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From: wagner@uw-june (Dave Wagner)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: Touring frames + ATB's
Message-ID: <459@uw-june>
Date: Sun, 23-Feb-86 15:28:48 EST
Article-I.D.: uw-june.459
Posted: Sun Feb 23 15:28:48 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 26-Feb-86 05:23:30 EST
References: <7613@watdaisy.UUCP> <725@amiga.amiga.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: U of Washington Computer Science
Lines: 35
Summary: Touring bikes vs. ATBs

In article <725@amiga.amiga.UUCP>, bruceb@amiga.UUCP (Bruce Barrett) writes:
> 
> I am almost certain that I will get an ATB primarily to increase my options
> while touring.....
> 
Have you ever ridden an ATB?  Sure, they're a lot of fun in the right
circumstances, but make no mistake about it, they take more effort to
get from point A to point B than a bike with skinny tires.  (I have both
types of bike;  admittedly, though, my touring bike is a no-holds-barred
custom bike while my ATB is an inexpensive off the shelf model.)

My opinion is that unless you are planning a tour which will involve
predominantly unpaved roads, you are better off with a regular touring
bike with 1-1/4" tires.  You might even want to go all the way to 1-3/8"
if you felt it necessary.  Note that I don't advocate trying to tour
with tubies or 1" wired-ons (which unfortunately seem to be standard
equipment on a lot of so-called touring bikes). 
But most people think that they're not
going to see any noticeable difference in durability until they go all
the way to 2.125" tires.  That's nonsense.  But don't skimp on the quality
of the wheel components!  Go with strong rims with more than 36 spokes,
and a set of hubs with axles that won't break.  And distribute your
load front and back - that's one of the most important things you can do.


			Dave Wagner
			University of Washington Comp Sci Department
			wagner@washington.arpa
			{ihnp4,decvax,ucbvax}!uw-beaver!wagner

"The surest thing there is is we are riders,
 And though none too successful at it, guiders,
 Through everything presented, land and tide
 And now the very air, of what we ride."
	- Frost