The Classic British Touring Bike

Skully good on yah

Cheers Zebs
You at Critical Mass last week?

I think some touring pron does make it into there from time to time. Seen Edscoble's 650b randonneur? It deserves to be on there. I had a little spin on it at souths. It's marvellous.

The problem with my 650B Randonneur is that it's far removed from a traditional British touring bike in every sense.

Unless this topic is titled The Classic French Touring Bike that is.

Custom frame built for me by Tony Oliver. Reynolds 708 main tubes, Columbus SP forks & stays, 26" wheels.

1990 Raleigh Randonneur. Reynolds 531ST frame. All original equipment.

Still have all the original bits and pieces supplied when new

Just like the sales brochure.

Carlton Corsair. Reynolds 531 main tubes. All original equipment. On loan to a local bicycle museum.

That last one, lovely.

I'm glad you said that. The Carlton was the cheapest to buy when new, by a long way. The Tony Oliver I specifically ordered in a low-key, single colour with no maker's decals (other than the tiny one on the head tube) to deter thievery - having already had one very nice touring bike nicked.

The Raleigh Randonneur is in just as good condition as the Carlton, if not better - see below. Sadly, it just doesn't get used, so come next Spring, I may decide to sell it. How many touring bikes does one man need?

Long time since I've seen a Tony Oliver.

](http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/Owenhayter/media/image_zps405dbc15.jpg.html)[/IMG]This is my British Eagle Touristique, daily commuter with big plans for the summer.

generic touring bike question (I posted in the generic touring bike thread but realised that was more specific to trips and routes, so this is a better place for it!), just wondering about bike fit sizing for touring bikes vs road or track bikes, should they be longer (more stable) or shorter (more upright position) than what I would normally ride?

I normally ride around 54/55cm so assume similar top tube is what I would be aiming for?

sorry for newbie touring question!

A tourer will already be a lot more stable due to the generous angles/long stays.

So even with a short top tube the geo makes it stable. If you take a longer frame you need a shorter stem and the steering may be more fast, which you may/may not want.

So I would go for what's comfiest. Take a 54-55 TT (note a lot have somewhat sloping bars to increase standover to save the family jewels) and you can always put a longer high rise stem on. The headtube will most likely be higher too.

All good in touring land now grow a bear and get some SPD sandals ;)

I would go for drops...if you weren't already. Tl;dr 35 mile ride with my da, vicious headwind, my mum's bike has "lesbian butterfly bars". Not fun.

So even with a short top tube the geo makes it stable. If you take a longer frame you need a shorter stem and the steering may be more fast, which you may/may not want.

To clarify on this, the steering will feel quicker with a shorter stem, but doesn't necessary make it so.

It's something that we can easily adapt to after a couple weeks.

thanks guys, much appreicated........havent thought too far ahead as yet, so bears and SPD sandals can wait, first stop is to get a frame sorted and figure out things from there

beenscobled

I'd need a fake beard...or be the bearded woman. At least getting your nails done for the sandals is more socially acceptable :P

So going touring with the parents and Le Manfriend in Scotland in June. My dad looked at historical weather forecasts and the weather is "best" in June. Let's hope it's not like NI weather where "best" means "least rain the dry spells are longer than 10 minutes".

I think you'll look dashing with a smart set of beard.

Scotland are fickle, ironically the best weather I had from Scotland was in March last year, better than the time I rode through it in July/August which was a touch chilly and wet.

I guess this belongs here:

Lovely :)

Oh I still haven't done a write-up on Scotland :/
The weather was awesome and we scared an owl out of a tree in early morning. They are indeed wholly silent, and not hearing one IRL is still more awesome that Attenburough telling us in his fantastic voice they're silent.

(not by that much mind) ;)

I just bought a Thorn 531ST 700c bike ... very much a classic British tourer rather than a 'Expedition' type I'm off to the Hindu Kush 2" 26's kind of thing.

Excited.

Arriving today nnnnng

Anyone wanna buy this?

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this was mine (untill it got stolen...)

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Asking for a friend. It looks a touch big, but size?

I think it's 58 or 59 square. I can check accurately tonight. l

It's a lovely frame I just have to accept it's never fitted well, and since a serious injury my reach is now even shorter.

Thanks. It's going to be too big, but thanks anyway.

I have so much time for this thread... Heres mine. I know, not British. Heavily influenced by the great brit tourers of old however.

Classy build!