audax spec
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nella
audax spec
What exactly makes an audax cycle. What's the specification. Is it metal tubing, angles, or particular fittings?
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TJ
Re:audax spec
Any bike can be used for audax events, but most "audax specific" machines are light tourers. Frame materials are to personal choice.
Wheels are usually narrow clinchers with 23/25 mm section tyres although some people use 28's or even 32's. (I know one rider who uses 35mm tyres on fixed)
Some people use road bikes with very narrow 'guards.
Look at the Chas Roberts website, and check out his audax machine. This is the stereotypical audax bike, but it really boils down to what you feel comfortable riding,over a set distance with a max/min kph.
Some people use modified MTB's, others ride fixed, most use a triple chainset but I have used 3 speed S.A., double and triple set ups depending on the terrain and distance.
My dedicated audax machine is set up thus:
Reynolds 631 frame (not the lightest, but neither am I), Mavic narrow rims with 25mm tyres, triple chainset, Flite titaniun saddle, Shimano side-pull brakes, lightweight rear rack and narrow 'guards.
The hubs are 9 speed Deore.
The frame angles are 73 degree parallel.
Wheels are usually narrow clinchers with 23/25 mm section tyres although some people use 28's or even 32's. (I know one rider who uses 35mm tyres on fixed)
Some people use road bikes with very narrow 'guards.
Look at the Chas Roberts website, and check out his audax machine. This is the stereotypical audax bike, but it really boils down to what you feel comfortable riding,over a set distance with a max/min kph.
Some people use modified MTB's, others ride fixed, most use a triple chainset but I have used 3 speed S.A., double and triple set ups depending on the terrain and distance.
My dedicated audax machine is set up thus:
Reynolds 631 frame (not the lightest, but neither am I), Mavic narrow rims with 25mm tyres, triple chainset, Flite titaniun saddle, Shimano side-pull brakes, lightweight rear rack and narrow 'guards.
The hubs are 9 speed Deore.
The frame angles are 73 degree parallel.
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Andy Tallis
Re:audax spec
Is that Phil Chadwick using 35mm on fixed? I think he has also used a 40mm on an open pro rim on fixed! Anything goes! I have read reports of Paris Brest Paris done on a triplet and a Dursley Pederson by certain members of AUK.
I think basically an audax bike is half way between a racer and a tourer. It needs to be stable (for when you're absolutely shattered at night on bad roads), able to take some luggage yet reasonably light. My galaxy has been modified for sudax style long distance riding by:
Narrow open pro rims with a Schmidt Dynamo hub (plus various other lights) and 28mm tyres.
Lightweight rear rack and carradice rack pack
The frame is still a bit heavy really. Many would say the gears (48/36/26 and 11-32 cassette) are too widely spaced but I can't be bothered to change them and I need the low ones for lugging heavy shopping up hills in Bangor (and yes I admit to using them when tired on long rides.)
I think basically an audax bike is half way between a racer and a tourer. It needs to be stable (for when you're absolutely shattered at night on bad roads), able to take some luggage yet reasonably light. My galaxy has been modified for sudax style long distance riding by:
Narrow open pro rims with a Schmidt Dynamo hub (plus various other lights) and 28mm tyres.
Lightweight rear rack and carradice rack pack
The frame is still a bit heavy really. Many would say the gears (48/36/26 and 11-32 cassette) are too widely spaced but I can't be bothered to change them and I need the low ones for lugging heavy shopping up hills in Bangor (and yes I admit to using them when tired on long rides.)