Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.Meek
04-19-09, 02:04 PM
Hello All. I am interested in doing some long distance events. I am interested in putting together a steel bike for these events. The bike will probably also serve as an all-rounder and something to pull the kids around the local trail. I'd like it to be able to run fenders and racks, if needed. A third bottle cage would be nice as well. I had been considering a Bob Jackson, Thorn etc but the $ to Pound ratio has drifted away from this becoming a reality. I considered a Kogswell until I found out they are only 650B wheel size. Am I left with no other choices other than the Surlys? If so, which would be better suited: the Cross Check (all round competence) or the Long Haul Trucker (great tourer)? These frames are around the $400 mark. My budget may allow a little more, say 500-600. I have a lot of miscellaneous parts lying around the garage that should function well enough for the build and I can always upgrade parts, but would desire a solid, hopefully somewhat pretty frameset. Thanks for the advice and I look forward to riding with you. :)