Hi everyone! Hoping to get some thoughts on an issue I’ve been grappling with for a while. I’m planning a trip right now in Europe – for the most part along eurovelo routes.
Last year I did the EV-15 and absolutely loved it. I rode it on my Cannondale Topstone 105 AL (pictured) and was averaging about 110km per day. The aluminum frame and relatively short reach was great for weight and speed but was pretty punishing over those distances after a few days. I also began to worry about the frame and fork durability with all the gear on it.
I want to increase the daily mileage (and pace) this year and am thinking about a new bike. I know conventional wisdom is to get a steel frame but I’m a bit concerned about the weight. I was thinking of maybe getting a lighter weight steel frame and building the bike up with lighter components.
Do you have any recommendations for this situation? Thanks!!
by lord_grimstad
10 Comments
You’re over thinking it. Just ride your bike.
Slow down. Enjoy the scenery
Riding fast and covering a ton of mileage is very fun. If you enjoy slowing down that’s also great, you can have both! I dont think the bike weight matters so much, I would go a bit lighter on the gear though (specially if you are in hilly terrain). Literally any road bike is optimal for fast touring, you just need to be strong, fit, and resilient (ie never stop riding). Also I personally would not worry about durability if I’m riding eurovelo, you will likely not be stranded in the middle of nowhere in the very unlikely case your bike frame gives up.
What a waste of a tour
That setup looks pretty proper to me. If you like riding fast on lightweight bikes, then think about how you can carry less stuff. If the load is what it is, then just accept that this might be the best you can do because a new bike probably won’t improve that. If you need the carrying capacity of a big rig truck you have to accept it won’t drive like a sports car.
For faster, +1 for fitness
A more laid down position for less drag.
Narrower, lighter, lower rolling resistance tires, but mind the max load ratings. Maybe lighter wheels, but they sacrifice strength and/or durability.
Something to ask yourself, how much weight savings could you expect to realize with a different bike?
Edit. A longer stem or moving the seat back can extend the reach. Maybe even a new seatpost that is more swept back
1 or 2 kg of weight saving is 2 large bottles of water which is a very silly thing to sweat it over when you plan on having as many bags on your bike as in the OP.
>I also began to worry about the frame and fork durability with all the gear on it.
This is not worth worrying about at all.
All that matters is that a bike is comfortable for you and your given task. Maybe your current bike would be fine with some more compliant tyres and some fit adjustment. We don’t know.
I also get enjoyment from pushing large distances rather than just sightseeing so I can relate to your questions.
I personally dont think too much about weight and I ride a pretty heavy Riverside 520 with heavy gear because I believe having the proper stuff for comfortable and worry free sleep and resting is more important. Eating and drinking well (and not just when your body screams for it) also does way more than a little faster bike.
Having a butterfly handlebar that allowed me a lot of different hand positions and distances also helped a lot.
Fast and touring should not be together.
Bmw K1300R, Kawasaki Ninja H2