can I put panniers on a Ralaigh Airlite 300? (and should I?)

[martian]

Hi all,

I'm fairly new to this, so apologies if this is a stupid question. I've recently had a road bike stolen (that I had for years) and am wanting to replace it.

I've been looking at the Airlite 300 (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/raleigh/airlite-300-2011-road-bike-ec028449#delivery), but am also keen to get something I could go on long trips with and add a rack and panniers. Would this be possible with this bike? If so, how hard would it be to mount on and off? And would it damage my forks?

is that even a good bike to be considering?

My local bike shop told me that they would sell me this Claude Butler touring bike and throw in free panniers for £600. Does that seem like a better option: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/claud-butler/regent-2011-touring-bike-ec027603

Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[Muddyfox]

It will depend on what type of touring you want to do ? Light touring (credit card) or whether you intend to carry all your gear includidng tent etc ?

 

[martian]

What would be the approx weight I could put on this thing. Probably light touring though. Thanks!

 

[the snail]

You could attach a rack using P-clips. Drawbacks would be limited load for long distance, those wheels are a bit low on spokes, you might find your heels foul the panniers, and gearing a bit high - also the steering might be a bit funny if you load it up. So really best to stick to travelling light. The CB would avoid those problems, definitely a better option if you want to carry full camping kit, but then it won't be as nimble/fast as a road bike.
I think there are probably better options as a compromise - something with 32 spoke wheels and rack mounts - Specialized tricross?

 

[Nebulous]

You can get the Claud Butler much cheaper than that - if you google.

Here for instance

although I don't know anything about that company.

 

[Monkspeed]

You need the right tool for the job, if deep down you know you want to do some touring then perhaps a road bike is not the best thing to purchase. Yes it is do-able but is it feasible? Probably better to go with a hybrid, some disc breaks, a nice comfy saddle, and the ability to take pannier racks and mud guards.

 

[Holdsworth]

Why don't you try the Revolution Country Traveller fro EBC, I have owned mine for around7 months and I use it as my main bke. It come as standard with a rack and mudguards plus attachments for a rack on the front fork. Currently under £400 in their annual sale. A bargain at that price as I paid the full whack back in May, still immensely pleased with it so far though.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebw...me&ebcTag_content=sbike&ebcTag_campaign=13155

If you want to spend more there is a disk brake and steel-framed version for £600, still less than the Raleigh.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebw...upersetQRY=C396&f_SortOrderID=1&f_bct=c009320

 

[Ivan Ardon]

I have a CB Regent and have used it for touring through France. It's a good load lugger and a well equipped bike for the price. I've added my Brooks B17, a front rack and 35mm Marathons to mine and it does just what I want it to. Heavy touring and loaded commuting is what it's good at, think "Diesel Mondeo Estate". Will the CB be as fast and nippy as the Airlite? No.

Could you load up the Airlite to tour on? Yes. Should you? Probably not, the gearing's too high and carrying luggage will be a problem (no front panniers, no rack mounts and the wrong geometry)

Ultimately it depends on what you want to do more of - touring and commuting (buy the CB), or whizzing around for fun (buy the Airlite).

 

[Ivan Ardon]

Good spot by Hioldsworth there, that EBC Revolution Country Traveller is a bargain at that price (and better specced than the Regent).

EBC are good to deal with, I've bought one of their Revolution bikes in the past and it was was very good.

 

[Crackle]

I'm repeating what's been said but it's worth saying it again.

The Airlite will take a rack but not much load. It hasn't got the right gearing range for touring but it's manageable, it won't like being loaded, might go a bit twitchy, the riding position is a bit more head down than a tourer, making long days potentially uncomfortable, that depends on you, frame clearances probably won't allow a bigger tyre. All that said, if touring is an aside to your normal riding, it will do, if it's your main concern, get a tourer.

 

[martian]

Thanks very much for the responses. The revolutions do seem like a good option. But the sizes all seem very small. I'm not sure what my normal framesize should be, but I assume about 55cm (based on some height/leg size charts I've seen).

I've been recommended to look at this bike: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/charge/juicer-mid-2012-road-bike-ec029985#reviews

Do you think that this might be a good alternative in comparison? Would it be suitable for a rack occasionally if I wanted to do a multi-day tour?

Thanks again!

 

[Holdsworth]

The revolution bikes have compact style frames that are equivalent to regular-sized frames, consult their sizing charts on the website or call up and speak to their friendly staff to choose the right one, that's what I did as I was on the border between sizes.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/comms/srv.a4d?f_pg=site_sizing/sizecharts-brands.htm#bikes-touring

 

[Ivan Ardon]

I've been recommended to look at this bike: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/charge/juicer-mid-2012-road-bike-ec029985#reviews

Do you think that this might be a good alternative in comparison? Would it be suitable for a rack occasionally if I wanted to do a multi-day tour?!

Hmmm, it appears to be neither fish nor fowl. It's geared too high and the geometry's wrong to be a sensible tourer, and it's a bit "meh" as a road bike. Pricey too.

You're getting into reasonable Audax bike pricing there which may be what you're looking for.

 

[kishan]

yeah you can if look at the rear of the frame you got holes at that have thread inside them so it should be fine to fit some depending on the clearance of the wheel and the pannier frame holder, you can also get some that attach to the seat post, pop into you local go outdoor stote they should be able show you which one will fit best

 

[alecstilleyedye]

Hmmm, it appears to be neither fish nor fowl. It's geared too high and the geometry's wrong to be a sensible tourer, and it's a bit "meh" as a road bike. Pricey too.

You're getting into reasonable Audax bike pricing there which may be what you're looking for.

really? a 27x34 gear is pretty low…