Touring Frame Pics. Favorites?

[jblande]

I am looking for ideas for a touring frame, something similar to a randonneur frame.

Anyone have some favorites out there to share?

[maximus]

A while back, the guys at Velo Orange posted up their bikes. (http://velo-orange.blogspot.com/2011/02/picture-day.html)

[buck-50]

Touring touring frame or fast bike with braze-ons for racks touring bike or rando bike? :D

[Ken Robb]

Rivendell has some models that will fill the bill. Bruce Gordon specializes in touring bikes. Surly Long Haul Trucker. Serotta Rapid Tour.

[Scott Shire]

Touring touring frame or fast bike with braze-ons for racks touring bike or rando bike? :D

It's rare that I actually LOL, but I swear this thought passed through my mind before I scrolled down and read your post. Cheers to a fellow bike geek! :beer:

A budget would help me help you, but if I was spending my money on a touring bike, this would be my shortlist...

Geekhouse Woodsville (http://www.cycleexif.com/geekhouse-woodsville) - Gorgeous, S&S for travel

Good used Trek 520 (http://www.bikecult.com/works/archive/09bicycles/trek520AG.html) - it's a cult classic for a reason

Bilenky Midlands (http://www.bilenky.com/brown_orange_sign._midlands.html) - Bilenky does stunning work and "gets" the touring thing

Rivendell Atlantis (http://www.rivbike.com/products/show/atlantis-frameset/50-038) - I've always wanted a Grant-bike

Herbie Helm (http://redkiteprayer.com/?tag=herbie-helm) - If I wanted something really special/fancy

Good read on old school vs new school touring at ecovelo (http://www.ecovelo.info/2011/04/03/old-school-new-school/)

[jblande]

Pleasure pardon my naive and terminologically clumsy question.

At this point, I am just interested in gathering visual ideas on bikes that can go fast in dark or light, rain or shine, and with or without bags.

As a fellow bike geek, albeit not one who has investigated these bikes before, I understand that my question might seem laughable.

Educate me. I am of yet ignorant and want to learn.

[Scott Shire]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnprolly/sets/72157626174780568/

http://prollyisnotprobably.com/2011/03/2011_nahbs_recon_herbie_helm.php

[sam.g]

Here's my 1983 Melton touring bike:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/guttman_sam/3212013481/

Anxiously awating delivery on a new custom Waterford T22 with S&S copulers. Sadly the Melton and various parts will be available for sale shortly.

Sam in Cincy

[StanleySteamer]

Two Canadian made touring bikes; Marinoni, Rocky Mountain Sherpa. Marinoni builds a full touring frame and sportive frame.

[fmbp]

there are about a gazillion examples posted here in this gallery. http://www.cyclofiend.com/cc/

Some absolute beauties, and some, well, not so much.

[fourflys]

hard to beat the BLT (http://www.bgcycles.com/blt.html)... really great bike and affordable... $750 and that includes racks... you can get the whole bike for an additional $975... find me a new, better designed, better pedigreed bike for $1725...

http://www.bgcycles.com/images/blt/BLTmain.jpg

[fmbp]

hard to beat the BLT (http://www.bgcycles.com/blt.html)... really great bike and affordable... $750 and that includes racks... you can get the whole bike for an additional $975... find me a new, better designed, better pedigreed bike for $1725...




BTW - I bought a BLT a year ago. If anyone has questions about this bike from a user's perspective, I'll do my best to answer 'em.

[alexstar]

SF local bike shop Box Dog Bikes has their own frameset, the Pelican, which is very nice:



http://www.flickr.com/photos/aalpern/sets/72157608497018895/

[maximus]

the BDB bike looks hot. Never seen this one before.

Any idea of price?

[goonster]

Any idea of price?
$1160 f/f (http://www.boxdogbikes.com/blog/?p=4092)

[palincss]

Pleasure pardon my naive and terminologically clumsy question.

At this point, I am just interested in gathering visual ideas on bikes that can go fast in dark or light, rain or shine, and with or without bags.

As a fellow bike geek, albeit not one who has investigated these bikes before, I understand that my question might seem laughable.

Educate me. I am of yet ignorant and want to learn.

No, the question was meant seriously. There's a lot of difference between a loaded touring bike -- for example, a Bruce Gordon BLT -- and a randonneur. The loaded touring bike will be built of sturdy stuff: frames, wheels, tires, racks, you name it, with the goal of being able to carry as much as 50 lb of gear on tour. Fenders and lighting are optional, and there are many people who tour without them.

