the sci guy 

the Rivendell Appaloosa is a long, stable frame. https://www.rivbike.com/products/2020-appaloosa-framset
they're currently sold out, but you can check with them.

Otherwise, the first thing that came to mind for me was already mentioned - a Surly Long Haul or Disc Trucker.

LarrySellerz

True, testing with no or even one hand might work too, the reason I said to stand when doing the test is that lots of people naturally account for bike instabilities when riding without hands without even really noticing it. Standing is significantly harder. In any case, I think OP should go to a shop and test many bikes.

himespau 

How about a smart trainer and a subscription to Zwift or RGT?

himespau 

Not really great for the hill climb races OP wants to do.

Dave Mayer

I'm roughly in the same situation as you. Older, and I ride almost every day, sometimes in fast groups on the road. Advice:

• Bicycling is inherently dangerous. Some situations are more dangerous than others, such as riding in the middle of an aggressive group, or doing warp-speed descents in swirly winds etc. Fear is good; that and experience is what keeps you alive.
  
• Cross and gravel bikes have higher bottom brackets than pure road race bikes - for ground clearance. For this reason they are LESS stable.
  
• Higher handlebars put less body weight on the front of the bike, which is also less stable. I've only ever ridden one bike in which the bars where at a higher position than my saddle. On a high-speed descent, it was terrifying.
  
• Thick section rims are more aero, but catch crosswinds. Plus they are heavy. If you are doing high-speed time trials, then you maybe need 50mm rims, otherwise they are heavy and less stable.
  
• If you ever hope to hang with the 'fast crowd' on group rides, you'll want a (very light) road race bike, so no Checkpoints, or gravel stuff, fat tires or steel frames or discs.
  

Iride01 

Doesn't mean that the OP does not or will not ever ride in groups. Your logic is a little faulty here. So why use potential conflict as a introduction to your post for the otherwise useful info and opinion you gave that would have held up on it's own.

Steve B.

Good point and apologies if that came off offensively. I was not sure if you missed the OP's comment about group rides. Possibly the OP is hoping that by finding a less twitchy bike he can feel comfortable in a group, not clear if that's a goal.

SoSmellyAir

This just goes to show that if you paint something a bright neon color, it looks lighter.

The aircraft carrier comment also makes me wonder / worry what you are launching off this bike while riding with no hands.

RChung

Talk to a reputable custom frame builder in your area about the characteristics of the bike you want. It might not be much more expensive than a big name brand and you'll get a bike that'll make you happy.

Fredo76

Clem at Saguaro NP



Super-stable road bike has 53" wheelbase.

This is my brother's bike. I really like it. It is super-stable. Had a great time at Saguaro National Park!

cxwrench

^NOT a road bike^