Giant Tourer Touring cycles

[RonenKi]

Hello all,
I'm arriving in the UK this summer for a cycle trip, and I'm interested in purchasing a touring bicycle that could last a a few weeks hard use and not be prohibitively expensive (upwards of 500 pounds in my case). I understand from your advice that my best option is a 2nd hand Galaxy or other classic tourer, but since those may be hard to find I'd like to hear your thoughts on buying a Giant Tourer (1st hand- 500 pounds), and then trying to sell it at the end of the trip. Anyone have experience with the cycle or the "scheme"? Also, what is the main difference between the rs1, 2, 3 versions- besides the price?

Thanks again,
Ronen

[RonenKi]

It seems you could get a Raleigh Royal in that price range, I'd appreciate your thoughts on that cycle as well.
Thanks

[gaz]

.

[djnotts]

"I can't see that the Giant's wider tyres and suspension fork give it any advantage on such paths, "

Other than a lot more comfortable ride!

[random37]

You'll get about half of what you paid for it, assuming you don't damage anything. And depending where you park it, you'll need to spend up to £60 on a lock.

Might be best to put an advert up here for something secondhand, at least you'll get most of your money back.

[BenjaminRoome]

I bought a Royal in March. It's a decent bike considering the reputation Raleigh have gained in recent years. The only thing I would suggest is getting a decent saddle for it if you're doing a lot of miles!

What kind of touring, how much weight are you taking? I've had a number of problems fitting a front rack- If you want a front rack on it, I'd say look elsewhere, apart from that it's a reasonable bike for it's price.

[RonenKi]

I'm new to touring so right now I'm planning to do 30-40 miles a day (taking into account hilly terrain in Scotland, I'll probably be doing more in the flatter areas).

As to gear, I hope to keep it down to 8-10kg- we'll be staying in hostels so no need for camping gear and a lot of supplies. You think a Royal could do the job?

I've actually started thinking about cheaper hybrid models like the Trek 7.3 or Dawes Discovery 301/201.

Too much choice for us beginners, and not enough experience

[CJ]

That's not too ambitious, so a general-purpose hybrid bike (such as the last ones you named) should be fine - and probably easier to sell. Also, assuming you are not already accustomed to dropped handlebars, a foreign holiday is not the best time to discover whether you like them or not.