Cruzbike for touring?

[ampnerd]

Hi, I've been cycling for only 4 years doing the standard weekend-warrior bike club thing on my road bike but I'm interested in getting into bike touring and have been looking at recumbents. I'm not so attracted to traditional style recumbents but very much like the look of the crank forward Cruzbikes. Are any of these bikes suitable for touring? Is there a specific model I should be looking at? What are the problems I might encounter in setting up one of these bikes ready for touring (attaching racks for panniers etc.)?

Thanks in advance for any advice offered

Sean Beresford
seanberesford@gmal.com

 

[Doug Burton]

Hi Sean,

Three of our bikes are well-suited to loaded touring:

Sofrider
Quest
Sigma

All three use robust aluminum frames and have ample mounting points for racks. The Sofrider and Quest will accept MTB seatpost racks, and can carry underseat loads with a little ingenuity.
David Byrne is currently riding a Sofrider around the world; you can follow his journey here:

http://www.recyclingtheworld.us/index.php

The Sigma accepts a rear rack very well, and probably can carry underseat loads as well; Ron Witt regularyly uses his to traverse the Australian Outback.

The Silvio has also been used for touring, but isn't designed for heavy loading; it's more of a road bike than a tourer.

I'm sure there are many in the local brain trust who can comment further...

Best,

Doug

 

[JonB]

@Doug:
you forgot the freerider in your model list. Further more the Freerider is rather easy to mount a rear rack on it. I suppose the sofrider are the same. I have posted 2 threads on racks, 1 on a midrack, and 1 on a rear rack.

 

[marshall2389]

a Quest with a MTB style rear rack and good panniers offers a lot of storage space. 2 large panniers plus space on top of the rack should be enough for light touring. Underseat panniers could be used for for luggage space if needed.

 

[teacherbill]

I am planning on touring around the bike paths with my conversion and grandkids in their modified jogging stroller. Will be adding a quick release trailer hitch to the end of the rear rack..... Will let you know how much lift they cause on the front wheel drive..... No natural hills here, only those that pass over the roads ......

 

[Shakey]

Hi Sean,
I have a single wheel trailer that tows just fine, I only really notice it's there going up hill.
It is attached with a "Bob Trailer" axle. The axle is meant to go on a rear wheel (wider axle) so I had to shorten the skewer & run the threads further.
Just got back from a circle tour of the Sunshine Coast & Vancouver Island. No problems handling.
Also a seat post pannier rack for light clothing, tool kit, first aid & snacks.
I did find the seat cushion a little thin after 4~5 hours though.