Touring bikes come and go in popularity and while the number of models for 2021 are noticably fewer - the specifications for what is available have improved significantly.
Gravel bikes are all the rage in the cycling industry these days with "bike-packing" as the current noms de plume. However, the idea of cycle touring is still lingering about the fringes of the cycling spectrum and while many consumers may confuse gravel bikes or "adventure bikes" (as are some are billed), these manufacturers offer some distinctly adventuresome touring specific bikes.
The most popular players are still; Trek and Surly, while Kona, Ridgeback, Salsa, and Genesis continue to provide strong contenders. Fuji returned to the touring market a couple of years ago and Bombtrack joins the ranks with a surprisingly unique entry.
Also surprising are the makes and models not included in this round-up: Cinelli, Dawes, Jamis, and Pinnacle sadly no longer offer touring bikes. Masi had a beautiful touring bike for 2021, but it sold out quickly and I am unsure if they plan to continue with the model (Check it out!). Additionally, I've left out Thorn and Spa Cycles this year simply because none of their bikes are truly "off-the-peg". They offer great bikes, but you need to spec most everything and the options are just too extensive to include in this review.
The Criteria
So what was my criteria for selecting the bikes in this review? I used only five basic considerations when I chose the bikes shown below;
- Steel frames & forks
- Drop handlebars
- 700c rims & tyres
- Price must be under £2,000
- The bike must be "off-the-peg". That is; I must be able to walk into the shop (or order online) and ride away with the bike as pictured.
You'll not find bikes which have: carbon fibre frames and/or forks, hyrdraulic brakes, electronic shifting, or flat bars (just because I personally prefer drop bars and the classic look they embody).
The most notable update from my previous review is that I've now made the jump to include bikes with disc brakes. This is not without trepidation. I've read some good reviews on the dual-piston mechanical discs (road.cc; Definitive Guide to Disc Brakes), so with that in mind (and without going into a lengthy diatribe), I have relented. In fact, all the bikes in this review have mechanical disc brakes.
The Bikes
Bombtrack Arise Tour ★★★★
Bombtrack makes a stunning entry by setting up their Arise Tour with a sub-compact 30/46 crankset and a 11-42 rear cassette. The top-notch specs continue with 10-speeds, Microshift bar-end shifters, and Tektro RL-340 brake levers coupled with TRP Spyre C dual piston mechanical disc brakes. To further expand the versatility, the Arise also comes with KT dynamo front hub with Supernova E3 front and rear lights. Then throw in front and rear Tubus racks and this bike is a real standout from the pack.
☞
Visit the website: Bombtrack 2021 Arise Tour
List price: £1,800.00
Fuji Touring Disc ★★★★★
It's great to see Fuji re-entering the touring bike market and their latest model is excellent. Starting with a Reynolds 520 Cromoly frame and fork, they then add a Shimano Deore 48/36/26 triple crankset perfectly matched to a Deore 11-36T, 10-speed cassette, giving this bike the widest (and lowest) gear ratios of the group. Microshift bar-end shifters are coupled to Deore front & rear derailleurs. Then TRP RRL linear pull brake levers connect to the TRP Spyre C mechanical disc brakes making this a near perfect setup.
☞
Visit the website: Fuji Touring Disc
List price: $1,299.99 (US)
At first glance, the Genesis Tour de Fer 10 is a great looking bike; however, on close inspection the components miss the mark on several points. First off, the Shimano Sora 3x9 groupset is primarily for entry level racing bikes. This group starts with a very large 50/39/30 crankset coupled to a 11-32 rear cassette, which I feel is not low enough for touring, especially with heavy loads. Also, I personally don't care for STI shifters on a touring bike. The Promax DSK-717RA Mechanical Disc brakes are budget level and to be honest, I couldn't find any positive reviews of them.
☞
Visit the website: Genesis Tour de Fer 10
List price: £1,399.99
Kona Sutra ★★★★
Kona has been making the Sutra touring bike since 2007 and have a well-esblished history as an industry leader. The 2021 model continues that tradition with a solid Shimano 10-speed groupset: starting with Deore front & rear derailleurs, a Deore 48/36/26 crankset, and 11-36 cassette. They top it off with Microshift bar-end shifters, TRP Spyre C mechanical disc brakes activated by Tektro RRL levers. Just as with the Fuji Disc Touring; I think this is the new "go-to" touring set-up.
