The last road bike you'll ever buy ..

[kermisking]

While ever there is a breath left in me I will keep buying bikes . These days they are more utilitarian than thoroughbred race machines . At the moment I am fixated with Raleigh Randonneurs especially the 708 model. I have not done any loaded touring on them but plenty of club runs , Canals and shopping runs and they are superb . Mudguards and comfort take priority and on all the lovely Italian steel bikes I have and have owned. they don't have enough clearance .
Mapdec the bike shop that sells high end carbon electronic shifting bicycles has their latest YouTube video out . It predicts the demise of the Bowden cable . I am sure the guy saying that is very tongue in cheek but you cannot be sure , it gave me some entertainment anyway .

 

[Canuk]

While ever there is a breath left in me I will keep buying bikes . These days they are more utilitarian than thoroughbred race machines . At the moment I am fixated with Raleigh Randonneurs especially the 708 model. I have not done any loaded touring on them but plenty of club runs , Canals and shopping runs and they are superb . Mudguards and comfort take priority and on all the lovely Italian steel bikes I have and have owned. they don't have enough clearance .
Mapdec the bike shop that sells high end carbon electronic shifting bicycles has their latest YouTube video out . It predicts the demise of the Bowden cable . I am sure the guy saying that is very tongue in cheek but you cannot be sure , it gave me some entertainment anyway .

I've always liked the Raleigh Randonneur, in comparison to the early Dawes Galaxy (one of my first bikes) it was night and day regarding build quality and longevity. My galaxy developed a hole in the head lug, which turned into a lovely big crack!

Where were the the Raleigh Randonneurs built? Did any come out of the SBDU in Ilkeston? I'll probably be looking for something quality along those lines for the new bike tracks being commissioned locally.

 

[Fifthgrace]

Already have mine too. Approaching the big 6-0 next year, for everyday use my choice is a Trek Domane 5.9: rear isoSpeed helps cushion the ever-degrading UK roads. Not interested in disc brakes and 11/12 speed upgrade etc. just want a bike that doesn't rust, is easy to service and be able to swap parts as needed. Not sure how long carbon frame will ultimately last, but probably long enough! And for special rides the Tommasini Tecno EL-OS kitted out with a 'modern' 10 speed groupset and Ti- componentry. Like the Mondonico EL-OS earlier in this thread, when it's built right, it's a keeper for life. Comfort, speed and Irio's craftsmanship at its finest.