Originally Posted by
Wheels Of Steel
I got to thinking: Why would one want a touring bike built out of higher grade materials, especially if it's going to be used. Reynolds 853 tubing is lighter and thinner than 631, correct? Weight is a consideration, yes, but I'm sure a 631 frameset is light enough.
Nothing wrong having a touring frame made out of costlier materials as long as the design utilizes the materials appropriately. No sense in having a touring bike made with costlier materials that are dimensioned for light duty use. A truck doesn't have to be made out of titanium and carbon fiber to haul junk.