A randonneuring frame, on the other hand, can be built of much lighter stuff - 7/4/7 or 8/5/8, the sort of tubing that used to be used for racing bikes a few decades ago - and with a maximum load of perhaps 10 or 12 pounds, you don't need super sturdy racks for panniers front and rear, or seriously heavy duty tires, either.

Along with the difference in load, you'll probably find a difference in gearing. The Bruce Gordon touring bikes (I mention them because they're stand-outs in the field, and Bruce has made a speciality of touring bikes for much of his career) typically come with 22/32/44 mountain bike triple cranks and MTB cassettes, so you have a low gear of around 18". Speaking from personal experience, that comes in mighty handy when you're hauling 50 lb up a 3 mile long mountain grade and hit that 14% section. With the randonneur, on the other hand, you might frequently find something similar to a compact double - certainly nothing as low as sub-20" granny gears.

Lighting, on the other hand, is integral to the randonneuring concept. You don't do 300km or longer rides without riding in the dark, possibly all night long. While it's possible to do this with battery power, you'll very often find generator lighting on a randonneuring bike. For most cycle tourists, riding at night happens only when things go seriously wrong, so lighting is usually for emergencies only.

For many tourists, bad weather more likely means a day spent in the tent or hotel and an adjustment to the itinerary than it does riding all day in a downpour, so fenders are often not found. Brevets, on the other hand, don't stop for bad weather and there is no allowance made for rain. If you must ride in the rain, it's a lot more comfortable and pleasant with fenders. What's more, if you ride with others, a super long Buddy Flap on your back fender makes riding in company a lot more pleasant. Not to say fenders are required the way lights are (they once were mandatory, but they changed the rules when no-clearance racing frames became so common) but you'll see plenty on a brevet.

Going fast generally isn't high on a touring bike's list of accomplishments, not with loaded panniers front and rear. Randonneuring bikes, on the other hand, can and generally do go fast.

I'm not sure if you're looking for photos of custom bikes on builders' sites to get an idea of what you might like to have somebody build, or photos of bikes taken "in the field" to get a sense of what you're likely to see on a tour or on a brevet.

[palincss]

As a follow up to what I've said, touring bikes are often better riding loaded than unloaded. The super stiffness and sturdiness that helps make a 50 pound touring load stable and manageable often works against a pleasant, sprightly ride unloaded. A purpose-built randonneur, on the other hand, will be made to carry a fairly small load, so it won't be all that different unloaded.

This one's mine:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/2669029214_32ab644052_z.jpg?zz=1

[Tom Matchak]

At this point, I am just interested in gathering visual ideas on bikes that can go fast in dark or light, rain or shine, and with or without bags.
For your visual gathering pleasure ...
http://picasaweb.google.com/RidingRandy/TomMatchakAllRoad#

All of the characteristics, as mentioned in the previous post, which one would want in a light, responsive randonneur meant to go fast.

[bigflax925]

Awesome thread!

Here's my Atlantis that was setup for long distance touring:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e332/bigflax925/Bikes/Rivendell%20Atlantis/at_jf_front_400.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e332/bigflax925/Bikes/Rivendell%20Atlantis/at_jf_right_400.jpg

It's currently lacking fenders and sporting a Bruce Gordon rack.

Here's the deconstruction of my S&S coupled Riv A/R #1 that's currently on 'The Bay:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e332/bigflax925/Bikes/Rivendell%20S%20and%20S/ff96078f.jpg

Still need pics of my Riv A/R #2; and my Riv A/R #3... but you get the idea. They are all suitable for loaded touring.

I've got pics somewhere of my Riv Canti-Rom that's suitable for brevets.

[csm]

overkill for some but....

[palincss]

That's a touring bike ? Looks more like a Cunningham-inspired MTB.

[csm]

Salsa Fargo. more of an off-road touring bike. it's a blast to ride. My dad uses his for touring. and Ragbrai. It's my ride of choice for the 5 boros ride this year.

[mgd]

and it's a super touring bike.

the atlantis is nice; it was awesome at $950!

the long haul trucker's good, too.

if you want touring and have $1800 to spend, hard to fault the bg blt complete!

[michael white]

I have a Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30. Parts are nothing to write home about, neither are the graphics (not the kind of thing I'd post a photo of), but it's a very well-made Canadian 853 frame, solid as a freaking ox. I ride it tons.

[fourflys]

the atlantis is nice; it was awesome at $950!


no where close to that price now... ;) at least not new...

[Ken Robb]

no where close to that price now... ;) at least not new...
It was a steal at that price. It's now $2,000 for frame/fork. It really does fill the bill as an allrounder.

