Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Bike Comparison
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steve0257
10-03-09, 06:52 PM
Just found out about randonnees and brevets and it sounds interesting. Watched a group roll out this morning in the rain on a brevet and and thinking that would have been a fun day. But I hesitate to try on a Diamondback Edgewood so I probably need another bike. I'm also interested in touring so I would want a bike that is acceptable for both. I know this brand currently has a not so good rep, but how are the specs on this bike
http://www.schwinnbike.com/usa/eng/Products/Road/Road-Specialty/Details/1379-S10WORT-World-Tour-DLX
The other things I am considering is a Raleigh Sojourn or repairing and old (early 70s) Schwinn World Traveler that at a minimum needs new shifters.
And when people talk about the quality of the components, where can I find out the relative quality of different components?
Barrettscv
10-03-09, 07:08 PM
... I'm also interested in touring so I would want a bike that is acceptable for both. I know this brand currently has a not so good rep, but how are the specs on this bike
http://www.schwinnbike.com/usa/eng/Products/Road/Road-Specialty/Details/1379-S10WORT-World-Tour-DLX
The other things I am considering is a Raleigh Sojourn or repairing and old (early 70s) Schwinn World Traveler that at a minimum needs new shifters.
And when people talk about the quality of the components, where can I find out the relative quality of different components?
The schwinn looks good on paper. The triple crankset with the wide-range 8 speed cassette will get you up hills even after hours of riding. The geometry looks comfortable also. It's not hard to find 9 or 10 speed cassettes at this price, however. Shop around.
Most touring bikes are good Brevet bikes. A road bike will be slightly faster, but many road bikes are not designed for all day comfort.
Take a look at this thread, most Long Distance cyclist use bikes built for comfort and versatility first, speed second: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=270172
Michael
USAZorro
10-03-09, 09:52 PM
...Most touring bikes are good Brevet bikes. A road bike will be slightly faster, but many road bikes are not designed for all day comfort....
While generally comfortable to ride, they also tend to be heavy - especially ones in the budget price range. I was lucky, and able to adapt a sport geometry bike I had to the task, and then traded my LHT away for a couple bikes I fancied which would be altogether inappropriate for randonneuring.
My two cents on comfort. Presuming a proper fit, geometry plays a role, but so does frame material, the bars, the wheels, and IMO most significantly, the saddle and tires. Higher volume tires are one thing I will no longer compromise on. Don't think I'd choose to ride long on anything narrower than true 25's.