Dear Jeff,
While I am not going to dispute anything that Jan said, I found that my 1975 peugeot PX-10LE handled very well around Eugene with loaded front panniers on a Blackburn Low-rider rack. (The load was usually heavy library books, as I was a student.) Keeping the weight lower up front will result in far superior handling compared to the higher center of gravity presented by a loaded handlebar bag.
As a point of comparison, I have used a lightly-loaded HB bag on my Eisentraut road bike (stage-racing/brevette design) during the SF-to- LA AIDS/LifeCycle rides, and it significantly decreases downhill stability/tracking at speeds above about 25-30 MPH. The bike is FAR more stable (and fun) without that high-mounted front load, even if it is only 5-10 pounds.
Since cost is an issue, I suggest that you look for a used older Peugeot PA-10, PR-10, or PX-10LE (pre-1978 or so, with the Nervex lugs). It should have fork eyelets and will take a Blackburn or other "low-rider" rack rather well. If necessary, you could also add a rear rack and panniers or a rack trunk for commuting, where the same advantages apply to a lower center of gravity. The front-end handling is very quick unloaded, and even loaded, the bike is not tank-like compared to many others. Fit is always key, of course, and you may find a better fit on another bike.
Happy commuting,
Jon Spangler in Alameda, CA USA
On Jan 19, 2009, at 1:55 AM, <classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org>
wrote:
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:55:32 -0800
> From: jeffrey piwonka <jmpiwonka@yahoo.com>
> Subject: [CR] ride characteristics of randonneuse bikes.
> To: classic rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Message-ID: <272471.99181.qm@web82705.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> 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
> degree summer heat.
>
> My concern lies with spending big money on a new randonneuse frame
> and then
> finding out that I don't really like the ride.
> All my bikes have steep angles, short rake and short wheelbases and
> I've
> found this to the handling I prefer. I'd be going to the exact
> opposite with
> a Randonneuse.
>
> I'm thinking the best idea is to get something used so that I can
> get back
> 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,
> maybe mid
> mount.
>
> Thanks,
> Jeff Piwonka
> Austin, Texas, USA
>
>
>
Jon Spangler
Writer/Editor
Linda Hudson Writing
510-864-0370/FAX 864-2144
MOBILE 510-846-5356
hudsonspangler@earthlink.net