| Re: Advise on frame & fork materials for strong road bike?
Dan in Dover wrote:
> I'm thinking of using a piece of the upcoming tax return to add my
> first real road bike to the collection. While I'd like something
> reasonably lightweight my main concern is strength. I weigh in closer
> to 200lbs than I should and do not have the lightest riding style in
> the world. I'm concerned that an aluminum frame & fork will not hold
> up to my weight riding off city curbs or the occasional trail detour
> thrown into a daylong road ride.
>
> Now for the questions:
> 1) Am I correct in assuming that I should be looking for a steel frame
> and fork?
Or titanium, well made.
> 2) I'm thinking 36 spoke wheels. Is that enough? Overkill?
NO payback for 36h wheels.
> Material or model suggestions?
Waterford, Lynskey, Moots, Ginnar, Habanero
> 3) Are touring bikes generally stronger than race bikes?
Yes but lots more differences than that.
> 4) Is the same rider generally faster or a race bike?
Nope, weight differences are small and vastky over played.
> 5) Do any manufactures warranty their frames & forks in the road bike
> world?
The ones I mentioned are lifetime.
>
> I've read of riders such as Jobst successfully using road bicycles on
> rides with a couple miles of trail thrown in and logging many thousands
> of miles. I've not heard anything about Jobst's weight or chosen
> ride but am still encouraged by this.
A 'road' bike with room for fatter tires is a great idea...see
Waterford and Gunnar.
>
>
> Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions,
>
> Dan
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