what is your favorite versatile bike?
10-31-15, 11:40 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
what is your favorite versatile bike?
What is your C&V pick for a bike that is lighter than a typical touring frame and that can accommodate wide-ish tires? One in your stable or would like to own.
I often wish I had a bike like that. I posted this hoping to get some ideas. I am thinking along the lines of a road bike, but post whatever works for you. Looking forward to seeing your picks!
I often wish I had a bike like that. I posted this hoping to get some ideas. I am thinking along the lines of a road bike, but post whatever works for you. Looking forward to seeing your picks!
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10-31-15, 12:09 PM
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Mine isn't vintage but cyclocross bikes are my favorite do everything bikes. Mine is a Ridley Crossbow. I can ride it on everything but twisty single track and I can ride it fast enough for road bike fun, especially if I put slick tires on it. Lemond Poprad is a nice steel bike that probably just makes it into vintage territory.
10-31-15, 12:10 PM
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I know there are probably better bikes, but it's what I have: a Miyata 310. It came with 27x1 1/8 tires, which don't have much extra room, but if I put 700 wheels on, there is plenty of room. I have a set of 32s that I should check for fit. It also has eyelets for fenders and a rear rack. Also, it has the Shimano Golden Arrow group, which just looks good. I have had the 310 since 1984 and have several thousand miles on it.
10-31-15, 12:35 PM
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My Soulcraft Grasshopper. Plenty of room for 700 x 28s and fenders with Velo Orang long reach brake calipers. Or could fit Jack Browns without fenders. Brazeons for a rear rack if I want. Cross bikes with cantis are great but I still prefer the look and feel of regular road calipers. I love discs on my mtb but prefer the road bikes to be simpler affairs.
Just realized I'm posting this in vintage, lol. Well, it's new but it's steel and running 9 speed. Is that vintage yet?
Just realized I'm posting this in vintage, lol. Well, it's new but it's steel and running 9 speed. Is that vintage yet?
10-31-15, 12:49 PM
#5
Pedalin' Erry Day
If by "everything" you mean riding pavement, gravel, and lighter MTB trails, plus cargo carrying capability, I used to have a C&V bike that did all four pretty well:
This was a light touring Shogun frame converted from 27" to 700c wheels for better clearance, setup with mixed condition tires, and I put a 3x8 setup on it with STI levers. I never did commute on it, but I could have easily installed a rack and panniers.
After a couple years I sold that Shogun away in favor of keeping a modern CX bike that's a lot more nimble when I hit MTB trails, but I still have a couple vintage road bikes that are perfectly happy on gravel as well as pavement (thanks to Challenge Parigi-Roubaix tires), and my heavy-hauler/touring bike is setup so that it doesn't mind taking gravel shortcuts either:
(Centurion Ironman, Sannow Eminenza, Pake C'mute)
This was a light touring Shogun frame converted from 27" to 700c wheels for better clearance, setup with mixed condition tires, and I put a 3x8 setup on it with STI levers. I never did commute on it, but I could have easily installed a rack and panniers.
After a couple years I sold that Shogun away in favor of keeping a modern CX bike that's a lot more nimble when I hit MTB trails, but I still have a couple vintage road bikes that are perfectly happy on gravel as well as pavement (thanks to Challenge Parigi-Roubaix tires), and my heavy-hauler/touring bike is setup so that it doesn't mind taking gravel shortcuts either:
(Centurion Ironman, Sannow Eminenza, Pake C'mute)
10-31-15, 01:12 PM
#6
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I have a few really decent C&V bikes (Centurion Pro Tour, Trek 614, Miyata 210) but I built up this rough and ready 1988 Bridgestone MB2 about 6 months ago and have ridden nothing else since. Commuter, great on mixed surfaces, okay on a long day rides too. I like it so much that it is soon to be broken down for powder coat so that the fork and frame will match!
10-31-15, 01:21 PM
#7
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My 1978 Trek TX700. 700-32 Compass Stampede Pass tires, 48/38/28 Stronglight triple and 13-25 9 speed cassette. It's just a great all around rider. I've got some fenders I need to throw on soon.
10-31-15, 01:30 PM
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'92 Schwinn Crosscut
Last edited by 67tony; 10-31-15 at 01:33 PM.
10-31-15, 01:41 PM
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I have two bikes that fall into that category and both are undergoing makeovers atm.
Both should be really fun day trippers. Actually I know the Hollands already is, as it goes everywhere in its current configuration.
My 1980 McLean is getting Noodles, a Pearl, Nuovo Record levers, Kool Stops, Jagwire cabling, Compass Bon Jon Pass 700cx35 tires and a Cambium I just wrangled in a trade. I also picked up an Acorn saddlebag and Bagman support.
Should be all set then, other than lighting. Probably will just stick with my Light and Motion/Superflash set up for now. They work just fine!
