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I have a road bike that is currently being used as a SS hack/commuter. It has mounts for racks etc. I would like to get into touring and thinking of whacking some gears on it and maybe some wider wheels and tyres. Would the road brakes go wide enough or would I be better off swapping the whole setup for a steel frame/fork with v or disc mounts.
I've not used the brakes for long and although plenty powerful on the road, I fear they may be underpowered when doing thing like pilgrims way etc.
Thanks in advance.
Better off getting a whole new bike surely?
the problem is probably clearance,more than power.not much room between pads and rim,that's usually a bigger problem than power.
wind the brakes open as far as they'll go,without opening the qr,then you'll see how wide you can go with rims.
I've done it,and it's not too bad.but it was pretty dry.
most short reach brakes won't accept a tyre wider than 32-35mm anyway.
you could try longer drop calipers and 650b,or very long reach calipers and 26" wheels,but your frame probl won't take the tyres.
plus you'll want mudguards if you're touring.so that reduces clearance as well.plus your road bike gearing probl a big high.I used a 1x9 with 39 on front and 34 out back and it was still too high a gear off road.esp with 28mm tyres.
depends on a lot of things.how much luggage you've got,state of the roads.28mm 700c is fine for tarmac.wider tyres are nice.
v brakes are about 14eu from bike24.a surly fork is 50eu from the same place.a cheap mtb frame is about 50eu from crc.you can get those seatclamps with a rack mount,or use a saddlebag,like the carradice ones.
I tried a road bike off road last year (disc front) braking power not great, no way good enough in place of the disc, limits tyre size too.
No harm in giving your set up a go?
So mixed reviews then.
Think I'll have a play with the brakes to see how much tyre will fit.
Thanks for the advice guys.