I'm a fat bastard looking for a steel ride
#51
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I have a Kona Rove ST st being the steel version. Very good bike but there's cheaper options out there. I wanted a surly but got a very good deal on this one.
#52
Lonesome Loser
Thread Starter
as a big Clydesdale myself, I much prefer the comfort of a steel bike over aluminum on roads. The steel eats up the chatter better and I tend to actual break things made of aluminum over time. I used to ride a Trek Domane aluminum frame with thinner tires (28mm) and it shook the fillings out of my teeth, also contributing to neck and spinal issues due to the harsh vibration.
all that said, wider, tubeless tires (40mm +) at lower pressures helped me a lot with comfort also.
all that said, wider, tubeless tires (40mm +) at lower pressures helped me a lot with comfort also.
#53
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Former athlete who has taken his "I don't care about life anymore" knocks, I've put on some pounds over the years. Well, happy to report I've regained that "I do care now" myopia and want to get back into riding hard again. I've got like 60-70-80 pounds I need to lose. Yeah, yeah. Keep the fat jokes to yourself because it wasn't that long ago I was on the other side making them with you. Point is -- I'm still athletic to alter course and can be sickly intense and obsessed when it comes to commitment towards my goal.
So in a nutshell, I'm buying a steel bike and since I enjoy long distance (90-95% pavement) riding and could give a rip about being in a 'racer' position -- a touring bike seems ideal. Right? Well I don't want some tank either so a light or credit card touring bike seems ideal? Sure. Only problem is such marketing gimmicks ten years ago when I bought my last touring elite bike have changed. I'm seeing things like 'Adventure' bike and all sorts of things. But it would seem bikes like (no particular branding order here) Surly, Trek, Salsa, and Kona still come into play. There have been several threads in this forum addressing the pros and cons of each. But I'm giving you the opportunity to pipe in and call me a fat bastard -- wait I just said please don't -- ok I'm giving you the opportunity to call me the skinny challenged or equivalent. Ok, I'm really hoping to get your opinions on the best steel bikes out there that can handle a load (me and my 5-10lb) paneers. I seriously doubt I will ever go beyond the 50 miles out and 50 miles back thing so having things like bar end shifters is not a must since my wife could easily find me (save your wife jokes AND fat jokes please). What probably does matter is the lower end (or granny) gears for some hill climbing this area is notorious for. Again more evidence pointing towards a 'touring' or 'adventure' or 'steel' bike that meets the requirement of handling weight, a sturdy ride, a more upright position, and pannier bags to stuff things in there for good Lord who knows what.
Thoughts? Opinions? Fat bas--- err skinny challenged?
So in a nutshell, I'm buying a steel bike and since I enjoy long distance (90-95% pavement) riding and could give a rip about being in a 'racer' position -- a touring bike seems ideal. Right? Well I don't want some tank either so a light or credit card touring bike seems ideal? Sure. Only problem is such marketing gimmicks ten years ago when I bought my last touring elite bike have changed. I'm seeing things like 'Adventure' bike and all sorts of things. But it would seem bikes like (no particular branding order here) Surly, Trek, Salsa, and Kona still come into play. There have been several threads in this forum addressing the pros and cons of each. But I'm giving you the opportunity to pipe in and call me a fat bastard -- wait I just said please don't -- ok I'm giving you the opportunity to call me the skinny challenged or equivalent. Ok, I'm really hoping to get your opinions on the best steel bikes out there that can handle a load (me and my 5-10lb) paneers. I seriously doubt I will ever go beyond the 50 miles out and 50 miles back thing so having things like bar end shifters is not a must since my wife could easily find me (save your wife jokes AND fat jokes please). What probably does matter is the lower end (or granny) gears for some hill climbing this area is notorious for. Again more evidence pointing towards a 'touring' or 'adventure' or 'steel' bike that meets the requirement of handling weight, a sturdy ride, a more upright position, and pannier bags to stuff things in there for good Lord who knows what.
Thoughts? Opinions? Fat bas--- err skinny challenged?
https://allcitycycles.com/bikes/zig_zag_ultegra
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#54
Lonesome Loser
Thread Starter
check out All City Bikes, they make quality steel bikes.
https://allcitycycles.com/bikes/zig_zag_ultegra
https://allcitycycles.com/bikes/zig_zag_ultegra
#55
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I can understand someone complaining about setting them up, inflated and sealed, sealant added the first time. But after that it’s all puppydogs and hummingbirds. If they’re not enjoying their newfound comfort they did something wrong or just like to complain.
#56
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whomever claimed tubeless made the ride worse was an idiot, There I said it.
I can understand someone complaining about setting them up, inflated and sealed, sealant added the first time. But after that it’s all puppydogs and hummingbirds. If they’re not enjoying their newfound comfort they did something wrong or just like to complain.
