Originally Posted by
gugie
If you put most of your load on the back end, then
yes, you need a very stiff frame to counteract the "tail wagging the dog" effect. This makes for a sluggish ride.
If one were to front load the bike, then you don't need a super stiff frame. Loaded like the picture below, I can stand and climb just as easily loaded as unloaded - which is difficult to do when you have a lot of weight on the back end!
I balance my bike very evenly. The triple butted was a nightmare. The entery level straight gauge frame with the proper gearing I had just before that was a joy at all times. I haven't ridden a double butted frame so maybe I'm wrong in loving stiff frames for loaded touring but since most of the compliance comes from the tires I don't see any benefit in adding unnecessary flexibility. Other than a recummbant which was both the best and the worst experience in distance touring, the very expensive, (at the time), 720 really put me off any compliance in conventional frames. It could be I'm stubbornly committed to my way of thinking and my re-worked Klein Performance bike. I'm delighted your happy with your choice of frames and your bike looks like it has tons of personality. Hope I see you on the highway some day.👍