Alternatives to touring bikes?

[Jonny]

Hi there,
I cant afford a touring bike so i'm thinking of buying a hybrid like the trek 7500 FX or SU300, or the Specialised cirrus sport- all around £500 to £600, then fitting drop bars, sti's and all the panniers etc.

Is this a good idea or will i seriously regret it half way through a tour of 2500 miles.

I'd prefere to beef up a road bike as even they seem cheeper but so few can take front panniers.

I really dont know what to do and shops just push want they want to sell.

Please, please can anyone help?
Thanks you.

[france tourer]

The dawes horizon touring bike is less than £500 and is still the best on the market for the price range .Try evans cycles and you might get last years model for less than £400. all you need to do is change the tyres for a decent pair and you have got yourself a top tourer.I think you have been looking at cannondale tourers if you think you can not afford one

[Stuart]

The Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op sell a tourer for around £400. lts the Dawes Horizon 2004 edition

edinburghbicycle.com

[Marc]

Johny

Just gave the nugget you need in the rides section!

Marc

[mel]

If you buy a new bike make sure you get the wheel building checked before you go long distance. On one tour we did in France my pal had three spokes break in the back wheel of a new bike he'd bought the week before, luckily we carried the tools to do the job. The bike was a well known brand, as previously mentioned, it must have been a Friday afternoon bike. The retailer sorted the problem when he got home but it was two weeks of cycling on tender hooks.