I can understand someone complaining about setting them up, inflated and sealed, sealant added the first time. But after that it’s all puppydogs and hummingbirds. If they’re not enjoying their newfound comfort they did something wrong or just like to complain.
#57
Scrubby duff
https://bikeinsights.com/compare?geo...b9e400171594c5,
2021 renegade vs 2017 Aurora comparison with wire frame.
2021 renegade vs 2017 Aurora comparison with wire frame.
#58
Lonesome Loser
Thread Starter
I never ride tubeless, so I have no relevant knowledge, but I've long ago stopped considering other people's opinions about what rides good or bad. The problem is that riding quality means different things to different people, we all seem to mind or appreciate different things.
Last edited by Anatolia; 04-16-21 at 02:25 PM.
#59
Lonesome Loser
Thread Starter
https://bikeinsights.com/compare?geo...b9e400171594c5,
2021 renegade vs 2017 Aurora comparison with wire frame.
2021 renegade vs 2017 Aurora comparison with wire frame.
#60
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I'm with you. But folks like to chime in on what's working for them. If I didn't ask for opinions, there wouldn't be much to talk about. I already knew that I was going one of three ways (or close to it) so it's good to get feedback from folks untainted. Like I say, there have been at least 2 solid things I've gotten from peeps since posting this forum -- not withstanding some abuse from the righteous -- but this place wouldn't be the Bike Forums without that.
That's fair--for example, actually knowing there's a difference of opinion on whether tubeless rides bad or good could cue you to try it out for yourself before buying.
Tough time to be shopping, I think getting a wider range of possibilities was a good idea. I've been helping my son choose bikes as he loses similar amounts of weight, it's kind of like outgrowing bikes in reverse!
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#61
Lonesome Loser
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#63
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My infraction ,,,, I don't think I made one ,,,,,,
Former athlete who has taken his "I don't care about life anymore" knocks, I've put on some pounds over the years. Well, happy to report I've regained that "I do care now" myopia and want to get back into riding hard again. I've got like 60-70-80 pounds I need to lose. Yeah, yeah. Keep the fat jokes to yourself because it wasn't that long ago I was on the other side making them with you. Point is -- I'm still athletic to alter course and can be sickly intense and obsessed when it comes to commitment towards my goal.
So in a nutshell, I'm buying a steel bike and since I enjoy long distance (90-95% pavement) riding and could give a rip about being in a 'racer' position -- a touring bike seems ideal. Right? Well I don't want some tank either so a light or credit card touring bike seems ideal? Sure. Only problem is such marketing gimmicks ten years ago when I bought my last touring elite bike have changed. I'm seeing things like 'Adventure' bike and all sorts of things. But it would seem bikes like (no particular branding order here) Surly, Trek, Salsa, and Kona still come into play. There have been several threads in this forum addressing the pros and cons of each. But I'm giving you the opportunity to pipe in and call me a fat bastard -- wait I just said please don't -- ok I'm giving you the opportunity to call me the skinny challenged or equivalent. Ok, I'm really hoping to get your opinions on the best steel bikes out there that can handle a load (me and my 5-10lb) paneers. I seriously doubt I will ever go beyond the 50 miles out and 50 miles back thing so having things like bar end shifters is not a must since my wife could easily find me (save your wife jokes AND fat jokes please). What probably does matter is the lower end (or granny) gears for some hill climbing this area is notorious for. Again more evidence pointing towards a 'touring' or 'adventure' or 'steel' bike that meets the requirement of handling weight, a sturdy ride, a more upright position, and pannier bags to stuff things in there for good Lord who knows what.
Thoughts? Opinions? Fat bas--- err skinny challenged?
So in a nutshell, I'm buying a steel bike and since I enjoy long distance (90-95% pavement) riding and could give a rip about being in a 'racer' position -- a touring bike seems ideal. Right? Well I don't want some tank either so a light or credit card touring bike seems ideal? Sure. Only problem is such marketing gimmicks ten years ago when I bought my last touring elite bike have changed. I'm seeing things like 'Adventure' bike and all sorts of things. But it would seem bikes like (no particular branding order here) Surly, Trek, Salsa, and Kona still come into play. There have been several threads in this forum addressing the pros and cons of each. But I'm giving you the opportunity to pipe in and call me a fat bastard -- wait I just said please don't -- ok I'm giving you the opportunity to call me the skinny challenged or equivalent. Ok, I'm really hoping to get your opinions on the best steel bikes out there that can handle a load (me and my 5-10lb) paneers. I seriously doubt I will ever go beyond the 50 miles out and 50 miles back thing so having things like bar end shifters is not a must since my wife could easily find me (save your wife jokes AND fat jokes please). What probably does matter is the lower end (or granny) gears for some hill climbing this area is notorious for. Again more evidence pointing towards a 'touring' or 'adventure' or 'steel' bike that meets the requirement of handling weight, a sturdy ride, a more upright position, and pannier bags to stuff things in there for good Lord who knows what.
