which bike to buy?

[wreckless cycling]

i started riding (again) about four years ago and very much want to start touring.  i have looked at the LHT, the 520, and the raleigh sojourn and really like the feel of the sojourn.  any thoughts about the sojourn?  i understand it is considered heavy out the door, but it comes with fenders and rear rack.

[jsieber]

Here is a review of the Sojourn on the web, http://thatswhatshesaidaboutyourbike.blogspot.com/2010/07/2010-raleigh-sojourn.html.

[wreckless cycling]

thanks for the link.  happy to learn that the bike is favorably considered by the reviewer.  the look of the sojourn is classic.  i think that i am sold.

[waynemyer]

If you like the feel of the Sojourn over the LHT and 520, then that is the steed that was made for you!

Disclaimer: I love disc brakes.  They are, in so many ways, the perfect brake system for my do-everything bicycle.  Now, with that out of the way...

Don't get disc brakes unless they are the right system for your needs.  Disc brakes are for you if: you ride in the rain somewhat frequently; ever ride in snow and ice; don't want to do rim cleaning; or might want to experiment with different wheel sizes.  If the aforementioned conditions don't apply, then you don't have to subject yourself to the weight penalty of disc brakes.

If you're still set on disc brakes, for the love of all that is brake-y, change your pads from the stock Avid pads to an aftermarket sintered pad.  Right now, I am using Aztec and am very pleased with them.  Previously, I used Gator sintered pads and was also very happy with them.  Avid pads wear out too quickly, glaze too easily, and are overpriced to boot!

[Pat Lamb]

Just an observation from last year's TransAm/NT ride.  I'd guess 40% of the other cyclists we encountered were on LHTs.  25% (still guessing) were on Novara Randonees, sadly now discontinued by REI.  About 10-15% had some vintage of a Trek 520.  I remember a few Cannondales, a few Jamis, and nothing else in such abundance that I noted it.

I'm still sticking to 50-60% of the saddles were Brooks, too!

As for what will work for you?  Pick one and ride it!

[nhhillbilly]

I have a  sojourn. I really like it. The handle bars did not fit me so I went to a traditional drop with STI shifters.  I purchased it last September and have been riding it a lot since. It is not the fastest bike climbing but I can climb anything it is geared low enough. I am leaving in Sept. for a trip from NH to AL..

I purchased it as it had the most features I waned one of them being the disk brakes. I ride no matter what the weather, snow, rain, sleet and I have found the disk brakes to be the most reliable in bed weather.

[njkayaker]

25% (still guessing) were on Novara Randonees, sadly now discontinued by REI.

I don't think it's been discontinued. I think REI stops advertising it when they run out of stock. When they get a batch in, they list it for sale.

[playpiano1980]

If you like the feel of the Sojourn over the LHT and 520, then that is the steed that was made for you!

Disclaimer: I love disc brakes.  They are, in so many ways, the perfect brake system for my do-everything bicycle.  Now, with that out of the way...

Don't get disc brakes unless they are the right system for your needs.  Disc brakes are for you if: you ride in the rain somewhat frequently; ever ride in snow and ice; don't want to do rim cleaning; or might want to experiment with different wheel sizes.  If the aforementioned conditions don't apply, then you don't have to subject yourself to the weight penalty of disc brakes.

If you're still set on disc brakes, for the love of all that is brake-y, change your pads from the stock Avid pads to an aftermarket sintered pad.  Right now, I am using Aztec and am very pleased with them.  Previously, I used Gator sintered pads and was also very happy with them.  Avid pads wear out too quickly, glaze too easily, and are overpriced to boot!

You mention a good point regarding when you should have disc brakes, I've been riding for about 2 years now and live in Florida. Hence the importance of disc brakes, it literally rains on one side of the road, and not the other.


Happy Riding,

[DaveB]

I have a  sojourn. I really like it. The handle bars did not fit me so I went to a traditional drop with STI shifters. 

This is usually an expensive upgrade as new STI shifters are expensive as after-market components and used ones (e-bay, etc.) are very much a crap shoot for reliability.  If you want STI shifters, you will do better to buy a bike already equipped with them.

[nhhillbilly]

The STI shifters installed were not cheap but Drummond Cycles who installed them did a great job. They work very well without a glitch.

[ducnut]

Wow, nice Raleigh!

Though, I don't think those are SKS fenders in the picture. SKS mounts and lengths are different and they don't have flaps. The flaps and lengths look like Planet Bike. No matter, as it is a really nice bicycle.

[nhhillbilly]

It came with bike planet fenders on the sojourn. They came in handy during the Prouty Century ride in July.  It down poured in the morning and everyone that did not have fenders loved mine. This was in NH and Vt.

[ducnut]

It came with bike planet fenders on the sojourn. They came in handy during the Prouty Century ride in July.  It down poured in the morning and everyone that did not have fenders loved mine. This was in NH and Vt.

I never desired fenders, until I started putting in serious miles. Man, they really keep the crap off of you. My GF drafts off me and says they stop all the debris from hitting her in the face. Now, she follows even closer.

I run SKS with Brooks flaps, front and rear.

[waynemyer]

Here in the Pacific Northwest, I thank every bike commuter I pass that has mudflaps on their fenders.  And quietly curse every single one that doesn't.