Old 01-20-10, 02:45 PM
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Bacciagalupe
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Originally Posted by atetrachordof3
I was wondering what about a touring bike's geometry makes it handles heavy loads steadily?
It's not just about handling. The qualities that generally will make a bike optimal for loaded touring are:

• Long wheelbase (increases stability and flexibility, for comfort)
• longer chainstays (increases the wheelbase; allows for better heel clearance)
• slacker seat tube angle (more comfortable, allows for slightly better power when climbing)
• a fair amount of trail (increases steering stability)
• clearance for fenders and wide tires
• lots of rack and water bottle mounts (optional)
• wide gearing range
• canti brakes, for better mud clearance (optional)
• bar-end shifters (optional/preferential)
• rugged frame
• strong wheels

In terms of handling, if it's a heavy load the general idea is to keep the weight low -- but not so low that your bags scrape the ground. With a cross bike, the rack might be a cm or two higher than on a true touring bike, but it's not that difficult to compensate for that difference.

Of course, you can do a tour -- even a loaded tour -- without most of these features, especially if you use a trailer, as long as the bike is comfortable for long distances day after day.


Originally Posted by atetrachordof3
Can i tell if a bike will handle heavy loads well by looking at it?
No. Bike geometries are very subtle.

As to "what bike to get," the CC is more than capable of loaded touring, and will be a little bit snappier than most true touring bikes. It's a frame that doesn't really excel at any one specific task, but can do almost anything reasonably well. If she's going to use it for errands, commuting, general recreation and touring, it is one of many good choices for those diverse roles.
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