[Skidoo]

Hi all,
I'm asking for recommendations on what frame/fork to I should consider for my next project. My current stable of bikes includes a Ti Dean roadbike, a steel Soma cyclocross bike, an alloy Trek mountain bike. I intend to use this new bike as a general 'all-rounder' that is suitable for commuting, light touring, dirt and gravel road riding and can be set up as a geared or single-speed bike. The general attributes that I am looking for in the bike are:
- Steel (or Ti preferable for indestructability)
- A 'Sport touring' or Audax or Cross geometry
- Drop bar/road bar
- Semi horizontal dropouts (for single speed set up)
- Derailler tab and clamp on front derailler compatibility (for reared set up)
- Fender and rack fittings
- 130 mm rear hub spacing
- 1-1/8" headtube
The last attribute that I am debating on is whether I want to try disc brakes or go with cantis studs and mini-v brakes. I want to be able to run moderately wide tires 28mm with fenders. I've never tried disc brakes before and I think it would be interesting, but I don't like the weight penalty and I like the set-it and forget it of a simple v-brake.

I have looked at a couple of interesting bikes like the Pake C'mute and All-City Space Horse, but wanted to ask if you had other suggestions.
Thanks!

 

[tihsepa]

Surly Cross Check.

Does what you want. Cheep.

 

[xjbaylor]

I am very attracted to the All-City Space Horse, but I just got back from NAHBS and saw some beautiful bikes just like you described. I am actually having Kelson bikes build me something very similar, but it will be primarily a cross/gravel race bike.

The exact bike you describe fitted with disc brakes could be found in just about every booth. DeSalvo, Ellis and Strong each had beautiful examples.

I recommend cantis if you have an extensive wheel collection that you tend to swap around (my issue.) If you are going to build one wheelset and leave it on the bike disc brakes seem to be the way of the future, but with 135mm hubs. If you really want 130mm just stick with rim brakes.

 

[skepticman]

Here's a few frames to look at.

Cross Details – Cielo Cycles
CrossHairs – Right on Target
Custom Bicycles and Frames | Independent Fabrication | Steel, Titanium and Carbon Bike Frames

 

[tihsepa]

Here's a few frames to look at.

Cross Details – Cielo Cycles
CrossHairs – Right on Target
Custom Bicycles and Frames | Independent Fabrication | Steel, Titanium and Carbon Bike Frames

He threw out the Pake and All-City. This suggests a completely different price point than your links provide. Nice bikes none the less.

 

[Skidoo]

Thanks for these suggestions folks! I'll look at each of these. As tihsepa inferred, my price point is on the low-end for a steep bike, while I also recognize that if I want another Ti frame that will require a whole lot more money. But my acute case of bike upgrade-itis has not been treated for several years, so I could be convinced to go to a higher level.
Thanks again for the advice.

 

[scottma]

Surly Crosscheck is a do it all bike. Fits what you have listed and more.

 

[Doc_D]

Salsa Warbird Ti.... (frameset or complete bike). I don't think it meets all of your criteria, but I'd consider it for what you are looking to do.

 

[H5N1]

Why not bump the Soma Doublecross into all-rounder/utility position, and get a Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross? This is a cool bike with some pedigree.

 

[hrdkorsocerplyr]

I have a few friends that use the Surly Cross Check for an all arounder bike. It is a little heavy, but they don't mind.

 

[Justin222729]

Have you tried some of the original Raleigh frames. Cool old skool retro.

 

[cracker7213]

Surly Crosscheck all the way.

 

[scottma]

If you are interested in the Crosscheck, below is a link with 26 pages of pictures in every imaginable configuration:
Cross Check pics please

 

[PlatyPius]

Complete bike - Redline Metro Classic

Frames:
Cyfac Vintage Rando
Velo Orange Polyvalent (General Purpose) - Polyvalent MK II Frame and Fork - Frames
Velo Orange Campeur - VO Campeur Frameset - Frames

 

[Skidoo]

Yes - I actually did look at the Warbird in particulally since it has both Ti and steel versions, but the lack of rack bosses is kind of a bummer. Do you have the Warbird? If so how do you like it?

 

[Skidoo]

Good point -and well taken. The Double cross is quite heavy for CX and while I do race only occasionally it may be a better 'investment' to get a higher end CX bike and "demote" the loyal Double Cross into a more pedestrian role.

 

[jonshonda]

A buddy of mine is building up a Ti warbird. Sick looking frame and fork!!