Captain Stupido
Senior Retro Guru
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Trying to reduce my collection and upgrade at the same time. I currently have a Raleigh Ozark (early lugged 531 ATB) built up as a tourer and a Raleigh Yukon (90s 501 framed job) built up with better than original bits as an MTB. This pic was taken a while ago (and before I got round to taping bars etc.) but you get the idea.
I rarely ride off road, although it's something I'd like to do more of. Touring is something that I enjoy now and then. I don't really need a tourer and an MTB. I have a single speed bike for daily commuting purposes and that's staying as it is for the time being.
The Ozark has seen the more use of the two bikes mentioned and over a couple of tours it took a load with ease and got me there. However it's built for strength rather than speed and truthfully it is a little sluggish. I'm not a heavy chap and have toured fully loaded on lightish winter road bikes OK - I feel that the Ozark is overkill for me. In spite of the cheaper tubing and more lowly origins, the Yukon is a great bike IMO - it's a lively frame and feels fast and agile. I'm considering turning the Yukon into a do it all bike but it lacks rack braze-ons. A rack could be mounted but I'm wondering about getting something else, better, to build up to do both jobs. I've got lots of bits (mostly LX) and plenty of wheels and tyres.
Any suggestions? Have been thinking an older specialized rockhopper or an orange clockwork might be a nice option. I like steel and cheapish is good. Is there any argument for getting a purpose-built 700c-wheeled touring frame? The Ozark doesn't quite have the "mile-eating" feel of a really good tourer but then all bikes are different...
I rarely ride off road, although it's something I'd like to do more of. Touring is something that I enjoy now and then. I don't really need a tourer and an MTB. I have a single speed bike for daily commuting purposes and that's staying as it is for the time being.
The Ozark has seen the more use of the two bikes mentioned and over a couple of tours it took a load with ease and got me there. However it's built for strength rather than speed and truthfully it is a little sluggish. I'm not a heavy chap and have toured fully loaded on lightish winter road bikes OK - I feel that the Ozark is overkill for me. In spite of the cheaper tubing and more lowly origins, the Yukon is a great bike IMO - it's a lively frame and feels fast and agile. I'm considering turning the Yukon into a do it all bike but it lacks rack braze-ons. A rack could be mounted but I'm wondering about getting something else, better, to build up to do both jobs. I've got lots of bits (mostly LX) and plenty of wheels and tyres.
Any suggestions? Have been thinking an older specialized rockhopper or an orange clockwork might be a nice option. I like steel and cheapish is good. Is there any argument for getting a purpose-built 700c-wheeled touring frame? The Ozark doesn't quite have the "mile-eating" feel of a really good tourer but then all bikes are different...