advice on Sherpa extras

[stew]

Dear all, i'd like to call on your collective knowledge!

I have ridden a racing bike since i was around 14 - i'm 34 now...and my body feels it's time to take up a slightly more moderate cycling style. Ive always wanted to do bike tours but have never had the pleasure, so i am really attracted to this - but reality is you only get to do that a few times per year and i dont have space/money for multiple bikes, so any bike i choose needs to also be fun to cycle unloaded.

I am pretty convinced that the Sherpa is the bike for me, both in build and cost - but given i've not done touring before and the dual-purpose of the bike, i'm wondering what people recommend as upgrades to the standard components on the sherpa. I think i will not use drop bars, probably straight bars (let me know your thoughts! are comfort bars better)...

If i can be specific, what do people think of the standard wheels and groupset? I looked up some of the standard components on shimano's website and they dont seem to be 'new' models or model numbers, so are these 'old' components? I have to consider cost so i need to evaluate what needs to be upgraded and whether i should be concerned by any of the standard components...

I appreciate any thoughts, i am looking forward to the final decision!!
Stew

[julk]

The choice of drops or straight type bars is very individual.

I have comfort bars on my Thorn which I find more comfortable than straight bars. I find the 18° backward sweep relaxes my back and shoulders. I also find controlling the bike fully loaded is easier with 'straight' type bars than with drop bars. My average speed fully loaded touring is around 9 mph, I take my time and may even walk part of a very steep hill.

The wheels are probably going to be the component which will most affect the feel of the ride. To cope with fully loaded riding there is a compromise between a light and lively wheelset and a stronger heavier combination of hub/rim/spokes/tyres which will ride with a slower feel, but survive the stresses of fully loaded touring on rough surfaces.

I would suggest a trip to SJSC is in order to try out a Sherpa and see how it rides with the standard kit. You may be pleasantly surprised and avoid any upgrading. You may be able to try some upgrades on the spot and evaluate them.

Good luck with choosing your new bike, its an exciting time.

[stew]

Oh thanks for the comment but it reminds me!! The reason I ask for your advice is because I will be ordering from outside the uk...so no opportunity to see the bike before arrival :-0

[julk]

Stew,
I too bought my Thorn without a visit to SJSC in Bridgwater.

I had a few phone conversations/e-mails to get the advice on bike/components from the sales team.

I would suggest you phone SJSC or ask them to phone you, failing that a few e-mails would be useful. I have found SJSC very responsive when put to the question. Robin Thorn, Andy Blance and the rest of the team are full of relevant experience and will offer helpful advice on your new bike and its components.
Julian.

[geocycle]

I have the comfort bars on my raven tour and prefer them to the flat bars on my previous bike.  They are quite wide which gives good leverage.  I've effectively shortened mine by 3-4 cm by moving the inboard bar ends to the more conventional position at the end of the bar and find this fits my shoulders better.  As julk says, whether you go with drops or comfort bars is very much personal choice.  Drops are more common for UK based tourists and probably would contribute to a quicker ride with a more aero position, but I'm perfectly happy with comforts and bar ends in terms of hand positions for my style of riding. 

[stew]

on the handlebars, i have always had drops on the racing bike but ive never really used them to the full - i almost always keep my hands on the tops or on the brake levers...so that's why i'm interested in alternatives to the drop bars a) i dont use them and b) i dont fancy changing gears all the way 'down there'...

[peter jenkins]

I'm interested in the discussion on bars...

I have a Club Tour mit dropped bars, and like others, find I rarely get down on the drops, even on Audax rides. I am considering Nitto moustache bars, partly because they're 'different' and partly because I can retain the existing brake levers and the excellent Dura Ace bar end shifters. Is anyone out there using these? If so, I would like to hear your opinion.

If you don't know what I'm on about see  http://store.somafab.com/nimobar.html

BTW, when you refer to comfort bars do you mean the 'trekkking' or 'butterfly' bars that use MTB type levers and shifters?  I'm in Australia and some of the jargon doesn't travel well.

I too bought without a visit to SJS before collection. All was done via the www and the bike was a perfect fit from the start. They have certainly got the process down pat.

Cheers,

pj

[julk]

pj,

The Thorn comfort bars start as a straight bar, then are given a rise on each side and a 9* backward sweep on each side. Very similar to bars I was using in 1959!

The Nitto bars look very nice, very retro.

The challenge for the Rohloff user is that the gear changer will not go round any sort of bend, so you are limited to where you can fit it. The choice is on a straight end of a bar, such as the comfort bar, or on a straight extension attached somewhere else.

Julian

[ians]

Hi Stew

another vote for Thorn Comfort bars (plus Ergon Grips).  I have drops on my road bike - they look the part - and used to have drops on my Super Galaxy, but since converting to Thorn (and Rohloff) I prefer the comfort bars.  So much so I also have them on my On-One Inbred.  My wife has the Carbon Comfort bars on her Trek.

ians

[stutho]

Hi Stew,

Welcome to the forum.

I am a big fan of drop bars. I love the multiple had position and I really appreciate get down and out of the wind.  Having said that there is NO right choice with something like this and if you feel that you will be happier with the comfort bars than that is the way to go.  

Everyone will have different priority when specking a bike and hence will go for different options.  For me the priority list would look something like this:

Safety,

• Switch brake blocks for kool stop salmon - the best bang for buck upgrade you can make! (not sure if sjsc stock)
• Lights
• clipless pedals - this is a MUST for me I don't feel secure on a bike without them - I use M540

Usability & Comfort - No point having a new bike if I am not going to want to ride it! Or I cant use it for the job

• Mudguards
• Rear Rack - Blackburn EX1
• Comfy Saddle - Brooks B17 in my case

If I have got any money left

• Hub upgrade to XT hubs - less maintenance
• Spoke upgrade to double butted, I can see why they still anyone uses straight gage
• Brake upgrade to Avid Ultimates - imho better than  M960 and roughly the same price

If money is no object

• rim upgrade to ceramic
• dynohub on the front

What I wouldn't change EVEN if I had the cash

• Gear Set! - instead run the standard  set into the ground and then if you feel the need upgrade  

Best of luck with whatever you finally decide.

Stutho

[peter jenkins]

Hi Julk,

Thanks for your clarification on comfort bars, I can see how they would suit some riders more than drop bars. being of the derailleur presuasion, I had not considered the Rohloff shifter issue.

My LBS has ordered a moustache bar 'on approval' so I can have a proper look/feel/play before spending the hard earned. I will keep you informed.

Cheers,

pj