I would look for several things in my search for a S&S frame candidate. The first would be that it have 47 to 57 brake capability. Since you are using it when traveling, you never know what type of roads you might encounter and wider tires are the answer to bad road conditions. I would also pick a frame with heavier tubing wall thickness so their is more meat in the center parts of the tube where the coupler is being brazed into. Personally I would want a sport touring frame like the kinds Trek made a lot of in the early to mid 80's. You can probably find one for a $100 or so. They have chainstays of 17" or a bit more. Their steel touring models (520, 620 or 720) would also be great for this purpose. These have 18" chainstays.
I chose 24" wheels on the S&S coupling bicycle I made for myself (and use every year on our Ukraine bike ride). This allows me to pack it in a very small space. The wheels are big enough so it doesn't have the 20" wheel issues like a Bike Friday and smaller so I don't need nearly as big a case.
Doug Fattic Niles, Michigan USA
It is time to get a porta bike made up by the good people at Bilenky in Philadelphia, and I am not sure which ride to have done. As I see it, these are the choices:
70s Raleigh Competition Dave Moulton Fuso >80s Scapin 84 Cinelli Masi Nuovo Strada with a eddy merckz front fork 80s Spectrum
so which, and why? I will be modifying to a bit of a touring drivetrain
to add to the versatility of unknown terrain.
thanks...
btw, Rita is going to have her unpainted early Serotta...
--
gabriel l romeu
a week of perfect riding weather and taken advantage of in
Chesterfield, New Jersey, USA