REI Safari or Surly Long haul Trucker?



On Mar 27, 10:30 am, [email protected] wrote:
> I want to do some touring this summer.
>
> Any help on deciding between the tow bikes above?


Both are excellent choices. If you're going to be touring on rougher
terrain, the Novara would probably be a better choice, but other than
that, it's apples and oranges. I think the Surly's pertier. FWIW, the
spec on the Surly is next to perfect, except for the tires--it may
just have been the set I ran--but WTB "Slickasaurus" tires are the
most cheesy flat-prone name brand tires I've ever run. Worth a
consideration before taking off into the sunset for sure, but not a
deal breaker.
 
landotter <[email protected]> wrote:

>On Mar 27, 10:30 am, [email protected] wrote:
>> I want to do some touring this summer.
>>
>> Any help on deciding between the tow bikes above?

>
>Both are excellent choices. If you're going to be touring on rougher
>terrain, the Novara would probably be a better choice, but other than
>that, it's apples and oranges. I think the Surly's pertier. FWIW, the
>spec on the Surly is next to perfect, except for the tires--it may
>just have been the set I ran--but WTB "Slickasaurus" tires are the
>most cheesy flat-prone name brand tires I've ever run. Worth a
>consideration before taking off into the sunset for sure, but not a
>deal breaker.


OK thanks

I'm 50 and have dreamed of a tour all my life but never
went

I'm now at an age where my health concerns me more than
money or time so will do a tour this summer b4 its too
late
 
On Mar 27, 10:30 am, [email protected] wrote:
> I want to do some touring this summer.
>
> Any help on deciding between the tow bikes above?


I was facing similar choice - wanted a touring bike and
at the end had to decide betw Surly LHT and Novarra Randonee.
For me Novarra Safari was out of a question - I wanted something
that would look like road bike. PLus I had Novarra Viaggio - I guess
you can call it earlier version of Safari and I was VERY unhappy
with that B-shaped handlebar.
I eventually went with Randonee for two reasons - all things being
about the same on both bikes Randonee had much better wheel and I
wanted durable bike. Plus I know everybody in the bike shop at local
REI and those guys are fantastic when it comes to service and repairs.
 
"Woland99" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Mar 27, 10:30 am, [email protected] wrote:

snip>
> PLus I had Novarra Viaggio - I guess
> you can call it earlier version of Safari and I was VERY unhappy
> with that B-shaped handlebar.

I just put some "trekking" bars on a bridgestone xo-3 and have been more
than satisfied with them. What's was the aspect that you found
unsatisfactory in them- the more upright ride they afford?
Interested....Pat
 
On Mar 27, 8:36 pm, "patrick mitchel" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Woland99" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> news:[email protected]...> On Mar 27, 10:30 am, [email protected] wrote:
> snip>
> > PLus I had Novarra Viaggio - I guess
> > you can call it earlier version of Safari and I was VERY unhappy
> > with that B-shaped handlebar.

>
> I just put some "trekking" bars on a bridgestone xo-3 and have been more
> than satisfied with them. What's was the aspect that you found
> unsatisfactory in them- the more upright ride they afford?
> Interested....Pat


I really cannot answer this question in a way that would be
unbiased. My problem with these type of handlebars on Novarra
Viaggio was probably affected to a great degree with fact that
I bought the bike without proper sizing and I could never find
configuration that was comfortable for a longer ride. I used
to commute on it (10-11miles one way) and I constantly had
problems with numbness in my hands. I do not think that there
was enough variety in hand positions to prevent it.
By comparison now I have Novarra Randonee with regular drop
bars and stem that can be raised up so you top bar position
is VERY relaxed. And I have zero problems with my hands.
On that Viaggio I eventually replaced handlebar with MTB style
one and put in steeper stem and made it sortta comfort bike.
 
Woland99 <[email protected]> wrote:

>On Mar 27, 10:30 am, [email protected] wrote:
>> I want to do some touring this summer.
>>
>> Any help on deciding between the tow bikes above?

>
>I was facing similar choice - wanted a touring bike and
>at the end had to decide betw Surly LHT and Novarra Randonee.
>For me Novarra Safari was out of a question - I wanted something
>that would look like road bike. PLus I had Novarra Viaggio - I guess
>you can call it earlier version of Safari and I was VERY unhappy
>with that B-shaped handlebar.
>I eventually went with Randonee for two reasons - all things being
>about the same on both bikes Randonee had much better wheel and I
>wanted durable bike. Plus I know everybody in the bike shop at local
>REI and those guys are fantastic when it comes to service and repairs.


