Originally posted by pokey
If you are worried about weight,you cetainly don't need front suspension.Why mess with brazing on cantilever bosses on a road frame? Lower end steel MTB frames are real pigs weight wise,but that may be your best option,and it is only a charity event right, so unless there is long term later use invloved,why turn it into a mission to mars project,especially if cost is a consideration?
We ( 8 team members and support) have naturally already considered hiring, buying new and MTB options and they have been eliminated for all the reasons given
I never condidered using suspension I don't know where that suggestion came from. I certainly wouldn't recommend a MTB either as a they are too heavy for this event and a slight lady and b it would mean Kathy would have to learn riding it as well as an intensive multi discipline training program. I think She has enough on her plate.
As for being `only a charity event' check out the course and race details above pokey.its going to cost her £200.00 entrance fee. A minimum £150.00 sponsorship 4 months intensive training and a lot of incidental travel/subsistance expenses traveling 100s of miles to train on mountains in Wales.!
I have built many bike frames and braze ons are extremly simple once they are correctly alighned 20 minute job tops. The cantilever brakes will be essential to stop from 30+ mph with wet muddy brakes.