Review: Spa Cycles D'Tour 725 Mk2 Disc Tourer

The Spa Cycles D’Tour 725 Mk2 (Thru-Axle) Disc Tourer 11spd Cable Disc, a highly acclaimed steel touring bicycle, has been updated for 2026 to incorporate modern features like disc brakes and thru-axles. This model combines a top-tier Reynolds steel frame with carefully selected components, including custom-built wheels, offering an exceptionally smooth and comfortable riding experience. It is engineered for extended journeys, featuring robust construction and a versatile gearing system that excels across diverse landscapes and with varying cargo weights. The bike earns high praise for its superior build quality, reliable performance, and impressive stability, establishing it as a formidable option in the touring bicycle category.

The D’Tour 725 Mk2 stands out for its thoughtful design, which prioritizes rider comfort and durability, making it an ideal choice for both daily commutes and epic adventures. Its blend of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary cycling technology delivers a package that is both dependable and enjoyable. This review delves into the specifics of its frame, components, and overall ride quality, highlighting why it is considered a premium choice for cyclists seeking a robust and comfortable touring companion.

Frame and Ride Quality

The Spa Cycles D’Tour 725 Mk2 is built around a TIG-welded frame crafted from Reynolds 725 steel, a material known for its strength, achieved through heat treatment of chromoly steel. This allows for either a stronger frame or a lighter one with thinner walls. Uniquely, Spa Cycles extends this quality to the fork, also using chromoly steel instead of a common carbon alternative, enhancing the bike's overall durability and comfort. Both the frame and fork are protected with an ED coating, an electrophoretic deposition process that applies paint electrically, ensuring exceptional corrosion resistance that is designed to last a lifetime.

This steel construction not only promises longevity but also offers reparability, a significant advantage for touring cyclists in remote areas. The D’Tour’s geometry is specifically designed for touring, featuring a relaxed 70.5-degree head angle and a long 1,086mm wheelbase for a 54cm frame, which guarantees superior stability. This design makes the bike an excellent performer on various surfaces, from paved roads to light off-road trails, providing a consistently comfortable ride crucial for long distances. The bike's contact points, including an FSA Wing Compact handlebar and Spa’s Cork EVA Gel tape, further contribute to a comfortable and controlled experience, making it perfect for all-day excursions, multi-day trips, or even daily commuting.

Components and Performance

The D’Tour 725 Mk2 is equipped with components chosen for reliability and performance on long tours. It features a versatile gearing system with a “sub-sub-compact” 40/24 chainset and an 11-speed 11-40t cassette, providing an exceptionally low 16-inch bottom gear. This gearing ensures riders can tackle even the steepest climbs effortlessly, a crucial benefit when carrying loaded panniers over challenging terrain. While the 99-inch top gear might not be the fastest, it is sufficient for maintaining a good pace, prioritizing climb capability over high-speed sprints.

Braking is handled by TRP Spyre cable-actuated disc brakes. Although they may not offer the same power as hydraulic systems, their reliability and ease of maintenance – particularly important in remote touring scenarios – make them an excellent choice. The bike’s handbuilt wheels, featuring Exal DC19 rims and Shimano hubs expertly laced with Sapim spokes by Bobby Stevens, are a testament to Spa Cycles’ commitment to quality, offering smooth rolling and exceptional durability. The Schwalbe Marathon HS620 700x35 tyres provide a comfortable ride and impressive toughness, ideal for diverse road conditions. Additionally, the bike comes standard with a Tubus Cargo Evo rear rack, boasting a 26kg capacity, and SKS full-length mudguards with Secu-Clips, enhancing its practicality and safety for touring. Overall, the D’Tour 725 Mk2 presents a well-rounded and high-performing package for serious touring cyclists.