Originally Posted by
Daven27
Hi there,
I am planning to build a gravel-type bike using some retro frame. Bike will be used mostly for home-work-home commuting and of course road/offroad trips.
I'm not very experienced with this so I would like to ask you a few questions.
1. Would you suggest me looking for a frames from race bikes or maybe use some MTB frame? I've been looking for some retro race bikes frames like from Gazelle, Raleigh, Miyata, Bianchi etc. and from MTB bikes mainly Trek series 7x,8x and Longus. I came to idea of converting MTB after seeing a Trek 830 converted into gravel bike.
2. Would a 21 inch frame be suitable for 191 cm (6'3") height or should I look for something bigger?
3. If I will buy some vintage frame will modern equipment suit it or it's not guaranteed?
4. I'm mainly looking for steel frames especially made from cro-mo or Reynolds 531 is it a good choice? I don't mind bike be a little bit heavier for more comfort of riding.
If you have any more tips for me then they would be gladly appreciated, thanks!
.................................................................................................... .................................................................................................... .................................................................................................... .................................................................................................... ...................................................For my 2 cents worth, Buy a Coker with 36 inch wheels...you are tall enough to handle it...if 3 speeds are enough for your needs...this is THE bike for you! (It's a go-anywhere machine)
Julius in Ohio, at 6"4" I ride a vintage Raleigh with 28 inch wheels...(they are gettinghard to come by)