JohnDThompson I built my touring bike with 47cm chain. stays along with horizontal drop outs that add another 1cm when the wheel is moved back in the slot. One unexpected outcome is the amount of flex in the bottom end of the bike when under pressure. I used the same tubing on another frame and the same main triangle, but with 42.5cm chain stays and the bottom of the bike does not flex anywhere near what the touring bike flexes. Both frames ride well, however the touring rig is more lazy-boy than bicycle. Super duper comfortable and can fit the largest of panniers out back and have heel clearance with my size 13 feet!