Cyclosomatic

Because it's time for a new project; I'm thinking of a commuter, but maybe this time one capable of frivolities like fenders and fat tires.

I've been looking around for a little bit, but I was hoping that perhaps someone would be kind enough to help me out and point me in the right direction or lend some advice...

First and foremost, I'm looking for a Steel road frame with horizontal dropouts and more relaxed geometry. Beyond that I'd love something that had room for larger tires and maybe even mounts for fenders. I'd prefer a threadless headset but that's not a big deal...

Any ideas?

ThermionicScott 

How fat? MTBs from the 1980s can make for good conversions:



- Scott

jasonnc80

Pake C'mute if you're not looking to drop a lot of money

Dcv

motobecane fantom cross uno

Jaytron

Kilo WT

SnowJob

Traitor Ruben



Ohh she's so lovely.

Cyclosomatic

I'm still going to be running road wheels, i've got some 700x32's laying around somewhere I think would be perfect...

And while the traitor is a beautiful machine (i've had to mop drool off of several of their frames), she's not quite what i'm looking for right now. Someday she will be mine. But for now I need a new get-to-work-in-the-rain-to-earn-money-for-a-reuben bike.

Honestly, I've looked at that motorbecane before, and considered it (it's got everything I need...) But I was hoping to find something with a little character- something less generic and from bikes direct (not that I have anything against them).

The kilo looks pretty decent too but i'm going to lump it in with fantom...

ThermionicScott 

Mmm, reubens...

JesusBananas

I personally have a Redline 925.

Steel
Fender/rack friendly
Fat tire friendly (700x28 stock)
Threadless headset
Flip/flop hub

I've never seen just frames being sold though, since part of the appeal is that it's a commuter friendly bike that you can buy complete and start riding immediately.

Soo__Fuego

Surly Steamroller or Crosscheck?

Cyclosomatic

I really like the 925... I noticed one a few months back and fell in love with it. Unfortunately, last time I checked they didn't make them big enough for me (I forgot to mention that I'm 6'2" with disproportionately long arms and torso- all of which add to the difficulty of finding a frame). Redline does offer the Urbis which I think uses the same frame geometry as the 925, but it's a fixed freestyle bike. Regardless. it looks bombproof and pretty damn fun.

Retro Grouch 

You're looking for a used bike that you can modify - right?

To me the FIRST cut is frame size. I'd just hunt around looking for frames that fit. Once you find one, then is the time to start thinking about tubeing quality and fender clearances. If you do it the other way around, it's too easy to fudge on frame size and you can spend a lot of time and money building up a bike that doesn't fit you.

Just ask everybody you know what you're up to and what you're looking for. There's a lot of old bikes just hanging around in basements and garages. Ask enough people, you'll eventually find one. It might even turn out to be a gimmy.

adriano 

that ruben paintjob is so much better than the old ones.

JesusBananas

What length top tube do you typically need?

And +1 for Steamroller or Crosscheck.

jasonnc80

Both of the Surly & Soma double cross have pretty long top tubes in their larger sizes. I'm kind of the opposite of you, tall (6'4) with disappr short torso & arms. These were both way to long for me but may be more ideal to somebody your size.