[IMG]
Untitled by gomango1849, on Flickr[/IMG]
The other one would be my John Hollands. It's getting a new Tubus Tara rack on the front and I am trying the new Soma Supple Vitesse SLs in a 700x28 size just for grins. I'm putting a Bagman support on this one as well. My Frost River bag comes pretty close to rubbing when it's stuffed full on day trips, so I need to remedy that issue.
[IMG]
Untitled by gomango1849, on Flickr[/IMG]
Both should be really fun day trippers. Actually I know the Hollands already is, as it goes everywhere in its current configuration.
My 1980 McLean is getting Noodles, a Pearl, Nuovo Record levers, Kool Stops, Jagwire cabling, Compass Bon Jon Pass 700cx35 tires and a Cambium I just wrangled in a trade. I also picked up an Acorn saddlebag and Bagman support.
Should be all set then, other than lighting. Probably will just stick with my Light and Motion/Superflash set up for now. They work just fine!
[IMG]
Untitled by gomango1849, on Flickr[/IMG]The other one would be my John Hollands. It's getting a new Tubus Tara rack on the front and I am trying the new Soma Supple Vitesse SLs in a 700x28 size just for grins. I'm putting a Bagman support on this one as well. My Frost River bag comes pretty close to rubbing when it's stuffed full on day trips, so I need to remedy that issue.
[IMG]
Untitled by gomango1849, on Flickr[/IMG]
10-31-15, 02:03 PM
#10
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If by "everything" you mean riding pavement, gravel, and lighter MTB trails, plus cargo carrying capability, I used to have a C&V bike that did all four pretty well:
This was a light touring Shogun frame converted from 27" to 700c wheels for better clearance, setup with mixed condition tires, and I put a 3x8 setup on it with STI levers. I never did commute on it, but I could have easily installed a rack and panniers.
After a couple years I sold that Shogun away in favor of keeping a modern CX bike that's a lot more nimble when I hit MTB trails, but I still have a couple vintage road bikes that are perfectly happy on gravel as well as pavement (thanks to Challenge Parigi-Roubaix tires), and my heavy-hauler/touring bike is setup so that it doesn't mind taking gravel shortcuts either:
(Centurion Ironman, Sannow Eminenza, Pake C'mute)
This was a light touring Shogun frame converted from 27" to 700c wheels for better clearance, setup with mixed condition tires, and I put a 3x8 setup on it with STI levers. I never did commute on it, but I could have easily installed a rack and panniers.
After a couple years I sold that Shogun away in favor of keeping a modern CX bike that's a lot more nimble when I hit MTB trails, but I still have a couple vintage road bikes that are perfectly happy on gravel as well as pavement (thanks to Challenge Parigi-Roubaix tires), and my heavy-hauler/touring bike is setup so that it doesn't mind taking gravel shortcuts either:
(Centurion Ironman, Sannow Eminenza, Pake C'mute)
10-31-15, 02:21 PM
#11
Senior Member
Non C&V. 2010 Motorbacon fantom Uno Cycle CX
room for 38 mm tires and fenders. Brazens for racks front and back. Canti brakes. Perfect bike for everything... Can't wait till I get the settlement from the crash to fix it back up.
room for 38 mm tires and fenders. Brazens for racks front and back. Canti brakes. Perfect bike for everything... Can't wait till I get the settlement from the crash to fix it back up.
10-31-15, 02:27 PM
#12
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Tange 2 goodness
one set of eyelets front and rear
plenty of clearance
decent components, easily upgraded
lighter than most tourers
comfortable geometry, but can get up to speed or run a pace line
2. Trek 520 of certain years, with cantilever bosses.
3. Cannondale ST series.
Non C&V? Hands down, I'd choose a Wraith Paycheck.
Right now, in reality, my Douglas Vector.
1x10 SRAM, running 28's no problem. 44t RaceFace narrow-wide front.
Clutched RD and an 11-34 set of cogs in the rear.
Easton EA90 main triangle, Easton EC90 stays, Reynolds Ouzo fork.
Comfortable, easy to maintain, easy to r ide. Unique Spinergy Spox wheels.
A little more clearance would be welcome, but I'm no mudder.
It's serving it's purpose right now, my all-around go-to bike.
Last edited by RobbieTunes; 09-24-20 at 10:26 AM.
10-31-15, 03:11 PM
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I have two bikes that fall into that category and both are undergoing makeovers atm.
Both should be really fun day trippers. Actually I know the Hollands already is, as it goes everywhere in its current configuration.
My 1980 McLean is getting Noodles, a Pearl, Nuovo Record levers, Kool Stops, Jagwire cabling, Compass Bon Jon Pass 700cx35 tires and a Cambium I just wrangled in a trade. I also picked up an Acorn saddlebag and Bagman support.
Should be all set then, other than lighting. Probably will just stick with my Light and Motion/Superflash set up for now. They work just fine!
[IMG]Untitled by gomango1849, on Flickr[/IMG]
Both should be really fun day trippers. Actually I know the Hollands already is, as it goes everywhere in its current configuration.
