Originally Posted by
PeteHski
I think of Rando bikes as more like vintage touring/gravel bikes. The market for bikes specifically designed and equipped to be ridden 200km+ is pretty niche. You could say that a Rando bike is an over-equipped touring/gravel bike for 99% of the cycling population.
Yes.
I think the gravel bike evolved from the earliest modern designs. Taking the best of what people need today and eschewing the rest. While rando specific bikes evolved on their own path for the reasons set out by that newspaper (in order to sell more newspapers). A long unsupported ride within a limited time frame. No winners, no losers except those who DNF within that time frame.
Wait! I participateded... Don't I get a trophy?