Originally Posted by
Frenzen
So I am looking into doing long distances of riding a bike and I like the look of vintage bikes and they appear to be cheaper too. Can anyone explain to me what I should look for in a vintage bike to make it more useful for touring. I read other posts something about touring geometry which is relaxed head tube and seat tube angles. However, I do not know what these things means and would like some guidance and I know that racing bikes are more uncomfortable while touring bikes are the opposite and more stiff but not sure what to look for when looking online at bikes (and knowing if a back rack can be installed etc)?
While touring bikes do have slacker angles for more stable handling, the chainstay length (and wheelbase) are longer in touring bikes. Part of that is to keep your feet from hitting the panniers but the longer dimensions also keep the load between the axles which also increases stability. Chainstays of 17.75” (450mm) are just barely long enough to classify as a “touring bike”. More classic touring bikes have lengths of 18” (460mm).
Top tubes are usually a little shorter on touring bikes as well which gives them more upright riding positions.
A good way to check a
road bike for touring length is to check the distance between the seat tube and the rear tire. For a classic touring bike, you should be able to put 3 fingers in the space between the seat tube and the tire. Sport touring will take 2 fingers. Race bikes often have less than one. Here’s a race bike. See how short it is and how little room between the seat tube and tire
This is a cyclocross bike but it is similar to sport touring bikes. You can also see the shorter top tube.
And, finally, a classic touring bike. It’s really long and laid back. Not the most exciting bike to ride but excitement isn’t what you are looking for when you put a bunch of gear on the bike. What you can’t see is the stronger tubing used throughout which makes the bike less flexible.
An exciting fast bike becomes more than just “exciting” with a touring load. It can become quite scary.
I was looking at marinoni special from 90s as touring bike, but wasnt sure if its doable
Looking at pictures of a Marinoni Special, I’d say it is a road bike. It might be a great bike for other purposes but not for carrying a load.