Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:20 am
It seems you have limited your choice to one of the two bikes mentioned. On what basis did you choose those two bikes? Price? Availability? Good reviews? Pedigree? Cool name/brand? MTB background?Moocar wrote:Fearfully awaits answer
To throw a cat amongst the pigeons (again), let's say the general consensus is to go for well built 622 wheels. Why not go for a dedicated touring bike with a 25+ year Australian pedigree? The Vivente World Randonneur certainly has pedigree, and also has the following:
Do you really need fatter tyres than this? This style of wheel has seen many people, Noel McFarlane included, through outback Australia, and the world. I'm 5'8" (173 cm) tall also, and although I've always 'toured' on 559 (26") 'MTB' wheels, I dream of building up a dedicated 622 wheeled tourer (an old, upgraded Shogun Alpine GT, for instance)Vivente website wrote:RIMS - Alex Ace 19 Black with CNC Sidewall, 36h with Eyelet
SPOKES - 14g, Stainless Steel Silver w/ brass nipple
TYRES - Schwalbe Marathon 37-622 (28x1.40, 700x35c)
You know, one thing nobody has mentioned? Instead of relying on other peoples advice (or flipping a coin), why don't you take the two bikes you've mentioned for TEST RIDES . This usually is the best deciding factor in any bike purchase. If it feels right, BUY IT!!! If you are in Melbourne, Moocar (profile: location?), I'd highly recommend visiting St Kilda Cycles if your local dealers can not provide test bikes
Just a thought (or two, or three).....