Originally Posted by
elcruxio
Don't get a tourer. Touring frames ride badly unloaded because of the beefed up tubeset.
Get an audax/randonnee bike. Those are meant for road but carry light loads
Agree: The traditional Audax/Rando designs used the same lightweight tubing as the road racing bikes of the day but offered clearance for wider tires and mudguard fitting.
British geometry was designed for a seatbag while the French preferred a handle bar bag/decauler/rack to carry enough stuff for long unsupported rides at pace.
The result was a light lively machine that was highly versatile and capable of paceline operation in wet weather w/o soaking following riders and oneself w/ road spooge.
The modern generation of Endurance bikes are edging closer to the same idea but the lack of fender/rack fittings limits their usefulness.
For those of us who no longer compete or have no interest in racing but still cover considerable ground briskly on less than ideal surfaces in sketchy weather a thoroughly modern New-Audax would be welcome.
It was just this demographic of experienced club riders who could afford it that purchased the elegant and useful Paramount P-15 "back when", not dedicated race bikes.
-Bandera