[fourflys]

It was a steal at that price. It's now $2,000 for frame/fork. It really does fill the bill as an allrounder.


I think the Bruce Gordan BLT is a much better value, especially since I don't think the Atlantis is even made in Japan anymore... I think the Salsa Vaya and Casseroll are worth a look as well...

so, I just went to the Riv website and saw the Atlantis and the Roadeo are both made by Waterford now... so, $2k isn't too out of line; however I still think you can get a bike just as good for less money... heck, just buy a Gunnar (http://gunnarbikes.com/site/bikes/grand-tour/) ...

[mgd]

I think the Bruce Gordan BLT is a much better value, especially since I don't think the Atlantis is even made in Japan anymore... I think the Salsa Vaya and Casseroll are worth a look as well...

so, I just went to the Riv website and saw the Atlantis and the Roadeo are both made by Waterford now... so, $2k isn't too out of line; however I still think you can get a bike just as good for less money... heck, just buy a Gunnar (http://gunnarbikes.com/site/bikes/grand-tour/) ...

last i heard, the atlantis is being made by waterford, so that's pretty cool, actually. still, when that the atlantis first came out & it was sub $1000 frame, fork & headset, it was an absolute screaming deal. plus it had the pointy lugs which looked so much nicer and that cool wide, flat fork crown!

full on touring/rough stuff: that bruce gordon is the screaming deal now.

[buck-50]

SF local bike shop Box Dog Bikes has their own frameset, the Pelican, which is very nice:



http://www.flickr.com/photos/aalpern/sets/72157608497018895/
I have a custom rando from the guy who builds the Pelican for box dog- it's pretty awesome.

[Aaron O]

This is an oldie but a goodie...if you ever have a shot, I'd take it:

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo1280.jpg

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo1279.jpg

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo1222.jpg

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo1221.jpg

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo1223.jpg

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo1224.jpg

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo1225.jpg

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo1226.jpg

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo1227.jpg


It's pretty similar to a Miyata 1000, but not identical.

[fiamme red]

Mike Lopez of Serotta Composites tours on a Bruce Gordon Rock 'n Road:

http://brucegordoncycles.blogspot.com/2011/09/bruce-gordon-rock-n-road-tour-on-tour.html

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-espTgMdbxxI/TmE6UHDH5BI/AAAAAAAAAUc/DwLMK8EV-ZQ/s1600/RNR+Mike+on+tour.JPG

[froze]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/swoosh/4494244605/in/photostream/

[fiamme red]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/swoosh/4494244605/in/photostream/Nice! My touring bike also happens to be a 1985 Le Tour Luxe.

[froze]

I found that bike on Craigslist for $80. The guy bought in new in 85 with the intention on touring across America, about 4 weeks after he bought it and 250 miles later he injured his back at home and couldn't ride it anymore and stored it in the garage under layers of blankets. Then after 26 years he thought his back was ok, took the bike to an LBS to have it tuned up and new tires and tubes. Got it home and rode it 5 miles and his back started hurting bad so he listed it on E-bay for $80. I was the third person to see the bike, I didn't even bicker on the price because it looked like it had just came off the show room floor!! The other two people told him the bike was old and not worth $80 and offered him $50, fortunately he refused those crazy offers so I could buy it. The only thing not factory original is the tires and tubes, though I will have to replace the black cotton tape due to some minor fraying. Came with the original rack too, though I'll probably buy a better one when I start packing heavier for the cross country trip.

I told him about my vision of touring across America and I thought he was going to start crying and that's when I learned of his story. I told him the bike was worth more then the $80, after I paid him of course, but he said he knew it probably was but he wanted to get rid of it and was really glad I bought it.

A nice nice man, Vietnam vet on top of it.

[christian]

As a follow up to what I've said, touring bikes are often better riding loaded than unloaded. ...

This one's mine:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/2669029214_32ab644052_z.jpg?zz=1

Steve, that's really nice! Do you still have your orange Longstaff? That bike always spoke to me - standard size 531 tubes, fenders, braze-on for a bottle generator, and nice modern parts, if I remember correctly. One of those bikes I'd be happy to ride every day, and still just right for a Frank Patterson-inspired tour of Scotland.

[nighthawk]

Dont forget Chas Roberts...

I was waffling on whether or not to get a Rivendell or have my friend build me a touring bike... and then I scored a Roberts on CL. Going to swap out some of the dated Sun Tour components.. and replace the horrific saddle that was on there.. but the frame is impeccable.

