| Re: Advise on frame & fork materials for strong road bike?
On 16 Jan 2007 07:09:13 -0800, "Dan in Dover" <danindover@gmail.com>
may have said:
>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?
You'll probably be safer that way, but your options will be limited.
I wouldn't discount aluminum.
>2) I'm thinking 36 spoke wheels. Is that enough? Overkill?
>Material or model suggestions?
In order; Yes, no, avoid certain Mavics [Google for mavic crack]
>3) Are touring bikes generally stronger than race bikes?
IME, they are more durable in everyday use, but not necessarily
"stronger".
>4) Is the same rider generally faster or a race bike?
I assume you meant "on". Sometimes, as long as it's the right bike.
>5) Do any manufactures warranty their frames & forks in the road bike
>world?
Yes. Most of them, for that matter, but only to the original
purchaser. The frame is less likely to fail than you might think,
though. The components I look at most closely are the wheels. I
personally find the ubiquitous low-spoke-count "squirrel dicers"
unsuitable for everyday usage. This does not keep large numbers of
riders from using them every day without problems.
>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's experiences must be viewed in the light of his long time in
the saddle. I would not suggest trying to take a skinny-tire bike
into an off-road environmment where significant amounts of loose sand,
soft dirt. or deep gravel will be encountered; the narrow tires tend
to make a bike difficult to control in such circumstances. A very
skillful and observant rider can often cope with such developments,
often without even thinking about it, but the punter or mid-level
rider may find out too late that they didn't use sufficient caution
when approaching an obstacle that a fat-tire bike might have rolled
over with no problem.
Much depends on where you ride. You'll have to weigh the factors
yourself.
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