Just how hardcore is a modern day road bike?

[cyberknight]

I commute 10 miles each way on a virtuoso on pot holed country lanes , once the factory wheels had been tensioned right they ran fine for a good 8000 miles ish , i only just got a new rear wheel as i had flat spotted the rim when i hit an unmarked drop in the kerb for road works andthe freehub was on the way out so it worked out cheaper to get a new wheel.
I run this all year with panniers and 23 mm tyres and apart from the occasional off due to ice i have not had any problems.

 

[TheDoctor]

I'm over 16 stone, and I ride a carbon bike with carbon forks. I've taken it off road on Open Pro wheels, commuting, CTC rides, touring (with a saddlebag and next-to-no spare stuff at all) and never had any problems. That's all on 25mm tyres - the frame doesn't have enough clearance for more.
Oh - and get a spoke key and learn how to use it. That way the wheels won't go out of true!!
Truing up wheels isn't hard, and if it all goes horribly wrong the bike shop can sort it out...

 

[BlackPanther]

When I wanted to start commuting, I read loooooooads of reviews/recommendations, and ended up plumping for a Dawes Tanami hybrid. It was excellent and I rode it for a year/5,000 miles. The I bought an Allez road bike 'for the weekends and Summer'.....and the only time I've ridden the Dawes since getting the roadie was when it was snowing! If you get a road bike that takes mudguards, and bang on a seatpost mounted rack it's the perfect commuter. A change of tyres for the winter and it's a year round bike.

That said, the Allez has now been superseded by a Bacchetta Strada recumbent, but that's another story..........you won't regret buying a road bike!

 

[jdtate101]

If a rim can take 35c tyres, putting a 23c tyre on it will be pushing the limits and may well be exceeding them.

Sure, I actually meant you can fit another 23c wheelset if need be, just not well expressed.

 

[fossyant]

Most road bike wheels are much stronger than you'd imagine - many are ridden in cross with no modifications.

I'm a strong believer in hand builts, easy to repair, and cost a 'slight' premium.

Open Pro or CXP33's or similar rims (DT Swiss) on choice of hubs, with ACI or DT Swiss spokes, 32-36 spokes, 3 cross pattern = bomb proof.

 

[palinurus]

I've got a road bike with Mavic A319 touring rims. 105 hubs, built up at the local bike shop for a reasonable price.

Well hard they are, you can bunny hop logs with those bastards.

Also: in 'cross all sorts of road wheels get used. I've seen plenty of broken rear mechs, but rarely a broken wheel.

 

[biking_fox]

If you do go for 23mm, which I'd recommend cause it's faster, you do have to pretty careful at making sure they're properly pumped up. Makes a lot of difference on the pinch punctures when you hit something.

Gaz - was that Raleigh guy on solid tyres? Cool vid.

 

[Jezston]

If a rim can take 35c tyres, putting a 23c tyre on it will be pushing the limits and may well be exceeding them.

I think manufacturers are too cautious when it comes to claiming what tyres they can take. I've had everything from 23 to 38 running a set of aerorage rims without issue. A fully inflated tyre is a pretty immovable object.

 

[jonny jeez]

I wish I was only 16 stone! A road bike will be fine

Grrr I want your avitar!!

 

[jonny jeez]

I've asked the same question of late as Roadies seem a lot less hardy than other bikes (perhaps that's why bikes like Hybrids exist?!) and was worried that mine would implode if I took it too close to a pothole.

but...bottom line is, you already have a hybrid, why not get the roadie as a summer (or special) commute bike.

it'll take only half the mileage and a lot less than half the abuse.

 

[skudupnorth]

Here's my Hybrid doubling up as a tourer on my way to Cornwall fully loaded,it coped very well and had no issues during the 400 mile ride

 

[jonny jeez]

Here's my Hybrid doubling up as a tourer on my way to Cornwall fully loaded,it coped very well and had no issues during the 400 mile ride

looks like you 're carrying a shredder on the bars?

what is it (really)

 

[biggs682]

+ 1 re earlier comments on frame and wheels once they are all ok just keep an eye out for any up and coming problems

 

[skudupnorth]

looks like you 're carrying a shredder on the bars?

what is it (really)

Open bar bag with rain cover (not required until last day in Cornwall but bright yellow ! )

 

[gaz]

I think manufacturers are too cautious when it comes to claiming what tyres they can take. I've had everything from 23 to 38 running a set of aerorage rims without issue. A fully inflated tyre is a pretty immovable object.

I've never seen a manufacturer list ranges, I just check Mr Browns recommendations.