OK

My thoughts abt the Safari are that I may need to ride
down some pretty big gravel roads occasionally on a
tour.... as well as good paved roads. I worry abt the
wheels and tires on the LHT or Novara randoneee
 
Woland99 <[email protected]> wrote:

>By comparison now I have Novarra Randonee with regular drop
>bars and stem that can be raised up so you top bar position
>is VERY relaxed. And I have zero problems with my hands.
>On that Viaggio I eventually replaced handlebar with MTB style
>one and put in steeper stem and made it sortta comfort bike.


Interesting

Thanks for that opinion

I'm going to REI on Say to ride and look at both bikes

I REALLY REALY need to take a tour this summer and want
to get going with it. I think my soul and body needs
to be outside in the fresh air for extended period of
time and away form desks, computers, cell phones, etc.
Ha!
 
On Mar 28, 10:34 am, [email protected] wrote:
> Woland99 <[email protected]> wrote:
> >On Mar 27, 10:30 am, [email protected] wrote:
> >> I want to do some touring this summer.

>
> >> Any help on deciding between the tow bikes above?

>
> >I was facing similar choice - wanted a touring bike and
> >at the end had to decide betw Surly LHT and Novarra Randonee.
> >For me Novarra Safari was out of a question - I wanted something
> >that would look like road bike. PLus I had Novarra Viaggio - I guess
> >you can call it earlier version of Safari and I was VERY unhappy
> >with that B-shaped handlebar.
> >I eventually went with Randonee for two reasons - all things being
> >about the same on both bikes Randonee had much better wheel and I
> >wanted durable bike. Plus I know everybody in the bike shop at local
> >REI and those guys are fantastic when it comes to service and repairs.

>
> OK
>
> My thoughts abt the Safari are that I may need to ride
> down some pretty big gravel roads occasionally on a
> tour.... as well as good paved roads.  I worry abt the
> wheels and tires on the LHT or Novara randoneee


Both the LHT and Randonee come with too gimpy of a tire IMHO, but
that's easy to remedy. the LHT has super tough wheels with Deore hubs,
36 spokes, and nice Alex Adventurer rims--certainly I'd bring either
set up to tension before an extended tour. All three are good, solid
choices. The LHT is a little more traditional with choices like Sugino
cranks, bar-ends, square taper BB, regular bend bars,etc. No major
deal breakers.
 
On Mar 28, 12:03 pm, landotter <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Mar 28, 10:34 am, [email protected] wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > Woland99 <[email protected]> wrote:
> > >On Mar 27, 10:30 am, [email protected] wrote:
> > >> I want to do some touring this summer.

>
> > >> Any help on deciding between the tow bikes above?

>
> > >I was facing similar choice - wanted a touring bike and
> > >at the end had to decide betw Surly LHT and Novarra Randonee.
> > >For me Novarra Safari was out of a question - I wanted something
> > >that would look like road bike. PLus I had Novarra Viaggio - I guess
> > >you can call it earlier version of Safari and I was VERY unhappy
> > >with that B-shaped handlebar.
> > >I eventually went with Randonee for two reasons - all things being
> > >about the same on both bikes Randonee had much better wheel and I
> > >wanted durable bike. Plus I know everybody in the bike shop at local
> > >REI and those guys are fantastic when it comes to service and repairs.

>
> > OK

>
> > My thoughts abt the Safari are that I may need to ride
> > down some pretty big gravel roads occasionally on a
> > tour.... as well as good paved roads.  I worry abt the
> > wheels and tires on the LHT or Novara randoneee

>
> Both the LHT and Randonee come with too gimpy of a tire IMHO, but
> that's easy to remedy. the LHT has super tough wheels with Deore hubs,
> 36 spokes, and nice Alex Adventurer rims--certainly I'd bring either
> set up to tension before an extended tour. All three are good, solid
> choices. The LHT is a little more traditional with choices like Sugino
> cranks, bar-ends, square taper BB, regular bend bars,etc. No major
> deal breakers.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -


