So my beloved Raleigh Willard was recently stolen. Meaning that I'm reluctantly in the market for something else.
Where I ride a lot there are often patches of terrain that I get through, but I'm a bit uncomfortable with on 700c 40mm Clement MSOs tires running ~40 psi with tubes. I otherwise like the tires, they seem to fit the very mixed surfaces I ride.
I managed okay enough I wasn't going to buy another bike, and was just going to try different tires once these ran out. But since I'm in the market again...
So are there any cheaper bikes that fit the larger size tires(50mm and 2.1")? I don't mind stepping down to 27.5/650b wheels. As well as having thru axles front and rear? I take the wheels off at least once a week for travel, so not having to worry about wheel alignment is pretty much a requirement. Rack/fender mounts are also a huge plus(PNW; I live in a rain forest).
I'm aware of things like the Open U.P. and 3T Aero thing, but they're way outside my price range and have too low a stack. I'm also aware of the raleigh corporate deal, they don't have anything in my size right now(62 willard fit great). Does anybody know if they're restocking soon?
Lynskey GR250 can run a 700c 45mm or a 650b 2.1" tire. Slack geometry with some decent stack up front for a comfortable position...and it's titanium, so the ride should be pretty smooth and durable. Decent price on a frame directly through them at the moment, especially for titanium.
That's a great list, thank you. I should probably increase my budget or just be content with another raleigh&40mm tires.
The Rodeo Labs bikes look nicely thought out; love the fork mount bottle cages.
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\nNo need to compromise at 40mm. Also consider an Aluminum Salsa Warbird which I understand rides well @44mm tires, or a Steel Niner RLT which also clears @44mm tires.
What is that bodged wire job for?
\nHow are the TT bars working for you? I've considered some on my bike but I'm uncertain how it would work out. I always figured that I'd bounce off and out of it with hitting rocks if I didn't use a lauf grit. Gravel races near Ohio skew to flatland stuff up in Michigan, or in southern Ohio/Appalachia/WV its mountain climbing.
I ride at night a lot and I plan on XC loaded touring rides on this bike in the future. The wires are USB cables coming out of a battery taped to the underside of the downtube. They keep my lights and devices running on long/night rides. When I get a frame bag, most of that stuff will be hidden including the battery.
I don't use the TT bars often - they give me options for taking pressure off my hands and wrists and they make a difference in a stiff headwind and downhill sections. I use them primarily on smoother sections, but I don't think I'd bounce out since I'm still holding on. Steering is much more sensitive to small body/arm movements but there's not a lot of steering range when leaning over in a tuck. I've been using them more often as my average speed goes up. Cause? Effect? Who knows.
Oof. That frame, Dura Ace Di2, and high end Specialized wheels mixed with duct tape, zip ties, and a mountain of spacers hurt the eyes. Looking at how improperly the saddle is set up hurts my nether regions.
dangle wrote:Oof. That frame, Dura Ace Di2, and high end Specialized wheels mixed with duct tape, zip ties, and a mountain of spacers hurt the eyes. Looking at how improperly the saddle is set up hurts my nether regions.
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