Cyccommute says:
First, it's speed. Velocity is a vector quantity which has a direction
and speed associated with it. But let's concentrate on his immediate problem
which is getting to work across a field. His best choice is a bike that is
handles that task best, which isn't a traditional road bike. Especially not
someone who is relatively new to cycling and whose handling skills might not be
up to the task.
No. As long as we're speaking in terms of straight line motion, I can use either term interchangeably. I would prefer to speak in terms of straight line motion, just for the purpose of layman comprehension. People in general conversation don't ordinarily draw a distinction between speed and velocity. However, I happen to be more aware of that distinction, perhaps much more than you would ever know. Distance per unit of time is speed and displacement per unit of time is velocity. Displacement being the calculate difference from ones starting point to ones finishing point.
He really needs two bikes but that's probably not going to happen. So should
the choice of bike be for the occasional weekend touring or the one that serves
his needs on a more regular basis? He can use the mountain bike, with a
lockable fork, for touring but the touring bike may not do the job on weekdays.
Riding a skinny wheel bike in an off-road situation makes crashes more likely.
I know from long experience, that when you laying on the ground, your forward
speed is essentially zero. That really slows you down.
From what I gather, the OP's general terrain consists mainly of hardened dirt trails and paved roads. That spells hybrid to me. Certainly, if a hybrid can handle the terrain, then most certainly the Surly LHT bicycle can handle the terrain, because it can accomodate tires of much greater width than the average 32mm hybrid tire. This fact then places the Surly LHT at the top of the list, because not only is it the best candidate for multi-modal touring, it can also handle the daily commute. It would appear that the use of a mountain bike in this instance would be superfluous, when compared to the LHT. No cyclist worth his salt is going to crash on hard dirt trails and paved roads while riding a properly equipped Long Haul Trucker on the OP's given terrain. Of course, if he selects a MTB over a LHT, or a hybrid, that's fine too! I'd rather take a gun to a knife fight, as well!
Not reinforcing your original point at all. Your point was that
suspension slows you down, my point was that it doesn't. Your point was that
suspension adds weight, mine was that it doesn't.
Cyccomute! Are you completely remiss of your very own words? Practically throughout this entire thread you've freely admitted that mountain bikes tend to be
slower, but not that much slower. Now, you're going to back pedal and say that suspension systems don't slow you down. That's the quintessential factor that distinguishes a mountain bike from any other. It's suspension system! C'mon!
Just stop it!
Touring isn't about efficiency unless there is a de France following the word
'Tour'. Touring is about the ride and the location. It's not about the speed
at which you cover the ground.
So are you attempting to tell me that touring cyclists aren't concerned with efficiency. Sure, sight-seeing, immersing yourself into the midst of nature, cycling in different and remote locations can be very relaxing and awe-inspiring indeed. However, touring is planned. You want to take the fastest, yet the safest routes. You want to have access to water, food, hospitals, and fire stations, in case of an emergency. You want to have only touring or road bikes in your group. All must have three chain rings for climbing. All bikes and gear must be inspected before take off. Everyone has to know how to repair their own flat. Why are touring clubs so obcessed with these details? It's because of efficiency! All plans incorporate phrases like, "the fastest way there", "the safest route to take", and "we should be there by" ...These phrases all imply concern about time and safety. The more time spent on the road, the greater the intensity of stress. You want to get to your scheduled destination, as quickly as possible, bearing in mind, that all participants are not going to move with the same speed or velocity. That's why you always have some designated person to pick up the rear. Planning and efficiency is an integral part of touring.
Perhaps it would matter if you plan on keeping a bike for 30 or 40 years,
although there are a few 1930s and 1940 Monarch Silver Kings currently listed on
Ebay. If you aren't aware of them, Monarch Silver Kings were aluminum
bikes. Those are 70 to 80 year old bikes. There are plenty aluminum bikes
from the 80's to 2010's still floating around and, I suspect, some of them will
still be around 70 to 80 years from now.
Well my Nishiki Sebring will be entering into its third decade soon, and it's my very favorite of four. I like it even more than both my Raleigh Grand Prix or my Trek 7.5FX. That's the bike I both toured and commuted with for so many years! I'd love to keep her for another three decades, god willing!
As has been state elsewhere, Eugene_B should concentrate on fit and suitability
for what he wants to do and not worry about the frame material. And to be
realistic, he's more likely to find a bike that fits his needs in aluminum than
in steel because even though you think that aluminum is delicate and unsuitable
for a bicycle, the major manufacturers don't think that way.
Now, here you go again! When did I ever imply that aluminum was delicate? Never! I've never stated that aluminum was a delicate material. In fact, there are several places within this very thread, where I've clearly stated that aluminum has been made more durable, thanks to the advances in technology, material design, and construction. Aluminum is quite strong, given its high strength to weight ratio, and it has become quite durable as well. It's just not quite as strong and as durable as the venerable chromoly steel!
Right! The only thing that really matters here, is Eugene and the proper fit of his new bicycle!
- Slim
PS.
I'll have nothing more to say about this matter within this thread. I'm done with frame materials!