Randonneuring bikes - perfect all-arounders? (commuter, mountain bikes, distance, Trek)

[jade408]

So when I was spec-ing out my bike, the assembler as selling points for some of the choices, is that they were popular with "randonneurs."

And I was like what's that. He gave me a quick download on what that meant, and then I got curious and learned more.

Here are some links on the details:
https://janheine.wordpress.com/2013/...randonneuring/
A beginners guide to randonneuring | Bicycle Times Magazine

And to sum up what makes a good "rando bike:"

• Comfortable for long rides in a range of conditions
• Fast enough to make the cut-off time
• Has lights for riding in the dark
• Protects you from water and road grime
• Has a way to carry the stuff you need for a brevet (aka the long distance ride) - maps, layers, snacks, drinks, repair equipment

These bike are typically equipped with wider tires, fenders, front rack, bag, lights and a semi-upright position.

Even though I have no interest in riding 300k, it seems downright practical to get a bike equipped for brevets. Your bike is comfy, works on lots of terrain and weather, let's you carry stuff and it has lights to ride at night.

Of course there are a whole host of randonneurs who also have very specific aesthetic preferences. I like those choices because they remind me of the classically formed 70s 10-speeds, old school racing bikes and 40s bikes.

So what do you think, is a rando bike the perfect all around bike for most uses?

[I Like Bike]

A bike with all the things you mention certainly makes for a good all-rounder. Before mountain bikes captured most of the recreational biking market, a lot of manufacturers made "sports tourers" which make for good rando bikes (once the fenders, lights, etc are added). These are bikes that handle well unloaded or with a handlebar bag and/or saddle bag , unlike full touring bikes that work better fully laden with panniers.

I think that a lot of hybrid bikes with 700C wheels make for great all-rounders, too.

As far as buying modern off-the-shelf for this purpose, I only know of Alex Singer, Rivendell, Heron, and a few others. Velo Orange sells frames suitable for randonneuring. Vero Orange has a lot of components and accessories for this type of cycling, too. I personally don't think a multi-thousand dollar bike (as some of the above are) is an "all-rounder" since I'd be worried about theft if I were using it for errands, and my all-rounder is an older steel Trek 700. I have a Trek 400 Elance triple that's my "credit card tourer" that I'm outfitting for brevets and randonnées and plan to do some next year.

[froglipz]

Harley Davidson fits the bill!

[nei]

A steel frame "touring bike" would fit the description of the link. Even though you're not actually using it for touring (long-distance trips), it can support a rack and fenders, has the geometry of a road but a bit smoother of a ride.

But yes, I have a similar bike. It works well as a city commuter bike as well as long-distance day rides [not quite as fast a road racing bike, but you can carry snacks, layer or other gear easily]