On May 15, 12:13 am, duh wrote:
Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman wrote:



On May 14, 10:55 am, duh wrote:

I'm going to be looking at a RANS Rocket, Bacchetta Cafe, Baccheta Giro
20 or 26, and an Easy Racer Javelin.

What are the quality/durability factors for these bikes? I will be
mostly commuting, but might want to do a little touring.

The RANS Rocket was a very good all-around bike when introduced a
decade ago, and has been improved and refined since.

The only necessary change for touring would be smaller chainrings
unless the route is very flat or the rider very strong. The under-seat
pannier rack is mandatory, unless the rider is "credit card touring"
with very light loads.

I like that, credit card touring. Of course, I've been honing my
routine for backpacking, so I think I can carry less weight.

I was talking to the shop today, and they said the RANS might set me up
for a rougher ride, and more rolling resistance, but more wheel strength
and the ability to carry more weight.

Maybe I need to mount some hydraulics in my butt.

Having only one size of tire and tube is an advantage while trying to
limit weight during touring.

If one ever plans to pull a single wheel trailer (e.g. B.o.B.), the
RANS Rocket is one of the best bicycles, due to its triangulated frame
and short chain and seat stays. Pulling a single wheel trailer with a
monotube ("stick") bike is generally a bad idea (and the manufacturers
typically recommend against it).

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful
2000 RANS Rocket