Thoughts? Opinions? Fat bas--- err skinny challenged?
#64
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I have 25mm width Panaracer Race A Evo 3 tubeless tires on one of my road bikes and have finally gotten them set up with the inexpensive DT Swiss R460 (Chinese made) tubeless ready clincher rims built into some older Dura Ace 7800 hubs (the rear is 28 hole and was NOS, the front is 24 hole and I got it in clean, used condition for a good (pre-COVID shortage) price). Once I had the correct width tape (2 layers) and the correct DT Swiss road tubeless valves the riding enjoyment was a bit of a revelation.... When running them with 30 to 40ml of Stan’s (or Effetto Mariposa) sealant I have not had a single flat.
The cornering on the tubeless Panaracer tires is sharper and a bit stiffer than any other set up I have tried. You get the feeling that the extra engineering of the bead, to make it square to sort of pop into place with the corresponding rim pays some additional handling dividends beyond just creating an air seal without an inner tube. The side walls seem more firm (in a good way) despite being able to lower the tire pressure to permit smooth rolling over road cracks. Pretty unique. I am looking forward to getting a second, then a 3rd project bike out on the road with other road tubeless builds.
Not sure if the stock WTB gravel tires on the Jamis you pictured are tubed or tubeless but if you did get that bike, you could always retrofit tubeless tires in order to customize your parameters so long as the stock wheels (rims) are of the correct tubeless ready interior rim extrusion.
The Panaracer Race A tubeless tire I believe is onto the “evo 4” or maybe even “evo 5” iteration and apparently they are on back order from the manufacturer with no estimated delivery date. This is odd because these are some truly stellar tires. You get the feeling that manufacturers keep going ‘back to the drawing board” to try to make mounting, air retention, flat prevention and rolling resistance all be stellar at the same time. This is why Michelin’s graphic of a pentagon or hexagon (it is one of these, I’d have to check again to be sure) is helpful for buyers who want to dial in their own ideal set of ride attributes in descending order of most desireable to acceptable.
For example, for a #300, 6 foot rider who is experienced and wanting a road steed that is not dull but still durable, you’d be surprised to know that you could get away with some overbuilt wheels (higher spoke count) on some performance oriented rims (with machined sidewalls for rim brakes, or non-machined for disc specific) then set them up with thoroughly fast tires. Prompting a bit more performance out of yourself (and your bike) will get you back in the game. The payoff of getting past some of the pain and suffering of rehabbing your formerly athletic self into shape will be attained perhaps a bit faster... which will only help in the motivation department.
The specific example of tires I’m referring to here is one where you get rid of heavy stock tires and mount up the equivalent to (whatever width fits) of say, Continental GP 5000’s and then if they wear out quicker, then so be it. Once the rear squares off, replace it as your reward.
Keep us posted Anatolia about which bike (and set up) that you end up going with.
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#65
Lonesome Loser
Thread Starter
,,,,this is my attempt to clear it up ,,, to the OP sorry to have called you Big Boy ! And also for inferring for you to purchase a solid iron bike frame so as for you to work harder pedaling there for you losing more weight Faster and then you could buy yourself a better bicycle ,,,, of course I wrote this with a certain amount of humor but apparently it didn't go over that way ,,, at any case my apologies to all involved ,,,,,,,,
Thanks for the response.
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#66
Lonesome Loser
Thread Starter
For example, for a #300, 6 foot rider who is experienced and wanting a road steed that is not dull but still durable, you’d be surprised to know that you could get away with some overbuilt wheels (higher spoke count) on some performance oriented rims (with machined sidewalls for rim brakes, or non-machined for disc specific) then set them up with thoroughly fast tires. Prompting a bit more performance out of yourself (and your bike) will get you back in the game. The payoff of getting past some of the pain and suffering of rehabbing your formerly athletic self into shape will be attained perhaps a bit faster... which will only help in the motivation department.
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#67
Lonesome Loser
Thread Starter
Have you considered custom? You don't mention budget, but a custom frame will be less than many a mass-produced CF frame. Here's a partial list (it's heavily US biased, but I'm guessing you're in the US). Worth a look, anyway.
Last edited by Anatolia; 04-18-21 at 04:22 AM.
#68
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Former athlete who has taken his "I don't care about life anymore" knocks, I've put on some pounds over the years. Well, happy to report I've regained that "I do care now" myopia and want to get back into riding hard again. I've got like 60-70-80 pounds I need to lose. Yeah, yeah. Keep the fat jokes to yourself because it wasn't that long ago I was on the other side making them with you. Point is -- I'm still athletic to alter course and can be sickly intense and obsessed when it comes to commitment towards my goal.