☞
Visit the website: Kona Sutra
List price: £1,499.00
Ridgeback has been quietly making touring bikes for over 10 years now and their latest model comes with an interesting mix of Shimano Alivio and Sora 3x9-speed components. Whilst slightly a notch above entry level, this mix does allow for an 11-34 rear cassette and front 48/36/26 crankset (somewhat the touring standard). While some may balk at the lower level componentry (compared to the full Sora groupset that comes with it's more popular cousin; the Genesis Tour de Fer 10), this combination is much better suited for practical touring.
☞
Visit the website: Ridgeback Voyager
List price: £1,499.99
Note: Whilst researching online, I discovered that both the Genesis and Ridgeback brands are owned by the same parent company: Sportline. This might explain their similarities in geometry and componentry. With many companies now moving toward the production of gravel bikes, I wonder if these are the twilight years for these two brands to continue offering touring specific bikes?
Salsa Marakesh Alivio ★★★★★
This bike, along with the Fuji are perhaps the best equiped touring bikes in this review (mostly because they are so similar!). This bike has similar components though slightly lower level (Deore on the Fuji whilst the Salsa has a combination of Acera and Alivio.) It features the preferred 48/36/26T front crank, 3x9 speed perfectly matched to a 11-36 rear cassette. Then add Microshift bar-end shifters, TRP Spyre C mechanical disc brakes with Tektro RRL levers. Just as with the Fuji and Kona Disc setups.
☞
Visit the website: Salsa Marakesh Alivio
List price: $1,899 USD (MSRP)
Surly Disc Trucker ★★★★
Surly has radically changed their classic touring bike for 2021 by offering a shorter chainstay length, slanted top tube, and most surprisingly a taller headset including an elevated handlebar for the most upright riding position offered in this review. The components have also seen some significant changes by now utilising STI shifters and through axles (seen so far only on the Bombtrack).The front crank is Shimano Alivio 48/36/26 matched to a 11-34 9-speed cassette and Alivio rear derailleur.
☞
Visit the website: Surly Disc Trucker
List price: $1,949 USD
TREK 520 ★★★★
I admit that I have a soft spot for the Trek 520 (I have a 1979 Trek 710 touring bike...) and this bike speaks to me. It has Trek's own brand (?) of triple butted steel tubes and fork, loads of mounting points for mudguards, three water bottles, or accessory rack/bags, and comes with Bontrager front and rear racks. The groupset is a combination of Shimano Alivio and Accera, centered around 9-speed gearing, a 48/36/26T crank and 11-34 cassette. Front and rear brakes are TRP Spyre C 2.0 mechanical disc.
☞
Visit the website: TREK 520
List price: £1,450.00
Frame Geometries
This is where the small details can make significant differences. The specific frame geometry is going to not only effect the way the bike fits you, but also the way the bike handles, epsecially carrying heavy loads.
Note: the sizes shown in the table above are based upon the bike size each manufacturer offers which would best fit a rider 6'-0" (183cm) tall. Complete bike geometries for other size bikes and riders can be found at their respective websites.
For decades seat tube length and top tube length were the basic measurements used for fitting a bike to the rider. Now that most bikes have angled top tubes and many use straight forks; these numbers are less accurate in factoring bike fit and handling.
Current bike specifications utilize stack and reach as the two most fundamental measurements of frame geometry. These two key figures will quickly allow you to compare how you will be positioned on the bike and how well the bike will fit your unique body proportions. Touring bikes will typically have a greater stack height and a shorter reach so that the rider sits more upright for comfort over long periods.
Two other measurements I also consider are; chainstay length and trail. The former indicates how far back the rear wheel is postioned behind the bottom bracket and softens the ride. While the latter measures how far forward the front axle is in relation to the head tube making the steering more stable, especially under load(s).
Essentially, it works out like this: bikes designed for racing will have shorter, more responsive frames. The rider will be positioned much lower and closer to the top-tube, ie, stretched out. Touring bikes will have longer, more stable frames so that the rider will be positioned more upright for comfort and the longer frame will better support the additional weight of panniers, which in-turn offers better control for the rider.
