| 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?
From the sounds of it you are right about the frame and fork materials.
> 2) I'm thinking 36 spoke wheels. Is that enough? Overkill?
> Material or model suggestions?
36 would probably be best, you could probably go down to a 32, but
really you won't notice any performance difference.
> 3) Are touring bikes generally stronger than race bikes?
Yes they are.
> 4) Is the same rider generally faster or a race bike?
Too many factors go into an answer for this question. But in general
yes, a true race bike is lighter and will tend to be faster when ridden
by the same rider under the same conditions.
> 5) Do any manufactures warranty their frames & forks in the road bike
> world?
All (that I know of) have some sort of warranty. Lengths and terms vary.
Ken
--
The bicycle is just as good company as most husbands and, when it gets
old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without
shocking the entire community. ~Ann Strong
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