Strengths: frame geometry, materials and workmanship
Weaknesses: braze on's and chain stays
Bottom Line:
The St. Clair is a very solid and capable bike enabling the rider to go virtually anywhere in the world except very difficult single track. It handles fully loaded touring without the slightest problem. The only thing I would change would be the cable braze-on's need to be a bit farther away from the frame. The cable splitters make some noise against the frame. I've used some tape and don't hear anything anymore. I would also widen the chain stays just a little. A 1.75" tire rubbed and I could not use it. 1.5" tires work well enough on anything but deep gravel. I built my bike using a cyclo-cross drop bar and a mixture of ultegra and xt drivetrain components. Tektro brakes mavic rims, brooks B-17 classic and a bomber White Industries hub. I also like the threadless stem which makes it easier to break down. All in all, an excellent bike. Very comfortable. Too bad the company went out of business.