Of course, there are many other dimensions to consider. I am simplifying this process greatly, but these are the primary figures on which I start. For a full description of bike geometries, be sure to read; How to Use Geometry Charts and What They Mean.
Components & Build Specs
Here we have the parts of a bike that are easy to see and identify. These main components will help determine the quality and seriousness of the touring bike build.
The gearing is a good place to start evaluating the seriousness of a touring bike build. Ideally you want a wide range of gears to help you traverse a wide variety of terrian, ie, climbing hills with a loaded bike.
I'm not going into a great deal of depth here, because this area is hugely complex. With the exception of the Bombtrack Arise, most touring bikes will come equiped with a triple crankset. The most common "off the peg" range between a 44/34/22T to a 48/36/26T. Rear cassettes tend to be either 11-34T or 11-36T. Of course, most all cranksets and cassettes can easily be modified and/or upgraded to suit your desires, but who wants to do this with a new bike?.
Next it's worthwhile to check out the derailleurs. Perhaps you'd like to upgrade to an 11-36T cassette, you'd better be sure your rear derailleur can handle it - most cannot. The same is true for the front derailleur; a double front cannot be used with a triple crankset. If you gotten this far, you will now understand why I'm not a fan of the Shimano Sora groupset for a touring bike.
Summary
It's tricky to write about bikes you've never ridden or personally seen for that matter. It's really down to comparing the components, looking at frame geoometries, and considering what I like the best. So bear this in mind. This is just my personal ramblings.
What didn't I like?
For the price of these bikes, none should come equiped with entry-level components. I am not a fan of STI shifters. I have found them unreliable over time, especially in wet weather conditions. Additionally, I wouldn't want to embark on a loaded tour with an unproven brand of rim. I have to add too that I'm not quite sure about having a QR hub on the back and a through axle on front. (But I need to read more about through axles to be honest...) Most of the mudguards included with the bikes are small and of a poor quality. They seem to just be included for marketing purposes - to make the bike "look like a touring bike".
What did I like?
Fuji Touring Disc ★★★★★
The Fuji Disc takes my top choice as best bike for the money. From components to frame specs, this bike just ticks all the right boxes for me. Then to top it off, it is nearly $400 USD cheaper than it's nearest competitors.
My second and thrid choices would be the Salsa and/or TREK. They are behind the Fuji only because of components specifications. The Bombtrack gets special recognition (and some further research) because it's completely unique different setup. The Kona I like too, but I'm not sold on the straight fork and slack headset angle (minor issues, really).
With the exception of the Genesis, I think all of these bikes look really good on paper. Hands down the Shimano Deore 10-speed groupset with Microshift bar-end shifters is the best component group from these offerings. While the TRP & Tektro brake levers are both excellent and coupled to the TRP Spyre C mechanical disc brakes; are the most popular brake combination/setup.
My second and thrid choices would be the Salsa and/or TREK. They are behind the Fuji only because of components specifications. The Bombtrack gets special recognition (and some further research) because it's completely unique different setup. The Kona I like too, but I'm not sold on the straight fork and slack headset angle (minor issues, really).
With the exception of the Genesis, I think all of these bikes look really good on paper. Hands down the Shimano Deore 10-speed groupset with Microshift bar-end shifters is the best component group from these offerings. While the TRP & Tektro brake levers are both excellent and coupled to the TRP Spyre C mechanical disc brakes; are the most popular brake combination/setup.
In closing, I want to reiterate that I'm not in the business of reviewing bikes and/or bike related products. This is by no means intended to be taken as a serious review.
For a complete list of touring bikes along with solid reviews and professionally written articles, I suggest checking out Cycling About; "A Complete List of Touring Bicycle Manufacturers with Pricing". Another great reviewer is Tom's Bike Trip: What’s The Best Touring Bike? (2021 Edition) Also, be sure to check out road.cc. They offer extensive reviews of many touring bikes (both old and new) that are worth investigating.
And lastly, check out Cycling Weeky's article on Best touring bikes 2021: tourers for adventures on two wheels. They are the professionals.