Steel or aluminium touring frame advise please.

[Sore Thumb]

I do have a maxlight pro MTB frame but it does not have any attachments for a rear rack. I have considered a trailer but the MTB frame has always been a little uncomfortable as its a bit too big at 18".

So I would like to get a new frame that will solely be for touring. I intend to swap all my components and wheels from my maxlight to this new frame.

I have hope disc brakes so the new frame would need to take discs as well. I will also be using a derailleur system.

I will also need to get some new none suspension forks that can take a front rack.

My max spend for the frame would be around £200.

I would be most grateful if you could recommend some frames at around that price please. Could you also suggest a good set of forks.

Many thanks.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

If you wish to reuse your hydraulic brakes, there is no easy way to use drop bars. If you are running flat bars, then a mtb frame isn't bad for touring purpose, given the tyre/guard clearance, strength etc.

Regarding lack of rear rack attachment have you looked into the Tubus system that utilises the rear qr dropouts and a long qr skewer? Regarding your existing mtb being too large is the top tube too long or seat tube too long? If just the former have you looked into a) a shorter/higher stem and b) different bars e.g. riser/Mary/H?

 

[Sore Thumb]

I've tried everything to make the 18" comfortable, so I need to change frame. I also don't want to get a rack that fits to the quick release etc.
I would like to just get a dedicated Mtb that fits my size and has the attachments for a rear rack.

The only one that I have seen that fits the bill is the on-one steel inbred.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

I've tried everything to make the 18" comfortable, so I need to change frame. I also don't want to get a rack that fits to the quick release etc.
I would like to just get a dedicated Mtb that fits my size and has the attachments for a rear rack.

The only one that I have seen that fits the bill is the on-one steel inbred.

With 28.6 seat tube, you are unlikely to be able to reuse your front mech, unless they are 34.8 currently, for which an inexpensive adaptor for 28.6 is available from Shimano.

 

[Bodhbh]

The only one that I have seen that fits the bill is the on-one steel inbred.

That would do the job and a few people use them for touring. After my previous frame snapped (a rockhopper) I got one for £90 quid on ebay. Including the price of the frame I had 30 or 40 quid change from 200quid after getting a couple of extra bottle mounts fixed by a frame builder and getting it sandblasted and powdercoated. It's not been ridden in anger touring yet, but is fine on the commute.

I don't know much about geometry, but the inbreds have quit a long reach for the frame size, which might affect which one you pick.

 

[steveindenmark]

It also depends if you are staying in Europe to tour. In some parts of the world you will have a hard time getting aluminium frames fixed if they break.

Steve

 

[vernon]

It also depends if you are staying in Europe to tour. In some parts of the world you will have a hard time getting aluminium frames fixed if they break.

Steve

I've broken two steel frames while on tour. On one occasion I was back on the road withing one and a half hours, on the other occasion I bought another bike. Frame breakages are not everyday occurrences and should not really influence the choice of frame material.

 

[steveindenmark]

It does depend where they are riding Vernon.

There is no idication that they are taking their bike to Asia. But if they are they will have a job on trying to get anything fixed if it is aluminium.

I just added it in so they are aware.

Steve

 

[Sore Thumb]

Just in this country, some weekend touring.

 

[Danny]

Frame breakages are not everyday occurrence...

...I've broken two steel frames while on tour.

Why doesn't this surprise me?

 

[vernon]

Why doesn't this surprise me?

It didn't surprise me the second time. I was riding a Dawes Galaxy and discovered that there was a propensity for the rear drop outs to fracture on frames of a particular vintage.

I was unlucky enough to have two of them

 

[Moodyman]

Forget buying a new frame. Halfords are doing the Carrera Subway for £200 pounds right now.

It's an aluminium MTB frame with a rigid chromoly fork. It has mudguards mounts, front and rear rack mounts and is suitably geared for touring. Also, being an MTB frame it's tough and has the upright position.

26 inch wheels should allow off road and road riding with the right tyres.

Buy it.

 

[Sore Thumb]

I bought a on one inbred frame for £139. Only had to buy some gear cables, headset and a seat post clamp.

I was really surprised how light the frame is. I was expecting a heavy weight of steel and in fact it was only just heavier than my aluminium frame.

Thanks all for your advise.