Looking to buy a touring bike?

Question

I am looking to buy a bicycle for touring. I would like ot be able to put on some luggage bags and racks and do some overnighters and multiple-day tours and I plan on riding daily for fitness. My local dealer recommended a Trek 1500. I rode it and it felt nice but I think its more for amature racing than long-distance touring.
I would prefer an American made bike, but European would be OK - nothing made in China.
Does anyone know about Tommaso bikes?
Lastly, I am trying to stay around or under $1,000.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

When I say American or Euro I know its a given that Shimano is going to be some place on there.
As for the $1,000 price limit I just speaking of the bike not the accessories which I plan to add over time.

I am looking for an aluminum frame, maybe with carbon fiber forks. Basically I am looking for something similar to the Trek 1500 but more for touring.

Answer 1

You're right about the 1500. The geometry is just too tight for long range touring. In addition to rack and fender mounts, a real touring bike is going to have a slacker head tube and longer chainstays. Both of which make for more stable low speed handling, and the long chainstays also allow more room for rear panniers. Touring bikes also have room for bigger tires than road bikes, which will have a much bigger impact on ride comfort than frame or fork material. The Trek 520 and Cannondale T800 might be close to your price range.

Answer 2

First check all the bikes before you buy and test ride will help you to . There is plenty on market , Fuji , Trek , Kona , Jamis , Giant , Cannondale , Rocky Mountain , Bilenky bicycles , Devinchi , Bianchi ............ Some Tommaso bike is top line and some just piece of bottom build cycles . I ride one when on California tour years back and nothing to much . I prefer my modified Trek 520 . For long distance good quality touring bike you will need spend over $ 1000 and go for chromoly frame . My Trek 520 cost me $1500 and my old trusted modified Cannondale 1000X for riding in EU Prague mechanic from Australia overhauled for 650 eurodollars ( new LX shimano components ) and 50euro cost new paint . Dutch make also nice bikes Koga Miata . Co motion in Oregon made excellent custom touring bicycle and they will take your body measurement so touring bike will fit you just perfect for about US $3000 - $4000 fully equipt . If you are on budget check Fuji touring bicycle , it is not bad bike for the money at all .

Answer 3

$1000 is going to be difficult for a non chinese / non taiwan bike. Also - are you more concerned about the frame or the components being American / European (because shimano parts do not fit your defination).

First - are you doing unsupported touring? Do you know what metal you want the frame made of? (steel or aluminum are your most likely choices). If you are far away from civilization, I've been convinced that 26" wheels are the best choice, as they are mostly likely to be found worldwide.

Answer 4

You are right about the Trek. It is a sport bike. You can certainly put racks and bags on it, but it is not a pure touring bike. I happen to like the line of touring bikes from Cannondale. I believe they make two different models.

Answer 5

Dude,
You're not gonna get anything made in the US for under a grand. No way. Maybe you could pickup a frame for under a thousand, but no dice for a complete bike. Check out Surly's Long Haul Trucker and Crosscheck. My bro just bought his second Surly crosscheck, and loves it so much, he's convinced me to buy one. You can get the frame for about four fifty, and the complete bike for about a grand. I'm ordering mine next week...and I'm stoked!!

Answer 6

I hope you understand you almost can't buy a bike that isn't substantially made in the pacific rim.