Andy in Germany
Legendary Member
- Location
- Rottenburg am Neckar
I'm looking for a frame to build another touring bike. I'm going to try one more time to build one from scrap before I go and buy a modern(ish) tourer.
So far I'm researching and hoarding frames. I'd like to repeat what I did for the touring bike photographed above: find an old Chromoly framed bike with V-Brakes that can take 3/8 gears, get lugs brazed on the main bar, and swap the handlebars for randonneur style drops.
I'm aiming for a 28" wheeled frame as one issue with my current frame is that it's a bit small: if I raise the saddle to the ideal height for my legs, it puts more weight on my wrists, and I can't raise the handlebars much.
It needs to be able to take a luggage rack at rear, mudguards, and low riders at the front.
If possible, I'd like a lugged frame, just because I think it looks nice.
So far I've got two possibilities: an old Schwinn and a Winora (German brand). I've not been able to look at the Winora that closely as it's in the bike warehouse, but one major difference I've noticed is that the Schwinn has vertical axle droppers and the Winora has horizontal droppers. My gut feeling is to avoid horizontal droppers, but given that my current bike has these and has worked perfectly well for several years, is that really necessary?
So far I'm researching and hoarding frames. I'd like to repeat what I did for the touring bike photographed above: find an old Chromoly framed bike with V-Brakes that can take 3/8 gears, get lugs brazed on the main bar, and swap the handlebars for randonneur style drops.
I'm aiming for a 28" wheeled frame as one issue with my current frame is that it's a bit small: if I raise the saddle to the ideal height for my legs, it puts more weight on my wrists, and I can't raise the handlebars much.
It needs to be able to take a luggage rack at rear, mudguards, and low riders at the front.
If possible, I'd like a lugged frame, just because I think it looks nice.
So far I've got two possibilities: an old Schwinn and a Winora (German brand). I've not been able to look at the Winora that closely as it's in the bike warehouse, but one major difference I've noticed is that the Schwinn has vertical axle droppers and the Winora has horizontal droppers. My gut feeling is to avoid horizontal droppers, but given that my current bike has these and has worked perfectly well for several years, is that really necessary?
