Low maintenance/durable bicycle
11-03-15, 08:01 AM
#76
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I don't know what the roads are like where the OP will be, but paved, dry, dusty...maybe devoid of frost cycles...how rough could it be? Chipseal? If that's it, 25s would be fine for many unloaded riders.
The greater concern with that bike would be component quality, and speaking honestly as a BikesDirect bike owner, I'd give the bike a thorough-- and I do mean thorough-- going over, and delending on the intended ride durations and intensities, make some component upgrades. I'd honestly probably replace the wheels in any case, but if 700c were apropos to the circumstances, wouldn't hesitate to use 32 spoke for even the most demanding rides. It's not the spoke count, but the wheel design which makes all the difference.
11-03-15, 08:07 AM
#77
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Of course I saw locals on bicycles. About 100000000x more than you'll see in the US. Fast forward to 2:30
Iraq, Irak, Kurdistan, | one man, one bike, one world
Iraq, Irak, Kurdistan, | one man, one bike, one world
Last edited by mozad655; 11-03-15 at 08:13 AM.
11-03-15, 08:52 AM
#78
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I would just have puncture resistant tires and White Lightning chain lube because of all the sand.
11-03-15, 09:32 AM
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32 spokes are fine, I don't know why anyone would think otherwise. That bike will fit 28's. That's plenty big enough. DT shifters are reliable and even low end groups today work fine. A triple will cover all the terrain, it has rack eyelets front and rear, he can find someone to repair a steel frame in any village he rides through and it's inexpensive as he wants.
I would just have puncture resistant tires and White Lightning chain lube because of all the sand.
I would just have puncture resistant tires and White Lightning chain lube because of all the sand.
Ok, I will concede to the 32 spoke wheels and i do like the downtube shifter and the steel frame.
But if it was me, this is what I would suggest. Bigger tires, better brakes and a simpler drivetrain.
11-03-15, 11:16 AM
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Unless you have specific call for them, it's foolish to spec 700c wheels.
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