[christian]

I wonder how a Chas Roberts ends up on Western MA Craigslist. I imagine someone saying, "Well, I should sell that old Ariens snow blower, this seasoned firewood, and that Audax bike in the corner." :)

[R2D2]

Dont forget Chas Roberts...

I was waffling on whether or not to get a Rivendell or have my friend build me a touring bike... and then I scored a Roberts on CL. Going to swap out some of the dated Sun Tour components.. and replace the horrific saddle that was on there.. but the frame is impeccable.

I have two Roberts and saw a number on PBP.
They are much better known across the pond.

[palincss]

Steve, that's really nice! Do you still have your orange Longstaff? That bike always spoke to me - standard size 531 tubes, fenders, braze-on for a bottle generator, and nice modern parts, if I remember correctly. One of those bikes I'd be happy to ride every day, and still just right for a Frank Patterson-inspired tour of Scotland.

Yes I do. It used to live at my daughter's house in Connecticut, but now she's moved to Georgia it's here.

You'd have to pack pretty light touring Scotland, though: the Longstaff is an audax bike, not a loaded tourer, built of light gauge tubing and not meant to carry a really heavy load. Of course, in Frank Patterson's day you probably didn't have to carry much - what with staying at inns, probably wearing shoes you could walk around in comfortably off the bike, and of course you can wear wool day after day.

[Bradford]

As a follow up to what I've said, touring bikes are often better riding loaded than unloaded. The super stiffness and sturdiness that helps make a 50 pound touring load stable and manageable often works against a pleasant, sprightly ride unloaded.
I hear this a lot and I really don't agree with it. I have an IF Independence, which is a loaded touring bike. I've ridden it with as much as 65 pounds of gear and with nothing but the rear rack. It is a great ride either way, and I suspect that would be the same for most top touring bikes. Sure, it is a different ride than my legend, but it is a great ride.

[nighthawk]

I wonder how a Chas Roberts ends up on Western MA Craigslist. I imagine someone saying, "Well, I should sell that old Ariens snow blower, this seasoned firewood, and that Audax bike in the corner." :)

I actually had to travel to central MA for it... well worth it though. I think Peter White might have had something to do with getting it to New England. I bought it off a dance instructor who said that Peter "built" it.

[topher]

Just wanted to add Bob Jackson World Tour to the list... an incredible deal, and a great frame. I have mine built up for lighter touring, with a road triple, 32 mm tires, and integrated shifting, but don't doubt it could handle more serious loads.

I think its by far the best price for a high quality, fully lugged touring frame out there... especially when the exchange rate is right.

http://www.bobjacksoncycles.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=43

Chris

[christian]

You'd have to pack pretty light touring Scotland, though: the Longstaff is an audax bike, not a loaded tourer, built of light gauge tubing and not meant to carry a really heavy load. I'm a hard-bitten Carradice Nelson user. I can live for a couple weeks on the bike with 15 lbs of gear. And the 25.4/28.6/28.6 spec of the bike is one thing I like - I always felt like my Rambouillet was overbuilt and dull. (Dare I say I like a bike that planes! :)

[palincss]

Well, if any bike can be said to plane, that Longstaff would be it. And it was made to be used with a Carradice, that is the English way.

I had a Rambouillet, got it the same time as the Longstaff. I felt the same about it as you, eventually sold it and swapped the components onto the Velo Orange Randonneur. It's not quite as scantily built as the Longstaff (8/5/8 throughout, vs 7/5/7 with 8/5/8 downtube) but they both have a nice lively ride.

[Wilkinson4]

This was my Rambouillet that I used on two different tours. One was a 47 day solo tour where I camped about 80% of the time.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4456530303_05a98bafcb_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4457308332_3bbe6b3621_z.jpg

mIKE

[froze]

This was my Rambouillet that I used on two different tours. One was a 47 day solo tour where I camped about 80% of the time.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4456530303_05a98bafcb_z.jpg
mIKE

What kind of tent is that, and where did you get it? thanks.

Nice looking bike by the way.

[Wilkinson4]

What kind of tent is that, and where did you get it? thanks.

Nice looking bike by the way.

Walrus Zoid 1.0 Tent. MSR makes the same zoid tent IIRC. I would love a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL tent as well. If it was just a couple day tourm a bivy may be the best way to go.

mIKE

[Stan Lee]

This is a really great thread- I'm glad it got revived. On a budget I've always been a fan of the long haul trucker- that being said the BLT isn't that much more (especially when you consider racks) and Bruce really knows what he is doing.