Originally Posted by
clubman
Where are you located and what size frame do you need?
Roadsters with IGH hubs, Dynos and Brooks saddles are generally well north of 30 pounds. It's part of the charm.
If you build a bike with lightweight tubes and shave weight with all alloy bits, plastic mudguards etc , it becomes something different...city bike, commuter, sports tourer, club bike, whatever. Nothing wrong with that too.
i'm in la mirada by whittier and fullerton, east/south of la. i think a 54/55 cm frame is ideal but i think anywhere between 53 and 56 should work for me.
i wasn't aware of the distinctions between a roadster and all those other bikes but i would definitely like something lighter than something heavier, right now. i totally agree that there is a charm and classiness to a proper roadster along with a link to a different age where hardy steel was established as the choice for a bicycle, hence the weight. and that's probably where my uncertainty and hesitation begins. uncertainty in terms of not knowing what to do in order to build a bicycle which is lightweight yet has the same functionality and perhaps somewhat of an aesthetic semblance with a roadster.
i'm tired of going back and forth in my head, though, therefore ---> all these questions have been asked. and i'll have time to work on this project in a month or so, that's why i'm trying to establish what is necessary now.
Originally Posted by
akcapbikeforums
I rode the Nishiki 16 miles today and the Raleigh 8 miles. I guess "nervous" doesn't sound great... how about "spritely." It's eager, quick and nimble... and in comparison seems "lighter on its feet." The Raleigh and Schwinn seem more "planted."
I think you're getting a lot of great feedback... I'm sure you'll digest all this and find your way!
thanks for clarifying. what do you think makes it more "spritely"? is there a difference in tubing thickness/material? or is it mostly lighter gear, tires, and wheels? i definitely am getting a lot of great feedback and don't worry i'll post pics of the before and after once i do start the build as well as along the way since i know you guys love pics.
now that i know that it's probably not a roadster that i'm going to try to build, should i change the thread title??
Last edited by Need More Gear; 11-12-12 at 01:11 PM.