My 1980 McLean is getting Noodles, a Pearl, Nuovo Record levers, Kool Stops, Jagwire cabling, Compass Bon Jon Pass 700cx35 tires and a Cambium I just wrangled in a trade. I also picked up an Acorn saddlebag and Bagman support.
Should be all set then, other than lighting. Probably will just stick with my Light and Motion/Superflash set up for now. They work just fine!
[IMG]
Untitled by gomango1849, on Flickr[/IMG]
10-31-15, 03:50 PM
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10-31-15, 07:58 PM
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My Motobecane Grand Record, running Pasela 700cx38c (measure 35mm on narrow wheels), I could fit true "38c" tires if I wanted to, but it would be close.
The latest look by Ryan Silva, on Flickr
2015-10-18 02.27.05 2 by Ryan Silva, on Flickr
The latest look by Ryan Silva, on Flickr2015-10-18 02.27.05 2 by Ryan Silva, on Flickr
11-01-15, 04:51 PM
#18
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Right now, it's a late 1980s REI Novara XR. By this time, the XR was sold as a 700c hybrid, unlike the original 26 inch drop bar mountain bike designed by Scot Nicol of Ibis Bicycles. It has a higher bottom bracket than a road bike, cantilever brakes with additional cyclocross levers, Tange MTB tubing, and 440 mm chainstays. I just had the frame and built it up with a CR18 wheelset, drop bars, 8-speed Shimano Ultegra bar end shifters, Shimano MTB derailleurs, and a 46/36/24 crankset with an 11-32 cassette. It has 38 mm Vittoria Hyper RFX tires. Without the rack, it came in at 27 lbs.
Untitled by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr
It can handle singletrack if it isn't crazy and floats over gravel. It makes a dandy commuter with the rear rack.
Untitled by galoot_loves_tools, on FlickrIt can handle singletrack if it isn't crazy and floats over gravel. It makes a dandy commuter with the rear rack.
11-01-15, 05:20 PM
#19
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I.C., My daughter's Bianchi Volpe, or something similar, would be a good choice. The Volpe was originally marketed as a CX bike, but generally receive high marks from their owners for versatility.
I rebuilt my daughter's with a road group from the parts bin, but that was only because she had small hands at the time. The OEM group should work well for adults.
Brad
I rebuilt my daughter's with a road group from the parts bin, but that was only because she had small hands at the time. The OEM group should work well for adults.
Brad
11-01-15, 05:25 PM
#20
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My 81 Trek 710 comfortably fits 700x 32, lightweight and goes anywhere I point it
My Gunnar Crosshairs, currently have 700x35 (measure 37 on Mavic Open Pros) Vitorria Hyper Randos on it. I've ridden this bike on everything from smooth roads to gravel to singletrack (with knobby tires) to our local pump track and it has no issues
My Gunnar Crosshairs, currently have 700x35 (measure 37 on Mavic Open Pros) Vitorria Hyper Randos on it. I've ridden this bike on everything from smooth roads to gravel to singletrack (with knobby tires) to our local pump track and it has no issues
11-01-15, 05:58 PM
#21
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92 Univega Via Activa.
Put a riser stem and Gary OS Sweep bars on it, added some late model Suntour barcons running in friction mode and Tektro levers, and it's now a great multiuse bike.
There are currently 38s on the wheels, which are really versatile.
Took it to the park today while pulling the WeeHoo and will do 10mi of gravel riding after work tomorrow.
I'd love to find something in my size that's nicer and just as versatile, but until then this is more and good.
Put a riser stem and Gary OS Sweep bars on it, added some late model Suntour barcons running in friction mode and Tektro levers, and it's now a great multiuse bike.
There are currently 38s on the wheels, which are really versatile.
Took it to the park today while pulling the WeeHoo and will do 10mi of gravel riding after work tomorrow.
I'd love to find something in my size that's nicer and just as versatile, but until then this is more and good.
11-02-15, 01:04 PM
#22
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I think you mean "canty" brakes, ya big n00b.
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
11-02-15, 01:18 PM
#23
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If I could only have one bicycle it'd be an MTB converted to drop bars. With slicks it's fast enough for long pavement rides and with big knobbs on the tires it can handle snow too. It's robust enough for even off-road touring.
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Cheers
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11-02-15, 01:26 PM
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I've been really impressed with my 1993 Bridgestone XO-2. It has road geometry but it is built around 26 inch wheels. I think this is one of Grant Peterson's better ideas. That is a great combo for pretty much anything you might want to tackle short of single track. Currently running claris 8 speed brifters with a 44/32/22 ritchey trekking crank and an 11-28 cassette. The wheels are deore hubs laced onto mavic 717 rims which are pretty darn light for an offroad rim designed for rim brakes at 420 grams each. This bike can handle pretty much any terrain and road surface with grace:
Last edited by bikemig; 11-02-15 at 01:34 PM.
11-02-15, 01:35 PM
#25
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