Touring Equipment

What shoes would you guys recommend for touring? I've currently got spd's on mine but would ideally like something comfy to wear off the bike too.

NO SOCKS!

I used them for 1200miles to Nice last year.....bloody comfortable......

Spenc, this?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kona/sutra-2011-touring-bike-ec026548?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=froogle

That's lovely EEI, Really like the look if it as well.

Anyone uses MT22?

I got them. I use them for commuting. They are my first cycling specific shoes so really can't compare, but wouldn't walk +200 meters if had a choice. For cycling they are perfect (for my limited values of perfect). Buy size or half up.

Not sure if Evans use the cycle to work scheme though EEI :( :(

Planet X takes cycle scheme vouchers. Can you just buy the Van Nicholas frame from them and build it up yourself?

Or go to Halfords with the voucher and ask them to order Kona from the supplier.

Is this different? I don't use cycle to work scheme, so I don't know.

http://www.evanscycles.com/ride2work

If I did buy the Van nichloas it would come in at way over my budget - Can't really afford it this year with a wedding to pay for.

The cycle to work scheme is different to the halfords and evans one. They are accepted in many more shops, might be worth me popping into my LBS and enquiring about the Kona. I did like the look of the ridgeback;

Ask if any shop which does your scheme can order from a UK supplier directly? Some shops out there stock very little and mainly do repairs and sell spares, but bikes are bought to order. Others have loads of cheap rides and really don't know their craft.

Ok so I've been thinking how hard would it be to fit my century with a triple chain ring. Currently the specs are;

Rear Derailleur:Shimano Tiagra GS
Front Derailleur:Shimano
SoraShifters:Shimano Sora Dual Control STI
Chainset:Shimano Sora 50/34
Bottom Bracket:Shimano External
Chain:HG53
Freewheel/Cass:Shimano Cassette 11-25 9sp

Can I just go out, buy this and fit it?

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&nord=1&q=shimano+triple+chainset&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&ion=1&biw=1280&bih=909&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=13794478142453669966&sa=X&ei=a47oTYuxEYK6hAeonOmBAQ&ved=0CCsQ8wIwAA

Or do I really need to start looking at front/ rear derailer and shifters, because if I do this might start to get very expensive.

You can always fit a 11-28t cassette (and a longer derailleur) to compensate, give you a little bit more range.

Thanks Ed, the thing is when I was touring on this bike last year I really felt there were times when I'd benefit from a triple. Also if I buy upgrades now when it comes to replacing the frame I can just move the parts over << Something you taught me.

Hah, the reason for the cassette + derailleur is that it work out a bit cheaper than a triple crankset and give a similar range, although with the triple you get more choice of ratios.

With the 11-28 cassette, you get a gear inches of 32 to 121.

With a triple chainring (using your original 11-25 cassette), you'll get a gear inches of 32 to 121 (using the Shimano Tiagra 30-39-50 cassette as a reference).

I think the Shimano Sora shifter work with double and triple, will double check that at work today, however what about bar-end shifter? you can have the option of indexed and friction at the same time, a great option if the indexed is out of tune, simply switch it in friction mode solved this.

I know the Dura Ace one does, but not sure if the Ultegra do as well.

But if I was to upgrade to a triple basically what would I need? I'm not sure if the current shifters I've got are triple compatible.

Harry will split the package into two halves for you to avoid the import tax.

Brilliant, sold. Will be defo getting this then. Cheers!

I'll find that out when I go to work today, could be just the triple is all you need, and being 9 speed make it easier to mix component, since the main ring is the same size as your compact, you won't need to change the chain (probably shorten it).

edit - if your shifter is a Sora 3400, then yes you can run triple on it without changing it.

How do I find out if I've got 3400 shifters? Can't find it online will it be on the shifters them selves, I've noticed when I change chain ring there in one 'stop' on the shifter which isn't being used - maybe this is just to tune it though?

And thanks for the help Ed, I await your response!

however what about bar-end shifter? you can have the option of indexed and friction at the same time, a great option if the indexed is out of tune, simply switch it in friction mode solved this.

I know the Dura Ace one does, but not sure if the Ultegra do as well.

Only just seen this mate,

bar ends would be good but I don't think they'd look right on this bike, full on tourer they would look great though.

https://www.lfgss.com/thread58691.html

But I've already got my touring bike Andy?

Ok I need some help,

I'm currently looking at touring bikes (I've got a Ridgeback Century already) Great bike but it can't really deal with heavy loads I don't really do racing so would be more suited to a touring bicycle.

I've been looking at the Ridgeback Voyage - It's a lovely bicycle but for the money £799 could I find myself something better? Bare in mind I'm looking at doing the cycle to work scheme.

Or as an alternative do I just upgrade what I've currently got?

I'd need a triple up front which I guess would mean new shifters,chain ring, bottom bracket, front and rear mech.

I read this far, did't see the next page.

No worries. My main concern is trying to fit a triple ring on where my current sora is and wondering if I can use my same shifters, all sora (triple&double) seem to be exactly the same, fingers crossed I can.

spenceey, sell your Ridgeback, and buy a Surly Long Haul Trucker.

job done.

Nah fuck doing that just yet. Maybe next year mate once I've got more cash ill build it up from frame only.

Got myself a tiara front mech and 105 cranks should work fine with sora. Might get 105 shifters later on then just move the parts over to a proper tourer when the cash allows. As in I won't have a wedding to pay for next year.