I am having a heck of a time finding a versatile bike:
Can you suggest a bike that's great
for fast commuting, club rides, randonneuring as I love to ride fast) BUT also is versatile enough,
more stable under loads for mid-weight loaded touring
(nothing extreme, weight-wise, however, let's say 30-50 lb MAX of gear).
70% of my riding is for fast commuting/club rides
but I also want a bike to be versatile enough to handle
the remaining 30% for MID-WEIGHT semi-loaded touring (if i ever wish to go
this route--30-50 lb MAX of gear) and on fire trails, light trail riding/rough conditions.
Also I want the bike to accomodate
up to 35cm tires (perhaps even 38) with fenders.
Bike makes I am considering thus far:
Co-motion Nor'wester (they gave me the idea
for lengthening the rear chainstays to achieve this aim for
enhanced versatilty, as noted above)
-custom Bill Davidson (from Elliott Bay Cycles, WA)
-Rivendell Atlantis
-Heron Touring (supposed to be in between the rivendell
ramouillet and the atlantis for a faster geometry
but also can go on a loaded tour).
I also realize that Rivendell is coming out with a new product
later this spring (the 'Saluki') which is supposed to be aimed
at just this segment (which I think is BIG & is overlooked by most
bike manufactuers) : the saluki will have the faster geometry of the rambouillet
(i.e, for fast club rides, randonneuring, light touring)
but also share the more beefier specs
and versatility of the Atlantis....from what I have read, the Saluki
will not be for fully loaded touring but rather mid-weight, even
light trail riding and can accomodate up to 40cm tires.
I think this segment is not being addressed right now by
most manufacturers (you either only have a loaded touring
bike or a sport touring bike to choose from)....many
people want a good quality bike but can't afford 2 or 3 to accomodate
different issues.
I am small (5' 6"), with a pubic bone inseam of 74.5 cm
(have been suggested to have a max top tube of 52
and a seat tube of 49-51).
Look forward to hearing from you.
Joe Collins
Vancouver BC
