Thanks Kelly. I see you found the journal- that didn't take very long. :) And thanks for suggesting that I write it.

I'm surprised at the lack of 622 size tires "in the wild", but I've been away from the marketplace for quite a while. That may be one of those things that happened when I wasn't paying attention. Rodriguez makes quite a point about 26" (without elaborating on *which* variety of 26") being pretty much ubiquitous around the world, and especially in the developing world.

You may have gathered that my willingness to go to a dis brake on Future Bike is all about heat management. I'll deal with the other issues, at least for a while, in exchange for the peace of mind that comes with not having to worry about overheating the rims. As I've aged I've become a good deal more conscious of the consequences of a crash, and correspondingly more cautious and conservative in the risks I'm willing to take on a long, fast descent.

I was *keenly* aware of just how much momentum a heavily-loaded touring bike builds up, and how quickly, on the big descents this summer. Quite frankly they scared me, and that was even without my knowing that I was riding a bike with a compromised frame. Being confident that I could brake hard when I needed to would have mitigated that concern considerably.

For the 20" wheel crowd, I think it's more the cassette than the crank where the compensation takes place. That said, our Bike Friday recumbent tandem has a 9 speed cassette and an internally-geared three speed rear hub- no front derailleur.

That hub- a SRAM model with an external "clickbox" that pulls a pin in and out to change the gears- has gone the way of the dodo, the dinosaurs, the passenger pigeon, and civility in American politics. And from what I understand the clickbox is absolutely unobtainable, anywhere (even FleaBay), at any price. Oh, and the hub is also threaded to accept an external drum brake, making it an incredibly rare beast indeed. If it ever fails the bike's done.

I haven't run across anyone offering aluminum frames for touring bikes but my "search" has been neither systematic nor exhaustive. Then again, I'm looking primarily at steel varieties so an aluminum unicorn would probably escape my attention even if it danced right in front of me and sang "God Bless America" at the top of its lungs.

*Any* metal, if welded improperly, can fail at the welds. And steel can rust. I have a friend whose steel frame rusted through at the bottom bracket.

I didn't mention it but I've always been a fan of, and partisan for, lugged steel frames. I don't think Rodriguez uses lugs (I don't recall seeing mention of them on the website, at least) but it's not a deal-breaker. If I *had to have* lugs, I'd buy a Waterford and I'd do it tomorrow.

Let me throw a curve ball at you - have you looked at Habenro Bikes? Titanium, the company is in Arizona, made to your size, but manufactured in . . . Taiwan (?). Jim and Genny ride them and love them. I already said my piece about titanium - but thought I should mention those for full disclosure.

I'm sure you are aware Jacinto has a Rodriguez. (with a bottle opener! which he has used - it comes standard on their bikes). It's his favorite. We drove to Seattle special for a fitting. We were quite surprised that a standard frame fit him. They have 22 (?) standard sizes. Great shop, very personalized, lots of attention to what YOU want/need.

Rodriguez is a good choice - not too hard on the bank book - they really know riding. They ride, not just talk.

Bike color - I had a man point out years ago that he didn't like pretty bikes. He didn't want people looking at them, and potentially stealing his bike. I can definitely see his point. At the moment I'm somewhat considering buying a bright orange bike from a friend. It is outfitted to the nines, with coordinating orange bits and bobs everywhere. A downside to me, is that it is far too attractive of a bike.

When Jacinto bought his Rodriguez, I pointed out the color thing to him. He ended up with a sedate, but attractive green color.

I like the made in the USA part also. It feels good.

Hi Keith
Don't overlook the Rohloff IGH. 14 speeds with equal gaps between gears and if you go for the belt rather than the chain, almost maintenance free. Generally considered to be bomb proof.
Rodrigues may be able to offer one.

Oooh! Lot's to comment on here.

I already mentioned 26" wheels. On our seven week tour this summer, we brought a spare tire, which we used. A Marathon Racer. We looked casually for a replacement, but were certain we could find one in bicycle friendly Moab. No, we could not. That is the place where the closest we came was a 622, not a 559. It's like your 20" tire - is it a 406 or a 451. It's a tough learning curve if you don't know what you have!

A couple of years ago, in Missoula, MT - home of ACA - we stopped by Open Roads, a recommended shop. Even then, 26" was hard to find 650B seems to be the size of choice now.

Brakes - it's a long story, but I tried a shorter recumbent bicycle. It came with modern disc brakes. It's a long story, but we went through several brands of brakes, before settling on SRAM hydraulic brakes. They were AMAZING. Totally amazing. Alas, the bicycle itself didn't work for me. But, I did love those brakes. What I did not like is the very small clearance when changing a flat tire. It was difficult to get the wheel back in so the brakes didn't rub.

The bike I ride now is disc capable, but I find the rim brakes less fussy. I live in Colorado and do a lot of braking. As you say, it's all individual opinion. I did like the above mentioned disc brakes, but overall am happy with old school AVID V brakes.

Cranksets for 20" wheels - I don't know if it's a helpful observation or not, but some recumbents have 20" wheels, and thus, cranksets. I wonder what brands of cranksets they use, if that could be helpful information for you.

Frame material - my current bike is aluminum. A dear friend, very bike savvy, doesn't like aluminum, due to the fatigue issue. I see AL isn't a choice for you. AD has mentioned fatigue enough times that I'm a little concerned about the bike frame also. Jacinto has had a titanium frame break at the weld. I've heard of several others. Apparently it's an issue if it is overheated during the welding process. I no longer think Titanium is be be all, end all. I've come back around to 'steel is real', although I'm riding an Aluminum bike. LOL

As you said - there's many personal choices to be made. It's a process, for sure!

I think the same is true for other sizes as well. I don't know whether it's a supply side issue with manufacturers going out of business or shrinking their product lines, or whether local shops have switched to carrying more oversize 28 and 29 inches in response to the current fad for ultra fat rubber, or something else. Ebikes may also be contributing by claiming shelf space that was once reserved for tires appealing to the tourist crowd.

I'll have to ask my friend in the business what he's seeing and doing.

26" wheels! I'm perfectly happy with mine. Yet, the selection of rims and tires is getting smaller and smaller.

I am LMAO about the bottle opener! (I saw your comment on the previous page, too... :)

Made in U.S.A. is definitely a plus but in the end not likely to be a deciding factor. The ones produced offshore have already been eliminated for other reasons, and I'm not looking to European builders when there are so many quality domestic options available.

Yes! Go for the one with the bottle opener! Rodriguez is a great company and I would trust them. I love my bike and would ride it everywhere except for the convenience Bike Friday gives us on flights.

Also, there’s the consideration you didn’t mention unless I missed it. It’s made in America. I like supporting the American bike manufacturing industry, as small as it is.

You’re forgetting a feature worth considering. My Rodriguez came with a bottle opener welded to the frame. It’s easy to imagine the circumstances where that would be a must-have. Better than breaking your teeth.