If you choose to go with a hand built steel frame ,
the builder will pick a bit thicker wall tube set, for your size weight..
.. let them pick for you, after a conversation, of course.
remember the spare parts prices rise substantially
as the count of 'speeds' goes up.. 8 ratios well chosen, can be a good range.
You can use the cassette on many 9~10 speed hubs..
they all have to fit in the same 130 dropout spread.
yea 50 -34 cranks, seems all the rage now..
Last edited by fietsbob; 01-24-12 at 06:15 PM.