Traditional steel road bikes with rear rack eyelets?
 

What brands/models of steel road bikes have dropout eyelets for mounting a rear rack? I know the old Bridgestone's do, but I'd like to have a list of other brands/models to keep an eye out for. I'm looking for a (probably used) steel road bike with traditional geometry (horizontal top tube). I know you can use p-clamps and other methods to attach a rack to a bike w/o the eyelets, but I'd rather find one that has the right hardware. I wish more road bikes had this! The oldest I'd like to go is early 1990's.

So you're going to buy a bike around the eyelets?

Sort of like building a house around the sink faucet?

Most of them.

Ha! No, it's actually nothing like that, but thanks for taking the time to post such a helpful reply!

:thumb:

You'll probably get a lot more feedback in the Touring subforum.

What's the point of spending $$$ on a bike that doesn't fit your intended purpose? The OP's question is entirely valid, though he may get better feedback in another subforum.

Most road bikes will accept a hybrid rack. If you need to ferry small loads, that's ideal.

That's pretty much the case with any question.

I've been on the look out for the same kind of bike, for someone else. Look at cross frames. You're limited to your Gunnars, some Lemonds, some Jamis, and some Bianchi bikes (I'm also limited by a budget. I know that there are other good steel rides out there). There was a good list of steel bikes posted a few weeks ago. I'm talking about Reynolds 631, 853, True Temper Platinum whatever, etc. No plain ol' cromo--getting a steel bike made of that is easy.

Saying that a touring frame would be good is tricky because the OP and I are looking for bikes that work with crazy things like fenders and racks, but are likely built to be lighter and a bit more aggressive than your average touring bike. Yes, I know you can get fenders and racks that don't use eyelets, but why compromise?

check Soma http://www.somafab.com

and Surly http://www.surlybikes.com/

both are steel with eyelets

This describes what I'm after perfectly! Yes, I want it all. :)

You should take a look at the Specialized Allez Steel Double. Also be sure to check out the touring subforum.

Oh my, that's nice

Jamis makes a model called the Aurora Elite that is made out of Reynolds 631 and is a few pounds lighter than their base-level Aurora model. The Aurora Elite is billed as a touring model, but it's really a "lightweight" touring model - the wheels, etc., aren't quite as rugged/heavy as an all-out tourer.

However, for 2010 they have added disc brakes, added fenders, etc., and it's gotten a few pounds heavier.

There are still some 2009's around if you're interested.

In terms of older steel frames with eyelets, try finding a used Japanese bike from the 1980's - Univega, Miyata, Centurion, Lotus, Fuji, Panasonic, etc. They made all-out touring bikes, but also some "sport touring" bikes that were a little lighter, sportier, shorter wheelbases, but still with eyelets in the front forks and dropouts. I had a Univega Gran Rally, for example, that was a really nice bike that I could mount a rear rack on for credit card tours.

Also take a look at Salsa and Kona. They both have a few selections of steel road bikes with eyelets.

My 1991 Specialized Sirrus is set up like that, it even has eyelets on the tops of the seat stays. Great bike if you can find one.

Bianchi Brava

Lots of older steel bikes with "road sport" geometry

The new ones that come to mind are:
Surly Pacer
Raleigh Clubman
Salsa Casseroll
Soma Fab Stanyan, Smoothie, Smoothie ES

$$$ Indy Fab Club Racer

http://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/galaxy.htm

BD has others, also, that's just the first one I saw.

Many bikes, especially Italian and similar road bikes intended for actual racing did not have eyelets. I always looked at a bike with eyelets much the way somebody looks at a station wagon instead of a Porsche. One is a pack mule, the other is a thoroughbred.

My Rickert has eyelets.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9...D550/ry%3D400/

+1
Sport bikes were big back in the early 90s. I've also noticed that many used a 7 speed hyperglide (normally 126mm), but the rear dropout is actually 130mm. Makes upgrading to 8, 9, 10 speed easy.

Bike manufacturers are listening. Road bikes today come equipped with rack and fender mounts so one can commute or install fenders to ride in the winter or where it rains frequently.

Just look on Ebay. There are lots and lots of them.