| Re: Advise on frame & fork materials for strong road bike?
Dan in Dover wrote:
> 1) Am I correct in assuming that I should be looking for a steel frame
> and fork?
I'm a big fan of lugged steel frames, but these days you won't find an
inexpensive one (unless used). Aluminum will give the best bang for the
buck. Just avoid ultra light aluminum. The old Cannondale aluminum
frames were bomb proof.
> 2) I'm thinking 36 spoke wheels. Is that enough? Overkill?
> Material or model suggestions?
That's what I ride, though you'll have a better choice of 32 spoke
wheels. More important is the quality of the build (proper spoke
tension, stress relieved, etc.).
> 3) Are touring bikes generally stronger than race bikes?
Yes, in general. But also somewhat wider tires at lower pressure. That
helps on rough pavement or dirt roads. They also have more clearance
between tires and brakes / chainstays.
> 4) Is the same rider generally faster or a race bike?
Not much.
> 5) Do any manufactures warranty their frames & forks in the road bike
> world?
I hear Trek has a good warranty policy.
>
> 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.
Jobst is pretty light for a tall guy, and he rides a steel bike built
with long chainstays and some beefed up tubes and as I recall.
http://mly.smugmug.com/photos/73060129-M.jpg
Art Harris
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