Suspension vs big volume tyres

[lulubel]

I think the trailer idea combined with the Cube sounds like a good plan. I've seen people towing trailers on easy off road stuff as well, such as forest tracks and byways. I think the Troll is probably a bad, or less than ideal idea.

The problem with the Troll is that I want one. And I think I want one because it's easy to imagine using it to disappear for months and months down the backroads of various third world countries, carrying everything you own (or at least care about) on the bike. I quite like the idea of that .... But there's always one day.

Are there any downsides. Well, as I said before, I've used my mtn bike for touring but it has a different geometry to your Cube. I guess travelling speed will be a bit lower and the all round position is not as ideal as an out and out tourer, especially if you hit a headwind, no hunkering down. Hand positions are limited for road riding, which can get uncomfortable, bar ends maybe. Likewise the saddle may be great for one activity but not ideal for another. So all of that combined with a more upright position and the general geometry, may fatigue you a little sooner than a tourer but a lot will depend on your personal comfort and endurance levels and how far you intend to go each day.

Those kind of disadvantages don't actually worry me. I've spent lots of time on both the Crosscheck and the Cube's predecessor, and I actually found the MTB more comfortable for long rides on successive days. I already have my perfect saddle (the same saddle) on both bikes, and I don't tend to hunker down into headwinds even when it's an option. Even on the Crosscheck, I generally just change down a couple of gears, sit up and hold the top of the bars, and let it take as long as it takes. I'd have to take the Cube for a few long road rides to test it out, but I don't think there's anything to worry about there. I'm actually pretty fortunate as far as hand positions go because I don't ever seem to get uncomfortable with my hands. I have very thin bar tape on the Crosscheck, and I still hate it when the weather gets cooler and I have to start wearing gloves.

 

[lulubel]

Try googling bikepacking, a new way to tour or s24o.

I don't think bikepacking is for me, to be honest. Anyone considering a Surly Troll isn't really planning to travel light.

 

[lulubel]

When someone ordinary on a rigid bike rides the black at. say. Antur Stiniog in something vaguely resembling the time taken by someone of equal skills on an AM or DH bike, and can walk talk and chew solids afterwards the argument will be over.

The thing is, though (and this is just addressing this point, not the general topic of what bike I should use for touring), is it necessary for someone riding a rigid bike to ride blacks to have fun? Or are you going to have as much fun on a red on a rigid as on a black on a DH or AM? If your bike is more capable, does it just mean you have to go further and harder in search of thrills?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

The thing is, though (and this is just addressing this point, not the general topic of what bike I should use for touring), is it necessary for someone riding a rigid bike to ride blacks to have fun? Or are you going to have as much fun on a red on a rigid as on a black on a DH or AM? If your bike is more capable, does it just mean you have to go further and harder in search of thrills?

It is all highly subjective. It all depends on the definition of fun. And what maximises it for a given rider. On a given day.

How do we know our intrepid red rider wouldn't have more fun riding their red on a good sorted hardtail? And more fun still on an XC FS bike, and so on and so on?

 

[Crackle]

It is all highly subjective. It all depends on the definition of fun. And what maximises it for a given rider. On a given day.

How do we know our intrepid red rider wouldn't have more fun riding their red on a good sorted hardtail? And more fun still on an XC FS bike, and so on and so on?

Exactly.

I did a wee forest ride today which was fine on rigid and although I trail ride on mine, I know I'll have more fun with suspension and a better geometry bike. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

 

[lulubel]

It is all highly subjective. It all depends on the definition of fun. And what maximises it for a given rider. On a given day.

I totally agree with subjective. That's why it's very hard to make decisions when you only have other people's experiences to work from.

I did a wee forest ride today which was fine on rigid and although I trail ride on mine, I know I'll have more fun with suspension and a better geometry bike. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

And that was kind of my point. Personally, I'm quite happy sticking to things that I and my bike are capable of, unless I happen across something more tricky in the course of my travels, and don't have any choices other than to negotiate it or turn back.

 

[Crackle]

And that was kind of my point. Personally, I'm quite happy sticking to things that I and my bike are capable of, unless I happen across something more tricky in the course of my travels, and don't have any choices other than to negotiate it or turn back.

True. It's kind of difficult to sum up really. The limiting factor of what I'll do, is ultimately me. It won't make any difference what bike I get to what I do, though it may make it easier or fun, or faster. That's just me though. I have no desire to leap tall buildings in a single bound...

Also, pretty often, apart from trail centres when it's busy, I have the dog with me. So we travel at dog speed. Which is still faster than me on the gnarly stuff. Only landing in a bog up to his shoulders today, slowed him down and even that was too brief for me to catch him.

Horses for courses.