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From: dkw@yale.ARPA (David Wittenberg)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: Touring frames
Message-ID: <886@yale.ARPA>
Date: Fri, 21-Feb-86 14:29:41 EST
Article-I.D.: yale.886
Posted: Fri Feb 21 14:29:41 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 26-Feb-86 07:57:18 EST
References: <7613@watdaisy.UUCP>
Reply-To: dkw@yale-cheops.UUCP (David Wittenberg)
Distribution: net
Organization: Yale University CS Dept., New Haven CT
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In article <7613@watdaisy.UUCP> rnkazman@watdaisy.UUCP (Rick Kazman) writes:
>I am currently interested in building up (or buying complete) a true
>touring bicycle.
>
>I have heard a great deal about the Cannondale aluminium frames--they
>are supposed to be very comfortable for the long distance rider because
>they absorb much more road shock than an ordinary frame.

Sorry about replying to the net, but our mailer couldn't handle your
address.


I have heard good things about the Cannondale, and it is very comfortable
(based on a very short test ride over horrible road).  I have heard two
bad things, one from each of two dealers who don't carry it.
1. (From a mechanic who can fix anything, but often very unconventionally)
The bottom bracket is aluminum and tends to strip after the second regreasing.
Cannondales literature say that you can strip any bottom bracket if you try
and their's is no worse than any other (of course since they answer it as a
question often asked I'm somewhat suspicious).  The other workaround is to
put in a philwood or similar sealed bottom bracket and never worry about it
again.

2. From a store owner:  Bad quality control, you have to send a third of
them back  (Of course this guy doesn't and I don't think ever did carry
them.)

Other possibilities:
Bruce Gordon frames have a fantastic reputation.  I would certainly
buy his chrome-moly steel tubing racks at least for the front.

I was on a trip with 2 Treks (not mine I never rode either) the guy with
the 720 liked it somewhat, but it came with defective spokes (he broke
4 the first 30 miles, rebuilt the wheel and had no other problems with
it).  He also disliked the helicomatic (Malliard) hub it came with,
though I don't know why.
  The Trek 620 had as bad a shimmy as any bike on the trip, though
that might be solved with the Bruce Gordon front rack.

I have a Univega specillisima (sp?)  which has good components, but the
frame geometry is sport/touring not the grand touring it is advertised
for.

The specs on Nashbar's bike  Bike Nashbar, (somewhere in Ohio 1-800-345-2153)
sound very good, but the geometry on the very small size has the top tube
too high or I would have bought one for my (5'4") girlfriend.  I might
buy one from them when my current one wears out or  I feel rich again.

Other Equipment:
I like the cateye solar computer (spedometer, odometer, average speed, ...)
The Cannondale overland pannier is very good, but perhaps a little too large,
unless you want to put your sleeping bag in it.
Spenco handlebar and brake hood pads work quite well and really cut the
vibration.
A Blackburn stop block is a wonderful way to stabilize the bike when you
lean it over.  Flick stands also work, but they get in the way of fenders
which I think are a requirement.

If you have any questions or just want to swap ideas, get in touch with me.

David Wittenberg  (203) 281-3942 (home)     (203) 436-0715 x9 (office)
wittenberg@yale     decvax!yale!wittenberg