sorting everything out before leaving is best. everything has to go
right where it goes packwise. The mission is orbital.
Touring motels? light load? Conti TT's are OK for the rear but a 35mm
double wall rim, a CR-18 iza good idea. heavy camping loads needa
Pasela Messenger, Conti Contact on the rear with a TT front.
Gravel? If there's a loota dirt upahead then go for a 29er or MTB if
ura short dude. Drag dirt tires along at wider widths than road tires.
Sheldon Brown's website has a rim/tire width graph for switching.
Touring dirt suggest a slightly wider front than rear.
Longer chainstays are better for tracking. MTB give shorter
chainstays, the Monocog comes from cyclocross. Take a look at that
idea. The 29er is stocked with wide slicks for smooth surfaces as well
as Conti knobbies. Overall the 29er/MTB with longer stays may be a
better choice for touring than a traditional sports-tourer
I have a 29er going together for the Front Range, Glacier Conti Divide
and Trans Canada/Myrna Canyon road-a Monocog converted to 3/8 speeds
BUT the cheap asian import japanese sports tourer comes along.
See Pavelka? 'long distance touring' in World Catalog at your library
than tap other books hyperlink.
also many guides for your path. SEARCH: Bicycle Touring Kearny
Stock saddles? try a Specialized Minkow and definitely Spec thorn
proof tubes with a CO2 inflator.
The biggest deal is getting the size right. You want to barrel over
the top of the pedal stroke and not pressure the knee directly
downward while the tuberosities sit on a firm surface without having
inside thighs rub on saddle's sides.

see Campmor.com for polyester T shirts and poly/acrylic socks: keeps
warm when wet or cool when sweating-nooooooooooooooooo cotton. bring a
WalMart painters trap for roadside shelter and bottom tarp.
 
On Mar 28, 11:03 am, landotter <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Mar 28, 10:34 am, [email protected] wrote:
>
>
>
> > Woland99 <[email protected]> wrote:
> > >On Mar 27, 10:30 am, [email protected] wrote:
> > >> I want to do some touring this summer.

>
> > >> Any help on deciding between the tow bikes above?

>
> > >I was facing similar choice - wanted a touring bike and
> > >at the end had to decide betw Surly LHT and Novarra Randonee.
> > >For me Novarra Safari was out of a question - I wanted something
> > >that would look like road bike. PLus I had Novarra Viaggio - I guess
> > >you can call it earlier version of Safari and I was VERY unhappy
> > >with that B-shaped handlebar.
> > >I eventually went with Randonee for two reasons - all things being
> > >about the same on both bikes Randonee had much better wheel and I
> > >wanted durable bike. Plus I know everybody in the bike shop at local
> > >REI and those guys are fantastic when it comes to service and repairs.

>
> > OK

>
> > My thoughts abt the Safari are that I may need to ride
> > down some pretty big gravel roads occasionally on a
> > tour.... as well as good paved roads. I worry abt the
> > wheels and tires on the LHT or Novara randoneee

>
> Both the LHT and Randonee come with too gimpy of a tire IMHO, but
> that's easy to remedy. the LHT has super tough wheels with Deore hubs,
> 36 spokes, and nice Alex Adventurer rims--certainly I'd bring either
> set up to tension before an extended tour. All three are good, solid
> choices. The LHT is a little more traditional with choices like Sugino
> cranks, bar-ends, square taper BB, regular bend bars,etc. No major
> deal breakers.


Main reason I went with Randonee instead of LHT were Mavic rims -
I have not heard too much much good about Alex stuff. I also ride
in area were you have to shift a lot so I was not sure about
bar-end shifters. Plus I know everybody in my REI bike shop, live
10mins drive from there and had VERY positive previous experience
with them.
I wanted to really get a CX or road bike but with my weight I decided
touring bike was better option - did not want to have to fix the
wheels all the time. As I mentioned - that strem on Randonee - that
was a nice touch - you can start it more upright then as you lose
weight move it down to more typical road position.
 
oh yeah bars. i don't know either. i have 10 years bike camping on
road surfaces but dirt? usually I press along. So I went to Nashbar
and bought 2 discount bars, a mustache bar to tilt and a wrist breaker
trekking double level bar.
There's an adjustable stem: go adjustable stem.
Parts Costs with basic Deore for Monodog touring around $1200. But
that's the whole deal. Wheels MFG axles, Sun Rhyno rims, two sets top
line tires....
prices at MO bottom during winter sales. EG two CR's at $11 each.
pedals $12...
 
On Mar 28, 12:09 pm, Woland99 <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Mar 28, 11:03 am, landotter <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Mar 28, 10:34 am, [email protected] wrote:

>
> > > Woland99 <[email protected]> wrote:
> > > >On Mar 27, 10:30 am, [email protected] wrote:
> > > >> I want to do some touring this summer.

