Originally Posted by
ullearn
The issue with flex in the frame that I had was when I stood to pedal the lateral flex in the frame was noticeable enough that I didn't want to tempt fate and bend the frame, so I stayed seated.
I was also able to reproduce the feeling in the frame when I wobbled the handle bars from side to side (not turn) while riding. Is this normal for loaded touring frames or should I worry about it?
The good news is otherwise the bike handles great even at 30mph+ downhills, no shimmy or shakes at speeds or turns and can't reproduce when not loaded.
it's normal in touring bikes made with regular road sized tubing that are loaded up. The fact that handling was good going fast and there's no shimmy is all that really matters. There's some flexibility in wheels/tires that can also contribute to the side/side flex you are feeling.
If you wanted nearly zero flex you get a frame with heavy oversized tubing, put on wide 26" rims with heavy sidewalls and never ride it without a heavy load.