Originally Posted by
dashuaigeh
Tire choice, yes, but tire choice is often dependent on the frame as well (clearances).
You may want to consider a vintage mtb as well - early ones were basically 26" wheel'ed touring frames. They go well offroad, and if your commute has a lot of start/stop action, 26 wheels have a lower moment of inertia (easier to accelerate from a stop). My personal preference is for the look and class of old tourers, but these vintage mtbs take the cake for low price and versatility.
Some class can be found in vintage MTBs.
Rack has been ordered, went with the Nitto MtCampee for the rear, still not sure what/if should go on the front.
This is an 88 Schwinn Sierra.
I really love the rear U brake for the look/cable routing of the bike, but it's a son of a ***** to deal with, a different year with just canti's front and rear would probably be much easier to work with. Chrome like mine and black chrome variants are really common and the frames tend to be pretty cheap (I picked this up frame/fork/headset for $30).
A triple fits easier than most bikes, since it's built for them. It has double eyelets on the rear for fenders and racks and rack mounts on the seatstays, and there are many nice front racks designed to mount to canti posts, there are however no rack mounts on the front otherwise.
I'm really liking the stem shifters so far (some old Suntour bits) but might switch to bar end depending on how it handles loaded up with 3 bags and a tent.
A 26" tire at 70-80 PSI has incredibly low rolling resistance and if something happens to go wrong on a trip, I think 26" gear is some of the most common around, at least in the US, thanks (I think) to the early 90s boom.
Plus you almost never have to worry about tire clearance. I've got 26"x2.00s jammed under my VO fenders.
Back to the thread in general, there are some hoooot bikes in this thread.
That baby blue shogun is something I would probably get some drool on if I saw it in person.