>
> > > >> Any help on deciding between the tow bikes above?

>
> > > >I was facing similar choice - wanted a touring bike and
> > > >at the end had to decide betw Surly LHT and Novarra Randonee.
> > > >For me Novarra Safari was out of a question - I wanted something
> > > >that would look like road bike. PLus I had Novarra Viaggio - I guess
> > > >you can call it earlier version of Safari and I was VERY unhappy
> > > >with that B-shaped handlebar.
> > > >I eventually went with Randonee for two reasons - all things being
> > > >about the same on both bikes Randonee had much better wheel and I
> > > >wanted durable bike. Plus I know everybody in the bike shop at local
> > > >REI and those guys are fantastic when it comes to service and repairs..

>
> > > OK

>
> > > My thoughts abt the Safari are that I may need to ride
> > > down some pretty big gravel roads occasionally on a
> > > tour.... as well as good paved roads.  I worry abt the
> > > wheels and tires on the LHT or Novara randoneee

>
> > Both the LHT and Randonee come with too gimpy of a tire IMHO, but
> > that's easy to remedy. the LHT has super tough wheels with Deore hubs,
> > 36 spokes, and nice Alex Adventurer rims--certainly I'd bring either
> > set up to tension before an extended tour. All three are good, solid
> > choices. The LHT is a little more traditional with choices like Sugino
> > cranks, bar-ends, square taper BB, regular bend bars,etc. No major
> > deal breakers.

>
> Main reason I went with Randonee instead of LHT were Mavic rims -
> I have not heard too much much good about Alex stuff.


Alex rims are great if built right. If I were building some touring
wheels, I'd go for an Adventurer or even a Sun Rhyno over a Mavic--
simply a better value. I've built and ridden several sets of Alex
rims. Never a problem. Good rims made from a nice strong alloy--so
don't be turned off by them in the future.

Funny, ran into D--- from down at the shop a couple days ago--and he
was pissing and moaning about the Alex wheels on his bike--turns out
that they weren't tensioned in any way I could consider reasonable--
you can usually blame the build, not the rim brand.

> I also ride
> in area were you have to shift a lot so I was not sure about
> bar-end shifters. Plus I know everybody in my REI bike shop, live
> 10mins drive from there and had VERY positive previous experience
> with them.


Service is always nice. REI should be able to order and assemble a
LHT, as it's distributed by QBP, if that's an option for somebody with
a Surly preference.
 
On Mar 28, 12:09 pm, Woland99 <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Mar 28, 11:03 am, landotter <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Mar 28, 10:34 am, [email protected] wrote:

>
> > > Woland99 <[email protected]> wrote:
> > > >On Mar 27, 10:30 am, [email protected] wrote:
> > > >> I want to do some touring this summer.

>
> > > >> Any help on deciding between the tow bikes above?

>
> > > >I was facing similar choice - wanted a touring bike and
> > > >at the end had to decide betw Surly LHT and Novarra Randonee.
> > > >For me Novarra Safari was out of a question - I wanted something
> > > >that would look like road bike. PLus I had Novarra Viaggio - I guess
> > > >you can call it earlier version of Safari and I was VERY unhappy
> > > >with that B-shaped handlebar.
> > > >I eventually went with Randonee for two reasons - all things being
> > > >about the same on both bikes Randonee had much better wheel and I
> > > >wanted durable bike. Plus I know everybody in the bike shop at local
> > > >REI and those guys are fantastic when it comes to service and repairs..

>
> > > OK

>
> > > My thoughts abt the Safari are that I may need to ride
> > > down some pretty big gravel roads occasionally on a
> > > tour.... as well as good paved roads.  I worry abt the
> > > wheels and tires on the LHT or Novara randoneee

>
> > Both the LHT and Randonee come with too gimpy of a tire IMHO, but
> > that's easy to remedy. the LHT has super tough wheels with Deore hubs,
> > 36 spokes, and nice Alex Adventurer rims--certainly I'd bring either
> > set up to tension before an extended tour. All three are good, solid
> > choices. The LHT is a little more traditional with choices like Sugino
> > cranks, bar-ends, square taper BB, regular bend bars,etc. No major
> > deal breakers.

>
> Main reason I went with Randonee instead of LHT were Mavic rims -
> I have not heard too much much good about Alex stuff.


