My current situation is that I have a full ultegra groupset and Shimano r500 wheels + carbon fork, without a frame. I'm primarily interested in racing, but would like a bike that can go for a couple of weeks touring. Note, this will not be my racing bike, but my winter trainer. The touring I will do is hopefully fairly light, any tours I do would frequent towns and youth hostels every couple of days for showers etc.
The first question: Are shimano R500 wheels adequate enough? They are a bit flexy which may be an issue, and I have heard replacement spokes are hard to get hold of (Though I see no reason why I can't use an alternative spoke as a back up - DT swiss perhaps).
Secondly the groupset: I imagine a short cage rear derailleur with a compact setup might not be low enough (34 front 28 rear). Big hills would be ideal as any tour I do I would like to include training benefit. What is the smallest ring you can put on a 110 BCD shimano crankset? Otherwise I guess it is a case of a new rear derailleur and a dinner plate cassette.
Third, and most importantly, the frame: I am looking at the ribble audax (£99 for just the frame is a bargain). I am aware the geometry is a bit racey with long top tube, I can deal with that, but I am interested to know whether people have toured successfully on this and what their opinions are. The lack of clearance for tyres more than 23c when using mudguards sounds like it should be a concern. The other frame I am considering is around the £200 mark - the Kinesis racelight T2. I know little about this, does anyone have experience?
I also have some friction bar end shifters at my service, should these be used instead of the ultegra sti shifters in order to minimise faff (running 10 speed).
Many thanks
Apologies if this post is in the wrong place - might be better off in the know how section
Edit: I should add that I do have another touring option - I have a heavy steel singlespeed that could have gears and a rack whacked onto it and be fairly sturdy. Not ideal, and certainly no whippet, but a possible alternative. Singlespeed touring isn't off the menu either but is fairly limiting
The first question: Are shimano R500 wheels adequate enough? They are a bit flexy which may be an issue, and I have heard replacement spokes are hard to get hold of (Though I see no reason why I can't use an alternative spoke as a back up - DT swiss perhaps).
Secondly the groupset: I imagine a short cage rear derailleur with a compact setup might not be low enough (34 front 28 rear). Big hills would be ideal as any tour I do I would like to include training benefit. What is the smallest ring you can put on a 110 BCD shimano crankset? Otherwise I guess it is a case of a new rear derailleur and a dinner plate cassette.
Third, and most importantly, the frame: I am looking at the ribble audax (£99 for just the frame is a bargain). I am aware the geometry is a bit racey with long top tube, I can deal with that, but I am interested to know whether people have toured successfully on this and what their opinions are. The lack of clearance for tyres more than 23c when using mudguards sounds like it should be a concern. The other frame I am considering is around the £200 mark - the Kinesis racelight T2. I know little about this, does anyone have experience?
I also have some friction bar end shifters at my service, should these be used instead of the ultegra sti shifters in order to minimise faff (running 10 speed).
Many thanks
Apologies if this post is in the wrong place - might be better off in the know how section
Edit: I should add that I do have another touring option - I have a heavy steel singlespeed that could have gears and a rack whacked onto it and be fairly sturdy. Not ideal, and certainly no whippet, but a possible alternative. Singlespeed touring isn't off the menu either but is fairly limiting
) then you should be fine.
