TBGibb wrote:
> In article <
[email protected]>, "Drew Steen" <
[email protected]> writes:
>
>
>>I'm considering some light (4-5 days, moderate terrain) touring on a Cannondale R600. I'm a big
>>guy -- 220 pounds -- and I'd have probably 50 more pounds of gear. Is this bike up to the task, or
>>do I need to find myself a real touring bike?
> Being a "road" bike the chain stays are liable to be short, so short that panniers will be in the
> way of your heels as you pedal.
>
> Does the bike have rack mount bosses on the seat stays? If not you'll be using sheet metal straps
> to hold the rack(s) on the bike. These might or might not hold that much weight.
Having toured with panniers and camping gear both on bicycles with touring geometry and on my
close-coupled Cannondale R800 ('criterium' model), I can't say I noticed much difference. Yes, on
the R800 I have to fold the little front pocket on my panniers over so my heels won't hit, but they
don't hold much anyway. I attach the top of the rack to my brake bolt which holds it very securely
and my rear dropouts have threaded holes for the lower attachment. But I've also used the P-shaped
clamps before on the seatstays and found them to be entirely adequate at holding panniers with my
camping gear.
I'd suggest the original poster go ahead and put his panniers on his R600; load them up and go for a
short trial ride to make sure everything is secure and his heels have clearance; and then have an
enjoyable time on his tour.
