Hi all,
I am in the market for a touring bike, and am looking at buying the frame/fork and building up the bike myself. I am also open to purchasing the bike complete, and my budget is about $AUD1500.
What should I be looking out for in terms of the frame? I know that I want to fit at least 700x28C tyres on it. Are there any drawbacks to having a frame that takes only 650C tyres?
I have seen many people riding the Mongoose Randonneur, anyone of you have this bike and can share your experiences?
The Surly LHT/cross check frames always come up, as does the Trek 520.
I would prefer steel frames to Aluminium frames.
I have no intentions to go touring as yet, but have a long term goal to tour Tasmania, or maybe do the NSW Big ride, if and when I can get away from work. Meanwhile this bike will fill in as a commute bike/shopping/photography bike.
Cheers