Bike frames for long distance riding. There's no reason
my long distance experience (first rode a LD event in 1976 -better, actually?) affect a reiteration of the design of bike frames for long distance riding. I've got little to nothing to do with a substantive trend in bike design geared for long distance riding.
Like the original post mentions, MANY manufacturers like TREK and WILLIER and PINARELLO and GUNNAR and RALEIGH and SPECIALIZED and SALSA are now offering bikes in their lineup for long distance riding. Bikes are increasingly being offered by many maufacturers with specific characteristics that make them more suitable for long distance riding.
Tangible design characteristics like -
*longer wheelbase
*lower bottom bracket -more drop
*clearance for larger tires, sometimes larger tires AND full fenders
*higher head tube
*slightly slacker angles
*less aggressive steering
Homeyba's right, i do find the info from BQ informative. It's largely in agreement with my opinions on bike frames, and concurs with well established trends seen across the bicycle industry when bikes are designed for long distance cycling. Of course, you've got to have mettle and conditioning to ride 700 miles over almost 4 days, without question.
It's great information about bike frames and riders without fenders on the PBP.
Originally Posted by homeyba
Although riders without fenders were much more likely to have serious problems related to road spray during this rainy PBP.................. We found no consistent evidence that bikes with racing-oriented equipment provided a speed advantage over more completely equipped bicycles, among riders with similar goals.Considering this, it makes sense to use the bike that is most comfortable, most reliable, and that best protects the rider from rain and road spray. Unsatisfactory equipment can be a distraction.....
That is
great background information on what makes a bike more suitable for long distance riding, BTW. Thanks for sharing, i don't subscribe.
A writer at BQ mentions detrimental effects - 'serious problems' - encountered by riders not using fenders on long and rainy rando rides like the 2007 PBP... I wonder if that was Jan Heine himself who penned that tidbit? It sure sounds - at least from the commentary at BQ - that more completely equipped bikes make handling even multi-day rando events more comfortable.
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if there's any other bikes on the endurance, classic or
Road Sport list I've missed, please add them to the list, all.
Soma Smoothie ES
Gunnar Sport
Trek Domane
Pinarello ROKH
Specialized Secteur
Raleigh Clubman
Scott CR1 Pro (2013)
BMC GF01
Fuji Grand Fondo