Please help a newbee choose

[Glyn496]

Hello folks, I'm hoping someone might be able to advise me on choosing a touring bike.
I'm looking for something versatile in that I can use it for a 20 mile commute, hook a couple of panniers on and ride to the seaside for the day or strip it of it's rack and mudguards and go for a fast evening spin.
I visited my LBS yesterday and one model that's was recommended was the Dawes Galaxy:
http://www.thebikefactory.co.uk/productdetails.asp?productid=74499

Now, it seems to tick most if not all of the boxes and the price is ok, but being a complete newcomer I would really like the opinions of more experienced users/riders. Would this be a good choice or can I get better for the cash?
Should I go with cantilever brakes or discs? Should I be looking for better quality groupset?

Many, many thnks in advance, hopefully this'll be the first of many posts by me on here.
Cheers, Glyn.

 

[Kies]

Any road bike is capable of doing all those activities. Just choose one that has eyelets for a rear rack.
Go for the best frame you can afford and a minimum of Tiagra mechanicals. 105 would be better but you will be looking at close to £1000

 

[Glyn496]

ok, point taken re: Tiagra, but what's 105?

 

[vickster]

Same as tiagra, bit lighter, bit smoother. Bit more expensive, initially and parts

Have a look at the cx offerings from whyte

 

[Glyn496]

Vickster, funny you should mention Whyte as I've just been looking at this - http://www.cyclesurgery.com/whyte-k...nents-bikewear/fcp-product/45707?listing=true

 

[vickster]

On your bike at London bridge had the kings x for 599 yesterday if in London. Not sure what size

Sora gearing so 9 speed and one down from tiagra

 

[Glyn496]

I really appreciate all the input and info provided - thanks.
At the moment, my head feels like its going to explode with all the info I'm trying to take in from 100's of websites!

Can I just ask... if given a straight choice between the following bikes, would would YOU consider the better 'all-things-considered' purchase?

http://www.thebikefactory.co.uk/productdetails.asp?productid=74499

or

http://www.londonbicycleworkshop.com/94/products/raleigh-clubman-2013-blue.aspx

again, thanks very much, Glyn.

 

[Cycleops]

The Dawes Galaxy has been the benchmark for touring bikes for eons so if buying one today you can't really go wrong. It will do everything you want it to do. Don't get too hung up on group set hierarchy, again they will all work well and are more of a marketing tool for the manufacturers. As for your last question the choice here is clear cut. The Clubman is a fast light touring bike, you don't get the touring fitments and gearing you get on the Dawes. The Galaxy is an all out touring bike. So it is up to to decide what you want to use it for.

 

[Polite]

Hello folks, I'm hoping someone might be able to advise me on choosing a touring bike.
I'm looking for something versatile in that I can use it for a 20 mile commute, hook a couple of panniers on and ride to the seaside for the day or strip it of it's rack and mudguards and go for a fast evening spin.
I visited my LBS yesterday and one model that's was recommended was the Dawes Galaxy:
http://www.thebikefactory.co.uk/productdetails.asp?productid=74499

Now, it seems to tick most if not all of the boxes and the price is ok, but being a complete newcomer I would really like the opinions of more experienced users/riders. Would this be a good choice or can I get better for the cash?
Should I go with cantilever brakes or discs? Should I be looking for better quality groupset?

Many, many thnks in advance, hopefully this'll be the first of many posts by me on here.
Cheers, Glyn.

I bought the very same bike from http://www.discountbicycles.co.uk/biz/product.php/38898/13/dawes_galaxy_2013_58cm_frame_free_toolkit and with the money I saved I bought a Brooks saddle. Having done quite a bit of touring and commuting on an old hybrid bike, I really notice the difference. It's a great bike.