spinachface

I've been getting more and more into distance cycling, and while I haven't done a populaire or any type of brevet, I'm hoping to start soon.

I was doing these rides on a Surly Long Haul Trucker with a converted Low Trail fork. It was a great bike, but the weight was definitely a little much, and the touring geometry was not very conducive to a long day of spirited riding. I was lucky enough to trade the bike for a Rock Lobster (a trade I had to take!) but am now restarting on my hunt for a "road bike" (I wasn't do much touring).

Hoping to not buy anything to crazy as I haven't partook in a true event, but my hope is to find a relatively inexpensive 80s sport tourer with lighter tubing, clearance for a 32 or more, and fender eyelets and convert it to a 700c (if necessary) wheel. Any particular frames come to mind as far as lighter tubing and fender eyelets? Bridgesone RB-2, Bianchi Nuovo and Shoguns have been mentioned, but wanted to know if there's any other thoughts on the subject. Or, if a newer model bike comes to mind, let me know!

unterhausen

you might want to consider a 650b conversion. Although lots of old sports touring bikes were made for 27x1 1/4 tires, so 700x32mm will probably fit with fenders-. There are suitable Treks, '70s and early '80s are the best choice. A late '70s model 700 was a light sports touring bike. Also the 500, but you will probably want to upgrade components.

PDKL45

OP, have you had a look on eBay for old French Randonneur frames from the 70s and 80s? They are fairly cheap and the sellers often have NOS parts to go with them.

Check out maepomme

StephenH

My advice: Go try some of the events with whatever bike you can round up first, before you start buying a bike just for the event.

spinachface

While the 650b conversion crossed my mind, I'm hesitant to invest that heavily into a wheel size I've never ridden and is somewhat more difficult to find parts for. The trek is a great recommendation though, much appreciated!

spinachface

I agree entirely, but that's why I'd go this route. If I try some events and am not fond of it, the bike transitions into a winter/road bike as opposed to having to invest in a rando-specific bike. Basically, right now I'd be doing it on a drop bar 29er or a townie seeing as my touring bike was what got traded. I gotta get better legs before I do that! haha

Chris Pringle

The Miyata 610 is another classic bike you can look for.

Just a note on the subject of weights on a touring bike. I completed the entire Super Randonneur series plus the 2015 Paris-Brest-Paris on a steel touring bike with very similar specs to the Surly LHT. The additional 1-2 lb. of the frameset really becomes negligible in the longer brevets when you're carrying 3 bottles of water, food and personal gear -- just as if you were light touring. In fact, you might even be thankful to have a touring bike that's stable with the extra gear.

83cannondale

I like the old 83 cannondale st500. Plenty of frame clearance for wide tires ( have to resize wheels from 27 to 700 ) fender and rack eyelets, rando bars and super half step with granny gearing. 48,46,30 in front and 13-30 6 speed in rear. Aluminium frame. I saw a nice 23" in Milwaukee craigslist for $400. Thought about buying myself but I already have one.