jcatalanello

Okay, so I am starting to get a bit more into touring. I am most familiar with standard Road Riding, commuting and such. So I need something that can carry a load, and that I will be on for several days at a time. I have several frames laying around, and I am just not sure which one would be the most appropriate. Or, maybe I should just buy a new frame. The main one I am thinking is a Raleigh Marathon. It's an older 80's bike, steel. It's the closest to fitting me properly, and might be just a touch larger that I would prefer. The other is a Panasonic AL 9000 frame. It's aluminum. It's a few cm smaller than I would think is ideal. That was another question. Should a touring frame, fit the same as one used for road racing. Neither of the frames are set up for cantilever brakes, which I know is the most common for touring. I was looking at a Nashbar frame that is on sale right now, but just don't want to buy anything, if what I have is just as good. I have tons of components, and have picked out which ones I want yet, so right now I just need to know about the frame. What are your thoughts? Any suggestions?

vautrain

Sounds like the Raleigh might be better. If the Panasonic is cramped, that's not good. I'm not sure how old the Panasonic is either, but if it is, as I suspect, an older aluminum frame, durability could be a consideration. Anecdotes suggest to me, some early aluminum frames have durability issues.

jcatalanello

Also, I have an newer Motobecane Frame. It's aluminum, and would take cantilevers, and has more rack options. I just really don't know about the quality. I hear mixed opinions about the new Motobecane