Originally Posted by
Inpd
Do the breakaway or S&S coupled bikes have any handling issues when loaded? Are the load weights restricted?
I'm guessing there is some cost associated with not having a contiguous solid frame or am I wrong?
Purpose-built S&S coupled bikes have no additional restriction beyond the original frame specs.
I currently have a factory-coupled Gunnar Sport for light touring (does 4 full panniers count as light?), and used to have a Surly Travelers Check (same as Cross Check, but with couplers installled at the factory). I don't think twice about using those bikes for touring or gravel riding or fast group rides or whatver. They're solid bikes. The couplers are completely forgotten while riding the bike.
If I bought a new coupled bike, it would have 26" or 650b wheels to make packing easier. I have to pull off my 700x32 tires to fit my 56cm bike in the case. On my wife's 46cm Travelers Check with 700x25mm tires, I can leave the tires mounted, but deflated, to fit in the case.
None of our travel bikes have disc brakes, but if they did, centerlock rotors would be the choice.