Alex rims are great if built right. If I were building some touring
wheels, I'd go for an Adventurer or even a Sun Rhyno over a Mavic--
simply a better value. I've built and ridden several sets of Alex
rims. Never a problem. Good rims made from a nice strong alloy--so
don't be turned off by them in the future.

Funny, ran into D--- from down at the shop a couple days ago--and he
was pissing and moaning about the Alex wheels on his bike--turns out
that they weren't tensioned in any way I could consider reasonable--
you can usually blame the build, not the rim brand.

> I also ride
> in area were you have to shift a lot so I was not sure about
> bar-end shifters. Plus I know everybody in my REI bike shop, live
> 10mins drive from there and had VERY positive previous experience
> with them.


Service is always nice. REI should be able to order and assemble a
LHT, as it's distributed by QBP, if that's an option for somebody with
a Surly preference.
 
in case you missed the message. a standard road frame accepts only
narrow tires and ecetra...caws the idea is saving material costs and
giving a narrow air drag profile.
That's snot what touring is about. The 29er/MTB with longer stays and
trail-there's a few- you gotta copy the spec tables and chew thru
them, accepts 32c to 1.25" and that's where the action is in touring
snot a low air drag factor: adapting an easy ride to the surface. Also
why standard tires are no good at this, carcasses are cheaply made.
 
On Mar 28, 10:09 am, Woland99 <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Mar 28, 11:03 am, landotter <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Mar 28, 10:34 am, [email protected] wrote:

>
> > > Woland99 <[email protected]> wrote:
> > > >On Mar 27, 10:30 am, [email protected] wrote:
> > > >> I want to do some touring this summer.

>
> > > >> Any help on deciding between the tow bikes above?

>
> > > >I was facing similar choice - wanted a touring bike and
> > > >at the end had to decide betw Surly LHT and Novarra Randonee.
> > > >For me Novarra Safari was out of a question - I wanted something
> > > >that would look like road bike. PLus I had Novarra Viaggio - I guess
> > > >you can call it earlier version of Safari and I was VERY unhappy
> > > >with that B-shaped handlebar.
> > > >I eventually went with Randonee for two reasons - all things being
> > > >about the same on both bikes Randonee had much better wheel and I
> > > >wanted durable bike. Plus I know everybody in the bike shop at local
> > > >REI and those guys are fantastic when it comes to service and repairs.

>
> > > OK

>
> > > My thoughts abt the Safari are that I may need to ride
> > > down some pretty big gravel roads occasionally on a
> > > tour.... as well as good paved roads. I worry abt the
> > > wheels and tires on the LHT or Novara randoneee

>
> > Both the LHT and Randonee come with too gimpy of a tire IMHO, but
> > that's easy to remedy. the LHT has super tough wheels with Deore hubs,
> > 36 spokes, and nice Alex Adventurer rims--certainly I'd bring either
> > set up to tension before an extended tour. All three are good, solid
> > choices. The LHT is a little more traditional with choices like Sugino
> > cranks, bar-ends, square taper BB, regular bend bars,etc. No major
> > deal breakers.

>
> Main reason I went with Randonee instead of LHT were Mavic rims -
> I have not heard too much much good about Alex stuff. I also ride
> in area were you have to shift a lot so I was not sure about
> bar-end shifters. Plus I know everybody in my REI bike shop, live
> 10mins drive from there and had VERY positive previous experience
> with them.
> I wanted to really get a CX or road bike but with my weight I decided
> touring bike was better option - did not want to have to fix the
> wheels all the time. As I mentioned - that strem on Randonee - that
> was a nice touch - you can start it more upright then as you lose
> weight move it down to more typical road position.


Since Mavic was bought by Salomon, they've really gone downhill. While
their Ax19 series is probably better than most of their road stuff,
I'd set the Alex Adventurer side-by-side with an A719, at a third of
the price.

FWIW, I used Salsa Delgado Cross rims when I built my LHT (half the
price of the A719) and they're great, but if I needed to build a new
set, I'd use the Adeventurer, which I was impressed with when I built
wheels for my Nexus Cruiser.
 
On Mar 28, 10:38 am, [email protected] wrote:
> Woland99 <[email protected]> wrote:
> >By comparison now I have Novarra Randonee with regular drop
> >bars and stem that can be raised up so you top bar position
> >is VERY relaxed. And I have zero problems with my hands.
> >On that Viaggio I eventually replaced handlebar with MTB style
> >one and put in steeper stem and made it sortta comfort bike.

