Utility Cycling - good frame for a "light roadster"

I want to build a "light roadster" type bike -- basically with a steel road bike frame, skinny tires (700c x 23), north road bars, 3-speed internally geared hub, and full fenders. Right now, I'm riding a singlespeed track bike, and have found that track frames are only frames that I can find that are spaced properly for either a singlespeed or internally geared hub. However, track frames don't have a sufficient amount of clearance for full fenders. Most road bike frames require respacing, and it doesn't seem that many new ones are steel. What do you folks suggest?

Look for a used steel frame bike, most likly 80's Japanese ...ie nishiki, univega, miyata, bridgestone, etc to use for your frame.....no problem spreading frame.

Another option is to do the same but just have a rear derailer, my utility commuter is that way.....I've posted it a few times...so search for my posts or "japanese 8 speed" to take a peek

I want to build a "light roadster" type bike -- basically with a steel road bike frame, skinny tires (700c x 23), north road bars, 3-speed internally geared hub, and full fenders. Right now, I'm riding a singlespeed track bike, and have found that track frames are only frames that I can find that are spaced properly for either a singlespeed or internally geared hub. However, track frames don't have a sufficient amount of clearance for full fenders. Most road bike frames require respacing, and it doesn't seem that many new ones are steel. What do you folks suggest?

Vintage steel frame. Look for a sport or touring geometry. There are thousands of them out there just waiting to be adopted. FWIW I am doing a Clubman (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/clubman-kohler.html) on a Dawes Galaxy frame set.

Velo-Orange (http://www.velo-orange.com/) has some very nice bits and pieces to convert from a drop bar bike to a city bike (http://www.velo-orange.com/vogecibifr.html).

Aaron:)

If you can find a singlespeed road frame, your best bet is to build it with 650B wheels. That gives you wide tire comfort and allows you to install full fenders. Another option is to go with 650A wheels like those found on the classic Raleigh Sports. As the other posted pointed out, there are also 1970s and 1980s era vintage road bike frames available that can built up as a traditional urban commuter with an IGH, chainguard, full fenders and North Road handlebars. Good luck!

I wouldn't worry about a bike being spaced too wide. You can just add a washer or two to the hub, and/or squeeze the dropouts in a bit on a steel bike.

Old 3-speed roadsters seem to be durable and don't get much respect in the used bike market- I'd look into them. Chief drawback seems to be that they are mainly medium or smaller frame sizes.

Surly's Crosscheck can be built up the way you want. Or you can buy an off the rack roadish singlespeed like the Bianchi San Jose or a Redline 925 and swap out/rebuild the rear wheel to the specs you want. (the 2009 version of the 925 comes with a hockey stick style chainguard...)

The bar swap is a bit trickier, but should be doable since you'd be going from road diameter to mountain diameter.

I built a Salsa La Raza to those standards.
Salsa replaced the La Raza with the Cassaroll, which can fit fenders more easily.

Thanks for all the suggestions. The Motobecan Fantom Cross Uno was also suggested by the bikesdirect.com people. I'll have to examine my options.

For a "light roadster" I would recommend finding a frame that will fit 28mm tires with fenders. If you're using it to run around town you'll enjoy the extra comfort. Both my Surly crosschecks run 28mm Conti Gatorskins because they last a long time, they roll well and they offer decent protection from flats.

Well, I'm a bit of a speed addict, I must admit. I love my 23 mm Armadillos on my singlespeed, but want another bike for longer rides, bigger hills, and carrying. I don't know that it will actually be a roadster -- I'm just taking some of the features that I like, like the handlebars and internally geared hub.

Well, I'm a bit of a speed addict, I must admit. I love my 23 mm Armadillos on my singlespeed, but want another bike for longer rides, bigger hills, and carrying. I don't know that it will actually be a roadster -- I'm just taking some of the features that I like, like the handlebars and internally geared hub.

You must not know what you're missing.


Anyway, there's absolutely no reason that 130 or greater rear spacing would prevent you from running an internal hub.

Old 3-speed roadsters seem to be durable and don't get much respect in the used bike market- I'd look into them. Chief drawback seems to be that they are mainly medium or smaller frame sizes.
And pretty heavy. In the case of the Raleigh they use an oddball proprietary threading that can be worked around but it isn't always easy or inexpensive.

Aaron:)

Wrong! With suitable alloy wheels, a Raleigh Sports can be a nimble bike. Raleigh used 26 TPI parts but the standard workaround is to tap down the frame to the standard 24 TPI standard, for which parts are available.

Wrong! With suitable alloy wheels, a Raleigh Sports can be a nimble bike. Raleigh used 26 TPI parts but the standard workaround is to tap down the frame to the standard 24 TPI standard, for which parts are available.
Can be nimble...BUT still relatively heavy and does it fit? AFAIK Raleigh Sports came in 3 sizes; the most common being 21" followed by 23" and 19" (and that was only available in certain years) Yes you can tap down to a 24tpi but you run the risk of stripping the threads. I currently own and ride multiple Raleighs and had one as my only form of transportation from 1982-1987, still have it. I have nothing against the old Nottingham built Raleighs but there are better choices available to built up a LIGHT roadster. Also at least in my part of the world, the Japanese/Taiwan bikes are easier to get and usually cheaper than any Raleigh 3 speeds that show up.

Aaron:)

My solution was to fit a nice older Taiwan 10 speed frame that used 26" wheels with parts off of a 1962 Raleigh 3 speed ladies bike. There are lots of female Raleigh made bikes available around these parts for $10 to $15 but not a single male Raleigh is to be found. My faux Raleigh is my favorite ride. My wife rides a 1971 Raleigh Sport. I replaced both front chain rings with smaller ones to get to what I consider more reasonable gearing.

http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=1184