So in a nutshell, I'm buying a steel bike and since I enjoy long distance (90-95% pavement) riding and could give a rip about being in a 'racer' position -- a touring bike seems ideal. Right? Well I don't want some tank either so a light or credit card touring bike seems ideal? Sure. Only problem is such marketing gimmicks ten years ago when I bought my last touring elite bike have changed. I'm seeing things like 'Adventure' bike and all sorts of things. But it would seem bikes like (no particular branding order here) Surly, Trek, Salsa, and Kona still come into play. There have been several threads in this forum addressing the pros and cons of each. But I'm giving you the opportunity to pipe in and call me a fat bastard -- wait I just said please don't -- ok I'm giving you the opportunity to call me the skinny challenged or equivalent. Ok, I'm really hoping to get your opinions on the best steel bikes out there that can handle a load (me and my 5-10lb) paneers. I seriously doubt I will ever go beyond the 50 miles out and 50 miles back thing so having things like bar end shifters is not a must since my wife could easily find me (save your wife jokes AND fat jokes please). What probably does matter is the lower end (or granny) gears for some hill climbing this area is notorious for. Again more evidence pointing towards a 'touring' or 'adventure' or 'steel' bike that meets the requirement of handling weight, a sturdy ride, a more upright position, and pannier bags to stuff things in there for good Lord who knows what.
Thoughts? Opinions? Fat bas--- err skinny challenged?
So in a nutshell, I'm buying a steel bike and since I enjoy long distance (90-95% pavement) riding and could give a rip about being in a 'racer' position -- a touring bike seems ideal. Right? Well I don't want some tank either so a light or credit card touring bike seems ideal? Sure. Only problem is such marketing gimmicks ten years ago when I bought my last touring elite bike have changed. I'm seeing things like 'Adventure' bike and all sorts of things. But it would seem bikes like (no particular branding order here) Surly, Trek, Salsa, and Kona still come into play. There have been several threads in this forum addressing the pros and cons of each. But I'm giving you the opportunity to pipe in and call me a fat bastard -- wait I just said please don't -- ok I'm giving you the opportunity to call me the skinny challenged or equivalent. Ok, I'm really hoping to get your opinions on the best steel bikes out there that can handle a load (me and my 5-10lb) paneers. I seriously doubt I will ever go beyond the 50 miles out and 50 miles back thing so having things like bar end shifters is not a must since my wife could easily find me (save your wife jokes AND fat jokes please). What probably does matter is the lower end (or granny) gears for some hill climbing this area is notorious for. Again more evidence pointing towards a 'touring' or 'adventure' or 'steel' bike that meets the requirement of handling weight, a sturdy ride, a more upright position, and pannier bags to stuff things in there for good Lord who knows what.
Thoughts? Opinions? Fat bas--- err skinny challenged?
#69
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Whenever this topic comes up, I remember a big guy (a tall weightlifter, well over 250 pounds) coming into the bike shop in 1985 who complained that every bike he'd ridden lately felt like "over-cooked spaghetti." Figuring that an aluminum bike might do the job for him, I put him on a Cannondale and sent him out the door for a test ride. He came back 15 minutes later and said, "Sold."
Four or five months later, when he came in for his free tune-up, he told me, "You get any other big guys in here, send them to me. I'll tell them to buy a Cannondale."
Steel bikes are still fine---I have Reynolds 531 and 853 bikes collecting dust in the basement that I keep meaning to clean up so that I can ride them once in a while---but I love my aluminum bikes. Why steel? My guess is internet-driven retro cachet, like vinyl versus digital and tubes versus transistors.
Four or five months later, when he came in for his free tune-up, he told me, "You get any other big guys in here, send them to me. I'll tell them to buy a Cannondale."
Steel bikes are still fine---I have Reynolds 531 and 853 bikes collecting dust in the basement that I keep meaning to clean up so that I can ride them once in a while---but I love my aluminum bikes. Why steel? My guess is internet-driven retro cachet, like vinyl versus digital and tubes versus transistors.
When I was a teenager I raced BMX with my friends. The bike I raced was aluminum and stiff(!). The bike I road to school and around town was steel. Just felt better doing things like landing flat on concrete off benches and stuff.
Note- not saying I was super talented. Just saying I was hard on bikes and could feel the difference.
Also, I weighed 135 then, 195 now. If I could even hop up a park bench now, would probably have either bike explode upon landing.
Last edited by SkinGriz; 04-18-21 at 09:18 PM.
#70
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If you have the budget, you might want to look at the Gunnar Crosshairs. This would be sort of a semi-custom option. I drool over the Crosshairs every couple of weeks or so.