slowride454

Well I had my build all figured out...I have even ordered some of the misc parts like tires and new chainrings. I bought a used X9 RD and am trying to win a 11-36 cassette on ebay.

I only really had to get the frameset, wheels, and BB7 disc brakes.

So I went to my LBS to order a Salsa Vaya. Sorry...no can do. Out of stock and HUGE backlog. It's going to be a long while.

I even got white tires for heavens sakes!!!!

So here I am all broken hearted.


I might have found an alternative in the Soma Double Cross Disc. A tad cheaper and lighter. Gold is a cool vintage color.

I just don't see as many reviews online with rider raving about them like the Vaya.


The Volagi is probably out of my price range if I could find a frameset.
The LHT is too blah for my tastes. I need something lighter and more nimble/spirited.
Gunnar Fast Lane might be a choice...but almost 2x the price of the Salsa and Soma.
Ti frames are all too pricy


Any other suggestions?

Daily commuter, gravel trails with family, light touring/camping.

I'll be using a Force compact crank and brifters. Force FD. X9 RD. Ritchey Pro stem, handlebars, seatpost

canyoneagle

I really like my Singular Gryphon. It might be too burly for your needs - I run it with 50mm Schwalbe Marathon Supremes and it can handle 2.4" Maxxis Ardent 29er tires. I wanted something that I could commute on, take on single track, gravel, and possibly bikepacking.
The Salsa Fargo is another option.

The Double cross is a nice looking bike, but tire width is more limited. Still, 37's are hefty enough for most folks.

Here's the Gryphon in commuter mode:



And in Single Track mode:

slowride454

I have a GT Karakoram 29er for single track and XC. I just don't want to put too many road miles on it, and it isn't terribly fast on pavement. I have a Specialized Roubaix also, but I have to cross a handful of railroad tracks everyday on my way to work and the roads here are pretty bad. I just don't want to beat it up too bad commuting, and it isn't suited to racks and such. I commuted last year on the pair and really hated having to wear a backpack full of clothes and such. The worst was trying to carry an icecream cake in my backpack with my work clothes.

loneviking61

Why not the Salsa Fargo? That's a 'do all' bike if I ever saw one. Change the tires, change the cranks and head out to whatever you want to do. This is the bike I'm seriously considering getting as I run on both roads, and there are lots of forest roads/fire trails around here I'd like to explore too.

droy45

Take a look at the surly's. All Cro Mo steel. https://surlybikes.com/

Andy_K 

What size do you need? Universal Cycles has a 57cm frame and 52, 54, and 57cm complete bikes.

If you've got a local Kona dealer, I think you can get the Rove as a frameset.

ClemY

I have a Vaya and I really like it. I live on the east coast, but found one at an Oregon bike shop that advertized on line. You might want to try that.

agent pombero

I saw a gorgeous Soma Double Cross disc today.

Vlaam4ever

You could always Ebay. Not sure what size you are but here are some options. I may be bidding on one of these.

LINK

EDIT--

you should not compare the Surly LHT rather the Surly Cross Check.

slowride454

I did ebay and extensive internet searches. I need a frame only in 56.

Burton

Very yummy!!

xB_Nutt

Here's my Soma Double Cross Disc with a Whisky carbon fork











What size are you looking for? I might be selling it....

agent pombero

How do you like the Soma? I can't find as many reviews for it compared to similar frames.

xB_Nutt

Love it. Very smooth and nimble ride. Build quality is exceptional at this price point. The Tange Prestige steel is lighter and stiffer than plain jane 4130 chromoly steel. My only gripe is the top tube brake cable stops for running cantis. I'm not, so they kind of spoil the clean lines and can catch on clothing sometimes. All in all, it is a great all around commuter, light tourer, dirt path, even cyclocross if you so desire.

slowride454

OK...I think I will go to my LBS tomorrow and order a disc only Soma Double Cross.

https://thewolfsmouth.files.wordpress...pg?w=488&h=819

https://somafab.blogspot.com/2012/12/...ross-disc.html

Should be able to get this for $550

slowride454

I ordered everything online. Gonna return the white tires. This is going to be one sexy bike. I build the wheelset up with H Plus Son 42 Formation Face rims in GOLD with black hubs/spokes/nipples to match the frame/fork. I also ordered the Jagwire cable set in gold metal. The headset/stem/handlebars/seatpost/saddle are black.
Really the only things that won't match will be the BB7 road disc brakes and the Force components.

I think I'm going to like the way this turns out.

Vlaam4ever

That will be a sharp looking ride.

BTW has the snow melted enough to commute yet. I spend a week per month in Appleton/Neenah. What a great flat area to ride bike...

KonAaron Snake 

I'd hold out for your first choice...or buy else where. I don't think you want to settle on something like a bike. That said, I have a friend who raves about the Soma Double Cross and I really liked how it rode the one time I tried it.

xB_Nutt

Nice. Did you order from Universal Cycles? Good luck with the build and let me know if you have any questions about building it up. Did you get road or mountain hubs? The rear spacing on the Double Cross is 132.5 and road hubs are easier to get in and out. I have run both though and the mountain hubs just require a slight spread to get the hubs inside the dropouts. If you have a rack it gets a little more difficult since the rack is also squeezing things together back there. Not a show stopper, but something to consider. Have fun and post up pics of the finished product.

slowride454

Some of the bike paths are clear, but more snow is in the forecast. I've gotten to ride outdoors twice this month.

slowride454

I ordered everything but the fork from Universal Cycles. Thanks for the coupon code, it helped out a bunch. I got SRAM X7 mountain hubs so I will have to muscle the wheels on and off. I will post many pics of the finished product. I might do a build thread to show the whole process, just for fun.