>
> Interesting
>
> Thanks for that opinion
>
> I'm going to REI on Say to ride and look at both bikes
>
> I REALLY REALY need to take a tour this summer and want
> to get going with it. I think my soul and body needs
> to be outside in the fresh air for extended period of
> time and away form desks, computers, cell phones, etc.
> Ha!


I know exactly what you mean - I never toured on the bike but
I do some kayaking and that moment when you push this thing on
the water and it starts bouncing on the waves and you KNOW that
for next 8 hours it will be just you water and wind is the best.
One of these days I would like to ride across Texas. And really
SEE the land.
 
On Mar 28, 2:14 pm, Hank <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Mar 28, 10:09 am, Woland99 <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Mar 28, 11:03 am, landotter <[email protected]> wrote:

>
> > > On Mar 28, 10:34 am, [email protected] wrote:

>
> > > > Woland99 <[email protected]> wrote:
> > > > >On Mar 27, 10:30 am, [email protected] wrote:
> > > > >> I want to do some touring this summer.

>
> > > > >> Any help on deciding between the tow bikes above?

>
> > > > >I was facing similar choice - wanted a touring bike and
> > > > >at the end had to decide betw Surly LHT and Novarra Randonee.
> > > > >For me Novarra Safari was out of a question - I wanted something
> > > > >that would look like road bike. PLus I had Novarra Viaggio - I guess
> > > > >you can call it earlier version of Safari and I was VERY unhappy
> > > > >with that B-shaped handlebar.
> > > > >I eventually went with Randonee for two reasons - all things being
> > > > >about the same on both bikes Randonee had much better wheel and I
> > > > >wanted durable bike. Plus I know everybody in the bike shop at local
> > > > >REI and those guys are fantastic when it comes to service and repairs.

>
> > > > OK

>
> > > > My thoughts abt the Safari are that I may need to ride
> > > > down some pretty big gravel roads occasionally on a
> > > > tour.... as well as good paved roads.  I worry abt the
> > > > wheels and tires on the LHT or Novara randoneee

>
> > > Both the LHT and Randonee come with too gimpy of a tire IMHO, but
> > > that's easy to remedy. the LHT has super tough wheels with Deore hubs,
> > > 36 spokes, and nice Alex Adventurer rims--certainly I'd bring either
> > > set up to tension before an extended tour. All three are good, solid
> > > choices. The LHT is a little more traditional with choices like Sugino
> > > cranks, bar-ends, square taper BB, regular bend bars,etc. No major
> > > deal breakers.

>
> > Main reason I went with Randonee instead of LHT were Mavic rims -
> > I have not heard too much much good about Alex stuff. I also ride
> > in area were you have to shift a lot so I was not sure about
> > bar-end shifters. Plus I know everybody in my REI bike shop, live
> > 10mins drive from there and had VERY positive previous experience
> > with them.
> > I wanted to really get a CX or road bike but with my weight I decided
> > touring bike was better option - did not want to have to fix the
> > wheels all the time. As I mentioned - that strem on Randonee - that
> > was a nice touch - you can start it more upright then as you lose
> > weight move it down to more typical road position.

>
> Since Mavic was bought by Salomon, they've really gone downhill. While
> their Ax19 series is probably better than most of their road stuff,
> I'd set the Alex Adventurer side-by-side with an A719, at a third of
> the price.


Holy ****, just googled--you're right, they're listing at $75!! An
Adventurer is the same weight, tough, easy to build and $25. No
brainer.

>
> FWIW, I used Salsa Delgado Cross rims when I built my LHT (half the
> price of the A719) and they're great, but if I needed to build a new
> set, I'd use the Adeventurer, which I was impressed with when I built
> wheels for my Nexus Cruiser.


Those Delgados look great on paper--I've got them mentally filed away
if I want to build a set of "light touring" wheels, as they look to be
perfect for a set of 32mm Paselas or similar poofy-fast tire.
 
On Mar 28, 2:35 pm, landotter <[email protected]> wrote:

> Holy ****, just googled--you're right, they're listing at $75!! An
> Adventurer is the same weight, tough, easy to build and $25. No
> brainer.
>

Dunno - maybe that was a mistake - I went with Randonee over LHT
after guy at REI bike (shop who gave me good advice in the past)
spoke against Alex rims.
BTW - another bike I was considering was Bianchi Axis - not exactly
touring bike but LBS had 2006 model (triple). But in the end I decided
to go with steel frame and touring geometry.
 

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