Candidates for a lightweight road frame that handles 32's, non-disc?

[mhespenheide]

So I thought I had this figured out for my own purposes, but the Felt F1pr that I bought and built up just isn't quite right for my fit.

I'm reluctant to make the shift to disc brakes. I like the simplicity (and being able to do my own wrenching) of rim brakes. The Felt fits 700x32 or 33, and I'd like to keep that width; I assume that means using medium-reach brakes. If there's something astonishing that would handle 700x30, I'd consider it. If there's something out there that ticks the rest of the boxes but has cantis, I'd consider it, but I never had a great experience with an older LeMond Poprad with cantis or mini-v's (but I didn't try the Paul MiniMoto; perhaps those are worth going "backward"?)

I want "road" geometry, not "gravel/adventure" geometry. For me, in an XL or XXL size, that means ~73 degrees for the head tube angle, and chainstays that are relatively short. I also prefer a bottom bracket drop of 70mm or so (72, 75); not looking for the higher bottom brackets of 'cross bikes.

I'd like to get relatively light (The Poprad felt heavy, compared to my other bikes), so I'm thinking that modern Al, Ti, or carbon might be the way to go. I have a mild preference towards sloping top tubes. I prefer straight tubes, not the hunchback look.

//edit: Nothing too exotic, please. I have some budget to play with, but not semi-infinite. I'm guessing that rules out custom for now.


I know this has been discussed a lot, and I'm asking for some pretty specific requirements. Thanks for any input.

[Vientomas]

https://www.totalcycling.com/en/Gene...e/m-22668.aspx

[mhespenheide]

Originally Posted by Vientomas

https://www.totalcycling.com/en/Gene...e/m-22668.aspx

I've definitely pointed that one out to other people. I'm thinking it would be a little lighter to go for modern Al, Ti, or carbon, but it's one that's on my list. And certainly affordable.

[Zee]

Originally Posted by Vientomas

https://www.totalcycling.com/en/Gene...e/m-22668.aspx

I see this mentioned and suggested every so often, but does anyone have any direct experience with these?

!ALSO! Has anyone successfully done 35's on a Mr Pink?

[oliver]

Originally Posted by Zee

I see this mentioned and suggested every so often, but does anyone have any direct experience with these?

!ALSO! Has anyone successfully done 35's on a Mr Pink?

Luwabra has fit GK 35/38 with BR-R600 brakes: http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=205734

I've also fit GK 35/38 with the VO brakes.

[mhespenheide]

Originally Posted by Zee

I see this mentioned and suggested every so often, but does anyone have any direct experience with these?

In this thread: http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=196419, users "rileystylee" and "Vientomas" mention that they each have (had?) one.

[mhespenheide]

A few more candidates beyond what's been mentioned so far, for anyone else who's looking:

Kona Esatto Ti was made for rim brakes for a year (or two?) before transitioning to discs.

Soma Pescadero, Tange Prestige steel for the main triangle.

Zancanato Road32 -- not sure if this is essentially custom, or if there are stock sizes. (It's also pricier than custom from Curtlo or Carver, but that's another issue.)

Independent Fabrications Club Racer used to be for rim brakes, I think; not sure about that.

[mhespenheide]

I had originally thought to stay "modern" and to stay away from steel, just for the "lightweight" criteria. But does anyone want to suggest any vintage classics? I'm hearing rumors of some early 80's Puegeots with Vitus 980 tubing that might be candidates.

I've already got a 1992 lugged steel Trek that fits 35's (really similar to their 1980's bikes, down to a nutted rear brake arch), but the chainstays and wheelbase are a little long for it to fit what I'm explicitly looking for here. And it's a few pounds heavier than I'd like.

[mt2u77]

Originally Posted by mhespenheide

I had originally thought to stay "modern" and to stay away from steel, just for the "lightweight" criteria. But does anyone want to suggest any vintage classics? I'm hearing rumors of some early 80's Puegeots with Vitus 980 tubing that might be candidates.

I've already got a lugged steel Trek that fits 35's, but the chainstays and wheelbase are a little long for it to fit what I'm explicitly looking for here. And it's a few pounds heavier than I'd like.

I was just going to suggest an early 80s Trek converted to 700c. Not exactly lightweight, but they do make really nice gravel beaters. I've got a 2011 (first gen) Domane Classics that I've fit w/ 32mm cross tires, but the rear was awfully tight unless you have a really laterally stiff wheel-- 30 mm would be fine. It definitely has more clearance than the regular production Domane from the same era. That said, I'm not really a fan of cramming tires any more. For pure utility I'd personally go with a modern cross bike-- they're more like road geometry nowdays, plenty light, and you can probably get a rim brake frame cheap since everyone seems to be going disc. On the other hand, boutique steel with large tire clearance speaks to the heart!

[velofinds]

Originally Posted by mhespenheide

does anyone want to suggest any vintage classics? I'm hearing rumors of some early 80's Puegeots with Vitus 980 tubing that might be candidates.

My ears perked up at this as I have exactly what you describe:



Good bike, does what I ask it to do nicely, but only has room (barely) for 700x30 alas.

[mhespenheide]

Originally Posted by velofinds

My ears perked up at this as I have exactly what you describe:



Good bike, does what I ask it to do nicely, but only has room (barely) for 700x30 alas.

Awfully pretty bike, there.

I'd run across the reference on the iBob list, but now can't find it... Perhaps another model, perhaps I'm just misremembering.

[echelon_john]

Black Mountain Cycles road.

Ticks all your boxes.

http://blackmtncycles.com/tech-info/road-frames/

[mhespenheide]

Originally Posted by echelon_john

Black Mountain Cycles road.

Ticks all your boxes.

http://blackmtncycles.com/tech-info/road-frames/

D'oh!

Can't believe I forgot that one. I've looked at them many times and rode with Mike Varley at the end of last year's Eroica California. Thanks for the reminder.

[Vientomas]

Originally Posted by mhespenheide

D'oh!

Can't believe I forgot that one. I've looked at them many times and rode with Mike Varley at the end of last year's Eroica California. Thanks for the reminder.

Had one. Kinda heavy and dead feeling to me. Your results may vary. The Genesis replaced it. Like the Genesis better. But, currently have my eye on a Gunnar Sport. Made in the USA and all. Damn I'm fickle...

[Ken C]

I have a Gunnar Sport with the steel fork and love it. I have two sets of wheels, one with mavic GP4 and Vitorria 25mm Corsa Elites and another with DT 440s with Hutchinson 32mm Sectors set up tubeless. I have fit Jack Browns 33mm with ease so most 35mm that are true to size should fit.

Have had the bike since 2007 and love it enough i am going to send it in for a respray.