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The Touring Bike
My touring bicycle is based on a Cannondale frame from the early 90's. Most of the major
components are LX or "Mountian LX" , whatever that means. The wheels are 27".
I have changed out the original and strangely unsuitable for a touring bike 13-30 cassette
and 28x40x50 rings (25-104 GI) for more appropriate 13-34 cassette and 26x36x46 rings(20-95 GI). The original drop bars are gone for some
groovy 70s vintage Schwinn upright handlebars. "Really mushy with cantilevers" Exage brake
levers, and "dangerously difficult to reach" down tube shifters have been replaced with
super crispy STX levers/shifters. Finally,the Nitto Technomic stem brings the bars to extreme elevation.
One of my favorite components is the Brooks B67. An extreme saddle in the wide sense. Perfect for my extreme butt.
I've never had a saddle that was this comfortable. Springs Rule! I now cruise unpaved Michigan
county roads without the violent shaking part.
Made from cow parts in England... Hmmmm.
I started to experiment with upright riding this summer. I really like it.
Some people say that the problem with this kind of full-upright setup is lack
of hand positions. I don't agree, Since you are more upright, there is much
less pressure on your hands in general.
I found several positive aspects to upright riding. Climbing
is effective in the upright position with the high bars. The bike is extrordinarily
nimble, precise, stable and manuverable even at very low speeds.
If I can catch a tail wind, look out. If the wind is in my face, I just relax
and go slow. But hey I'm touring not racing. I suppose I could attach clip-on aero bars. :)
Best of all I can look up at the trees and sky!
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