Quickbeam vs. Roaduno?
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Andrew Janjigian
Aug 19, 2024, 2:08:39 PM8/19/24
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I have a first or second-run green Quickbeam that has been my main ride for the last 15 years. I stopped commuting to work in 2020 and sort of got out of the habit of riding for fun, but I've recently decided I want to get back into it.
I've had the frame repainted twice already, and it is in need of another one. I'm trying to decide now whether to:
a) sell the frame as-is and get a Roaduno
b) repaint the frame and rebuild it (maybe in a new color)
I've spoken to Will and he says he prefers the ride of the Roaduno to the Quickbeam, but I'm still not sure exactly why. Does anyone have any intel or thoughts on how it compares?
I should say that I do ride the QB fixed, and I am aware the Roaduno is problematic as a fixie, but I am not worried about that, since I use short cranks (150mm) and fat tires (43mm).
Also: Would anyone be interested in a 56 Quickbeam frameset, should I decide to sell? I can't imagine I could recoup the cost of refinishing it and still make enough to cover some of the cost of a new frame.
- Andrew
Old And In The Weeds
Aug 19, 2024, 2:14:01 PM8/19/24
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Sounds like a cool ride. Any pictures?
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Minh
Aug 19, 2024, 2:25:05 PM8/19/24
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IIRC, aren't there a few big differences between QB and Roaduno in terms of brake choices, tire clearance? what about the QB do you not like that you think Roduno would provide? i've not ridden one but what i've read says its like a QB with a little modern touches (rack bosses, etc).
Bill Lindsay
Aug 19, 2024, 2:52:31 PM8/19/24
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I think they are very different bikes. Different enough that the smart move would be to own one of each. I'm getting a Roaduno (just got off the phone with Rich to try to arrange the pick up, and I have a 58cm Quickbeam. Here's my attitude towards the differences.
The Quickbeam is basically a civilized 1998 single speed road bike. Civilized because you can get the bars a little higher than a 1998 road racing bike. Civilized because it takes ~40mm tires and fenders. In my view it is made for drop bars. Speaking just for myself, there's no way I would ever set up a Quickbeam with a swept back handlebar. The Roaduno is a more evolved Rivendell long bike. It's longer, swoopier and is made for swept back bars. It's going to be more stable and relaxed and less like a 1998 road bike.
Both bikes are cool. Both bikes are fun. But they are very different from each other. Neither one is an enhancement of the other. If you love the Quickbeam and want a better Quickbeam, stay put. If you've outgrown your Quickbeam, maybe the Roaduno could be a good move. The most vocal gripe about the Roaduno is the side pull brakes. Many people called that a "deal killer" for them. I think those people wanted a single speed Appaloosa, not a single speed Hilsen.
Bill Lindsay
El Cerrito, CA
Andrew Janjigian
Aug 19, 2024, 3:42:28 PM8/19/24
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Thanks, Bill. I do find I want a little more stability than my Quickbeam seems to offer, and yeah, I do ride it with albatross bars. Not sure why, but it used to be the case that I could ride the QB hands-free, but nowadays it feels more wobbly than it used to.
Here’s a picture of it back when it was looking pretty:
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Minh
Aug 20, 2024, 5:01:18 PM8/20/24
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fwiw, I ride a QB with an albatross bar pretty similiar to yours Andrew and it works for me, but understand its different preferences for different people.
related, question, why does it need a repaint? just ride hard and put away dirty? I think its good that its being well used. my twin green one has plenty of scratches, I don't think i'm ready to commit to a new paint job tho....
Andrew Janjigian
Aug 20, 2024, 5:11:43 PM8/20/24
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It’s definitely well-used. It’s my everyday commuter, and sees a lot of action. The main reason for the possible repaint is that the stem is seized to the fork, and I’ll have to dissolve it out, which may trash the paint job on it. (I’m embarrassed to say this is not the first time it’s happened. I leave it out in the rain far too often and still haven’t gotten into the habit of regreasing it regularly. If I keep it, I won’t be letting that happen again.)
I bought the frame on eBay in 2008, and it’s one size too big for me, honestly, and I think I’d like something a little smaller, but with a longer wheelbase, for a smoother ride.
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Chris Halasz
Aug 20, 2024, 5:20:47 PM8/20/24
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After seeing Bill's build of the Uno, and his helpful comparison with the QB, there may be a Uno in my (distant) future.
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