to replace it.

[Cyril Haearn]

Why must it have 26" wheels?

[Bonefishblues]

Oxford bike works should be on your list then.

[whoof]

Oxford bike works expedition ans Spa cycles Ti adveñture.

[Bonefishblues]

All OBW bikes ex the 700c (obvs!) and the Commuter come with 26s as standard, just for clarity.

[colin54]

Ridgeback Expedition,26'' wheels, flat bars, Reynolds 520 frame.

https://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bikes/touri ... expedition.

Review here by Breton Bikes.

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=102043

[MarcusT]

You can buy a new MTB frame and switch over the components. (or used if 26" is hard to find)
In case you're wondering about that limited life thing. That was a story brought out in the 80's. I have Al frames that are over 20 yrs old and still going strong.

[francovendee]

Ridgeback Expedition,26'' wheels, flat bars, Reynolds 520 frame.

https://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bikes/touri ... expedition.

Review here by Breton Bikes.

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=102043

Thanks, that looks interesting, more like I had in mind

[Bonefishblues]

Just comparing the Ridgeback and the OBW 1E models I see that the former is 520 and the latter 525 tubing, but I can't for the life of me see the difference between these tubesets - can anyone assist? Excuse the diversion OP, but I guess it's of interest to you too?

[colin54]

The VSF TX400XT, comes with Tubus racks front and rear, and dynamo and lights as standard.

https://www.fahrradmanufaktur.de/en/kat ... g-hs33-769

http://blog.chrisbikes.co.uk/2014/06/vs ... e-par.html

Stockist 'chris bikes' is in Cambridge.

Reynolds 520 is 525 made under license in Taiwan.

http://www.reynoldstechnology.biz/mater ... eel/s-525/

[Bonefishblues]

Reynolds 520 is 525 made under license in Taiwan.

http://www.reynoldstechnology.biz/mater ... eel/s-525/

Wonder why both description pages are identical, which is where my puzzlement comes from?

[Bonefishblues]

The VSF TX400XT, comes with Tubus racks front and rear, and dynamo and lights as standard.

https://www.fahrradmanufaktur.de/en/kat ... g-hs33-769

http://blog.chrisbikes.co.uk/2014/06/vs ... e-par.html

Stockist 'chris bikes' is in Cambridge.

At the current exchange rate that's a very good price in the UK.

[simonhill]

I just wondered why you don't like the Surly?

I switched from my old modified MTB 6 years ago to a 26" Surly and have been very happy with it. Probably about 25,000 kms touring and 15,000 general UK use.

I had it built to my spec mainly using Deore with straights.

[Sweep]

Ridgeback Expedition,26'' wheels, flat bars, Reynolds 520 frame.

https://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bikes/touri ... expedition.

Review here by Breton Bikes.

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=102043

Thanks, that looks interesting, more like I had in mind

I have one, thanks to breton's recommendation. I can thoroughly recommend it. Mine is the 2016 v brake model. There were never many around but you may be able to find a good second hand one. It's not unknown for folk to plan a big trip only to change plans and put a very lightly used bike up for sale. All since 2016 are disc brakes. I understand your plan for 8 speed butvwouldn't let the fact that the expedition is 9 speed put you off. The gearing, with its 36T big cog on the back is just great.

[Sweep]

The VSF TX400XT, comes with Tubus racks front and rear, and dynamo and lights as standard.

https://www.fahrradmanufaktur.de/en/kat ... g-hs33-769

http://blog.chrisbikes.co.uk/2014/06/vs ... e-par.html

Stockist 'chris bikes' is in Cambridge.

T

Nice bike but 10 speed and hydraulic brakes. Nice brakes but I wouldn't use them on a bike I intended to do serious touring on.