Touring - S&S couplings + Modolo Dumbo

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : S&S couplings + Modolo Dumbo

cseltom
12-11-03, 04:44 AM
Hi all touring pals,

I'm planning to build a 26" CroMo touring (expedition) bike with simplicity, massivness and portability (also train & aeroplane) as a primary key.

Have you tried using S&S coupling on expedition bikes?
http://www.sandsmachine.com

I know that they are pretty strong but in the same time don't they give a harsh ride by "stiffing up" the front triangle?

Any pro/con responses are welcome!

---
I like Modolo's Dumbo handlebar a lot!
http://www.geoplan.it/modolo/1_trekking_handlebars_temp.php?id=7

It provides many riding positions though it's a bit complex (lot of screws) + I can foresee some handlebar bag fixing problems in certain positions.

I'm curious what's your opinion about it!

thanks in advance,

tamas

Istanbul_Tea
12-11-03, 06:42 AM
I've heard nothing but good things about S&S couplings... if you're needing to fold your bike up they are the way to go.

As for the handlebars... they look to be the opposite of "Simplicity" for sure but they look to be an offshoot of the growing and popular 'doughnut' or 'trekking' bar a lot of folks are using(or more correctly said, "trying")these days.

I have spoken to a few people that have used them and only one person actually liked them whereas the others found them to not have as many hand positions as you may think. When you look closely at them basically you're looking at 3 base positions...

1. Nearest you

2. Out to your sides-similar to having barends installed.

3. Furthest away.

Unless you angle them upward or downward the furthest position is probably going to put strain on your lower back/shoulders/arms and wrists for any serious amount of time.

At the end of the day it still seems like good old drop bars are the most popular for long distance touring(get them as wide as possible)and in second place would be flat bars with some kind of Ergonomic design-like a bend in them nearest the grips.

Again, this is just what I've gathered from talking to folks... I don't have firsthand experience with the bars you've linked to.

:)
velonomad
12-12-03, 05:49 AM
Though I don't own any bikes with S&S couplings I have had the opportunity to ride and compare. The S&S couplings in theory stiffen the frame.They made a noticable difference in the 9.5 kilo Co-Motion road bike I rode. However with a 16 kilo trekking bike the frame is already very rigid. Based on that premise I theorize the S&S couplings would have little or no effect on the ride of a Trekking bicycle.

I haven't used the Mondolo Bar, but I have a Scott trekking bar which is a copy of Modolo's trekking bar. Very comfortable for me.

rich