Originally Posted by
Veloria
Okay I must have not been paying attention very carefully not to notice randonneuring included in a BF subforum!
So, next question: Why would the two disciplines (which are very much related, other than the competitive aspect) necessitate different types of bicycles? I was reading some back issues of Bicycle Quarterly and it is mentioned that such and such a bicycle is "more suitable for cyclotouring than randonneuring". Is the basic difference that a cyclotouring bicycle need to be able to carry more weight, and that speed is more important for a randonneuring bicycle?
I think it comes down to a bicycle that is used for pleasure (cyclotouring) and a bicycle used for a competition with rules (randonneuring.) A randonneuring bicycle has to conform to a set of specifications that are somewhat similar to FIA style regulations for European automotive road racing.
http://www.audax-club-parisien.com/E...p?showpage=312
And by similar I mean that the rules are sometimes old and from tradition and provide a challenge for manufacturers to come up with interesting solutions to skirt the added weight, space, etc. For example, for an Auto manufacturer to qualify to compete in a race these high tech race cars have to have things like a passenger seat (a small pad next to the driver's seat) a spare tire (even though it will never be used), a luggage compartment large enough to hold a Loius Vuitton day bag, etc.
A Randonneur bike has to have lighting, fenders, and able to carry belonging, tools, etc. The rando bike has the best solutions to accommodate the requirements but still keep the performance edge.