Hi Jeff.
You asked some good questions, and it was an interesting discussion. I h ave been bike commuting in San Francisco for almost twenty years, and hav e similar needs.
What has worked well for many people here are touring and cycle cross bikes . Both types of bikes ride well over rough pavement, are not affected by small loads, and can have fenders monted. Several models I would sugges t are the Miyata 1100, Trek 1200 or 1220, Bianchi Eros, or the Jamis touring model (forgot the name). The touring bikes can take any size tire you want, road bikes are more limited beacause of there smaller brakes.
As for carrying small loads, it's cheaper, eaiser, and safer to mont racks and panniers on the back end of the bike. Since we should never be t rying to open or close a bag while the bike is moving, not having a handl e bar bag is not that big a deal.
Before you buy the bike check to see if there are rank and fender monts on the rear seattube. This will similfy your life allot.
I can't really make any suggestions about cycle cross bikes because I don't know that much about the individual models, but I'm shour you can find t hat info.
I'll keep an eye out for bikes your size here in the Bay Area. Best of luck with your new bike.
Tom Harriman.
San Francisco, Ca
> Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:55:32 -0800
> From: jmpiwonka@yahoo.com
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: [CR] ride characteristics of randonneuse bikes.
>
> Can anyone tell me the ride characteristics of most randonneuse bikes.
> I'm thinking about getting something that gives me the ability to carry a
light load, probably on the front, as well as ability to mount fenders
.
> Don't really want to run a large tire, maybe a 28c.
> I'm kinda trying to get away from carrying a bag on my back in the 100 de
gree summer heat.
>
> My concern lies with spending big money on a new randonneuse frame and th
en finding out that I don't really like the ride.
> All my bikes have steep angles, short rake and short wheelbases and I'v
e found this to the handling I prefer. I'd be going to the exact opposite w
ith a Randonneuse.
>
> I'm thinking the best idea is to get something used so that I can get bac
k most of my investment if I decide they aren't for me.
> Anyone have something like this in around a 59-60cm frame?
> I'd like to be able to fit fenders as well as a rack on the front, mayb
e mid mount.
>
> Thanks,
> Jeff Piwonka
> Austin, Texas, USA