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I've a touring bike built up around a Kaffenback frame. It's now at the point where the componentry is several classes above the frame, so I'm thinking of upgrading it to something designed for the purpose.
Wants and needs - must be steel or ti, forks must have low rider mounts, must be capable of building into a bike that is fast enough unladen to blast off Cervelo riders.
Any comments gratefully received. Having a look at the Thorn Audax light touring frame - number one at the minute but don't want to be too hasty.
Something made to measure by Chas Roberts?
Spa Cycles own brand Ti tourer or audax frames? Very good reviews in the CTC magazine.
A visit to spa cycles is highly recommended those guys are proper mental. Chas roberts good choice too along with bob jackson or maybe mercian or ......... loads of choice really
How about a Hewitt Cheviot SE?
http://www.hewittbikefitting.co.uk/
Or maybe a Brian Rourke or go on a course with Dave Yates and build your own? (all steel of course!)
Condor Fratello - love mine
Salsa la cruz titanium fits the bill. We can do a bit of a deal on these. We also have a demo bike so you can try before you buy.
Surly cross check fits the bill and is a nice cheap option.
Salsa vaya or vaya Ti if you want discs.
Salsa casseroll another steel option.
Spa Cycles own brand Ti tourer or audax frames
all the reviews are raving, that'd be my choice
Fit and comfort should major priorities, for what to use; I've only been Audaxing this year, but have seen everything from good old 531 toruers, Alu, Ti, Bents, Trikes, Tandems and Moultons, its what you are comfortable with.
the most recent 600 I did there were guys on carbon road bikes who did it fine.
As long as it has braze-on's for racks, mudguards, decent lights, and gearing, the frame material isn't too important.
Currently I use a Planet X Ti Sportive, not perfect, but works, and occasionally a Salsa Vaya, which is a lot heavier, but with the right gearing keeps up with everyone.
Have you looked into the Kaffenback Mk2 (not out yet), this looks interesting with discs, and should be cheaper that the Vaya.
Thorn Audax. Mine's just had its first srespray, and it's had 15 years of hard use.
Oooo, lots of replies long after my original post. Thanks.
For all those mentioning Spa thanks, a new avenue to explore.
Charlie the bikemonger, who would have thought three Salsas potentially suited me - are you a salesperson 😆 I work in the trade so shall be getting 'whatever' trade through my shop. I will nose over Salsa though, I still have an original Salsa stem on my '91 Clockwork so have a soft spot for the brand.
Jimc101, I nearly dismissed your post out of hand, but I'd love an audax/touring bike with disks, so maybe.
I know 2 people who would go for your kaff!
Condor Fratello
I've had it fully loaded with panniers, but generally run it with just guards. Its a super bike
However, has full carbon forks so fronts are out...
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I've picked up a Condor to do just what the OP described. However I've tried to fit the rear rack and it fouls the rear brake. Djg/hb47 did you have the same issue? Mine look exactly like the photo of djg's.
Kona Sutra is worth a look - I love mine
I am loving my Yukon for commuting and it seems to fit the bill perfectly.
I doubt you'd get a steel frame as light to be as stiff and comfortable.
EDIT and you CAN fit racks to carbon forks.
Never had any issues with the rack fouling the brake. Its a tortec ultralight
I had a Argos custom fillet braised 531 audax frameset built for me which was ok I guess and I used it for alot of rides including a 600 k Audax ( never again) but alas felt abit er sluggish at time especially climbing
I bought a Pompino and it rode so well I bought a Kaffanbak the next week and sold the Argos because the Kaff is a much better bike at a fraction of the price.
What I am trying to say is the Kaff will take some beating.
Van Nicholas Amazon? You'd have to set about selecting/rigging up suitable forks though (if you consider that "light" touring really needs lowriders)
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[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/druidh2000/5923899854/ ]P1020052[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/druidh2000/ ]druidh_dubh[/url], on Flickr
Druidh, I love front panniers for the balance it gives - I'd sooner have four panniers with 2kg each than two rear panniers with 4kg each. Any day of the week. I see a lot of tourists in Scotland with a pile of crap on the back and at most a bar bag on the front. I want to shake them 😀