Framebuilders - My Ultimate Custom Frame

So I'm eventually going to have a custom frame built for me by a local framebuilder. I want to be able to use if for many different types of uses (single speed, road, cross).

Here's what I have planned so far:
-Horizontal dropouts
-Derailleur hanger
-Disc tabs
-Removable cantilever bosses (for 700c wheel size)
-rear rack mounts
-typical road bike geometry (probably compact)


I am debating whether or not to use brazed-on downtube shifter bosses or just use a clamp-on system after the fact.

I am just starting this planning. What else should I look into?

lugged vs. tig?
rack/cable/water bottle bosses?

It might be best to get 2 bikes, rather than trying to build a compromise bike (e.g. a bikesdirect fixie and a custom cross/touring/road bike)

Or just make sure you have your builder set up the bottom bracket and dropout spacing such that you get a straight chainline as a fixie, but still have the ability to use gears as well.

It'd probably by tig welded. I want it to be lightweight.

I'd also probably have three water bottle bosses (the third on the underside of the down tube), as I am into long-distance riding.

Won't the chainline spacing have most to do with the bb spindle length? The bb shell will be 68 mm wide. I'd probably go with a 130 dropout spacing. How does dropout spacing affect chainline? I wouldn't ever use this bike fixed, so I'd probably end up going with a single speed adapter on a gear-intended freehub body, which will allow me to adjust the chainline.

2x what bigvegan says.. who wants to spend time switching brakes, wheels, derailleurs etc... more bikes the merrier.

^ Well, I wouldn't be switching very often. Once or twice a year. I just want a frame that will last me a lifetime that I can do a whole lot on.

I also support local business as much as I can, and do not wish to even entertain the thought of buying online.