steel frame bikes

[vickster]

Or something like a Dawes (super) Galaxy?

https://www.bikes2udirect.com/B8046.html
(£1100 RRP)

Or a Ridgeback e.g.
https://www.swinnertoncycles.co.uk/...ack-panorama-touring-bike-2018-p67562/s165286

 

[Bonefish Blues]

I went towards the Spa and the Kona as each comes with (will be fitted with on request in the case of the Spa) bar end shifters.

I think Swinnertons might do that too, having a proper shop and a good reputation for service.

 

[vickster]

Genesis tour de fer might be almost in budget
https://www.dalescycles.com/genesis-tour-de-fer-10-2018-road-bike-red-black

 

[Blue Hills]

Not sur how much the OP wants to spend.. Ridgeback £580 at the cheaper end?

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Ridgeback-...IzMirjdPm4AIVSLHtCh18ugzYEAQYASABEgKce_D_BwE#

Appears to be aluminium from the description which surprised me.

Otherwise would recommend any of Ridgeback's steel tourers.

And second comments on Spa and LHT.

LHT almost level top tube though which might bother some - it does me but personal preference.

 

[raleighnut]

very nice bikes when I was a lot younger I always drooled over the 753frames I lived in Leicestershire then local bike shops websters julies cycles Mottram etc

Mercian built some of the frames for Sid Mottram

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

LHT almost level top tube though which might bother some - it does me but personal preference.

Personally I think combining drop bars with a sloping top tube mens frame is just wrong.

My tolerance for sloping top tubes is limited solely to flat bar hybrids and MTB's - and even then only if the amount of slope is no more than a few degrees. I would not give shed room to any drop bar road racing/touring frame whose top tube was anything but perfectly level.

 

[Blue Hills]

ah well you are even more of a traditionalist than me skipdiver.

Tis true I am a flat bar person.

My preference for sloping is practical rather than aesthetic.

All personal of course but I think it is a factor the OP should give some thought to - and then decide whatever or even decide that it is irrelevant.

ride on skipdiver, all the best

 

[Cuchilo]

Personally I think combining drop bars with a sloping top tube mens frame is just wrong.

My tolerance for sloping top tubes is limited solely to flat bar hybrids and MTB's - and even then only if the amount of slope is no more than a few degrees. I would not give shed room to any drop bar road racing/touring frame whose top tube was anything but perfectly level.

you dont fancy a go on this when ive finished it then ?

[

 

[Blue Hills]

you dont fancy a go on this when ive finished it then ?
View attachment 455833 [

well it certainly doesn't fit with what the OP is looking for.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

you dont fancy a go on this when ive finished it then ?
View attachment 455833 [

No, I'll pass up on your kind offer thanks!
To me that's wrong on so many levels; oversized tubes, rear stays not joining the main triangle at the seatpost clamp, too much seatpost sticking out, bars way too low. The only thing I do like if I'm honest is the fact you've got rim brakes not discs - as I don't like discs either!

Essentially, pretty much anything that might be found built into or fitted to a modern bike, I wouldn't have on any of mine. Since steel frames don't wear out, no need to ever buy a new bike, all I need to do is carry on riding old steel frames and just replace any worn mechanicals.

 

[Blue Hills]

too much seatpost sticking out, .

On topic with bygonera's initial post, a certain amount of exposed seatpost can be handy on a bike used for loaded touring skipdiver.

Especially if you pack (some would say overpack) like me with dry bags/tents/kitchen sinks on top of the rack - gives the whole motley collection something to rest/cuddle up against and helps with bungeeing. A short exposed seat-tube could cause problems - the whole load of junk could be trying to shove your arse forward off the saddle.

all the best

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

On topic with bygonera's initial post, a certain amount of exposed seatpost can be handy on a bike used for loaded touring skipdiver.

No doubt you are right about that, but the most I ever carry on a rear rack is a few items of shopping placed inside a plastic greengrocer's produce basket held on with cable ties. Sometimes I might have a small Lidl cycling rucksack on my back instead, but that's as much load as I carry by bike. I just much prefer the appearance of full-size classic steel frames with horizontal top tubes and only a minimum amount of seatpost out. When I see 8 or 9 inches or more of seatpost on view, I'm inclined to think the owner should have got a bigger frame!

 

[raleighnut]

No doubt you are right about that, but the most I ever carry on a rear rack is a few items of shopping placed inside a plastic greengrocer's produce basket held on with cable ties. Sometimes I might have a small Lidl cycling rucksack on my back instead, but that's as much load as I carry by bike. I just much prefer the appearance of full-size classic steel frames with horizontal top tubes and only a minimum amount of seatpost out. When I see 8 or 9 inches or more of seatpost on view, I'm inclined to think the owner should have got a bigger frame!

So you wouldn't be a fan of this then John.

BTW that seatpost doesn't go any lower, I had it custom made.

 

[iandg]

Spa steel tourer then.

Does the Spa Tourer take 35c tyres? Advertised with 32c. I was tempted by the Tourer but went for a Long Haul Trucker because I could fit fatter tyres.

 

[vickster]

Does the Spa Tourer take 35c tyres? Advertised with 32c. I was tempted by the Tourer but went for a Long Haul Trucker because I could fit fatter tyres.

Ask them