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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!cbdkc1!desoto!packard!hoxna!kfl
From: kfl@hoxna.UUCP (Kenton Lee)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: $200-$300 touring/racing bike
Message-ID: <508@hoxna.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 23-May-85 09:30:25 EDT
Article-I.D.: hoxna.508
Posted: Thu May 23 09:30:25 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 24-May-85 05:23:48 EDT
References: <4032@stolaf.UUCP>
Organization: Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ
Lines: 23

xxx
You're probably looking for a "sport/touring" or "triathalon" bike.
These are getting increasingly popular these days.  There are loads
of the former in the $200-$300 price range, although the triathalon
bikes seem to go for more (similar frame geometry, racing quality
components).  These bikes generally have:

* double-butted Crome-Molly steel main tubes
* a compromise geometry (between racing and touring)
* 12 speeds (42/52 front, 13-28's rear or 13-24 for the serious)
* Japanese steel alloy components (medium quality)
* 27"x1-1/8" aluminum wheels
* plastic anatomic seat
* braze-on mounts for water bottles, down tube shift levers, cables

I can't recommend any specific models, but look closely at the
Japanese bikes.  These usually are the best buys in this price
range.  There are also a few good American bikes in this range
(Schwinn, Ross, Raleigh).
-- 
Kenton Lee
Bell Labs - WB 
ihnp4!wbscc!kfl   or   ihnp4!hoxna!kfl