Originally Posted by
Chombi1
Most Reynolds 531 or even 501 tubed frames from Peugeot from the 80's should make a great C&V gravel bike, because of their grometries that offer some of the most stable rides in the bike world. Peugeot frameset are also very strong and reliable. And if you are on a tight budget, you should also consider Peugeot's Carbolite 103 or HLE frames from the 80's. They also have noce geometries and bulletproof reliability. Even their internally brazed, lugless versions of these frames were very strong and will stand up to a lot of punishment you can throw at them.
IIRC, 80's Peugeot frames and forks had a lot of spcae to accommodate the fatter tires that are preferred these dats.
I'd suggest an even older French bike, and not just the ones with Reynolds steel. The old 60s and 70s bikes were designed with lousy roads in mind, and have longer wheelbases and more clearance for tires. Plus they are cheap and easy enough to modify, with help from the French lovers here in the forum as needed.
