Bicycle Mechanics - Road/audax frame for 26" wheels

I used to have a great bike built on 26" wheels. The frame went and I replaced it with a road bike.

Much regretting that, as the light-weight road components and wheels aren't handling my commute very well.

So I'm looking for a replacement frame.

Fairly light, not an off-road bike, to take dérailleur gears, cantilevers and 26" wheels.

Anyone have any suggestions for an off-the-peg frame?

Surly Cross Check or Long Haul Trucker maybe?

What are the specs on your current wheels? I would think most any custom wheelbuilder could spec a 700c wheelset capable of almost any commute. Do you have something in mind that you'll be using in lieu of your current road components? If you want a *road* frame that meets your criteria, I doubt you'll find many non-custom choices. The LHT, as mentioned, is now offered in 26" for all frame sizes.

LHT is too heavyweight. I'm after a faster bike. Imagine something you'd feel happy talking PBP on.

The 700c frame I have is 130mmOLN rear, which means road hubs. I've been very underwhelmed by their reliability and durability compared to, say, Deore XT.

I have a set of good handbuilt 26" wheels on Deore XT hubs, and other components.
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I thought the cross check was a 700c frame?

Are you insisting on cantis?
For 26 there are plenty of rigid MTB around. Most have V-brakes now.
you could also make any number of lighter MT frames rigid by getting a on shock fork. Then you'd have 26" wheels, and a light frame. Get road drops and you're good.

Not insisting on cantis, but conversely I haven't seen many MTB frames that I'd put in the 'lively' category on the road; but then I don't know much about modern MTB frames, hence the asking.

Oh, I should have added that I'm after a new frame, not 2nd-hand.

How about the Thorn Sherpa (http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/sherpa.html)? It's more of a drop-bar tourer than a road/audax bike, but it fits your criteria of 26" wheels and less beefy than a mountain bike.

Maybe one of Bruce Gordon's offerings? www.bgcycles.com

If you are in the UK, the best bet would be Roberts (http://www.robertscycles.com/products.html) for a custom frame. There are plenty of other custom framebuilders but Roberts do a lot of Audax and 26" road bikes.

Not insisting on cantis, but conversely I haven't seen many MTB frames that I'd put in the 'lively' category on the road; but then I don't know much about modern MTB frames, hence the asking.

Oh, I should have added that I'm after a new frame, not 2nd-hand.

That's too bad, as an old-school ATB frameset from the late 80s/early 90s or a first generation hybird frameset seem to be just what your after.

OK, so how about a road bike made for 650 size wheels? Road geometry, road everything and then you could probably make any 26" wheel you want fit in there... ?

hmm. Nothing really jumping out.

However, nomad, how about shipping your poprad to me? I'm sure I could 'make do' on that.

you send me $400 and ill send you the frame :)

Actually it might be up for sale soon. I think i need a size smaller due to Lemond's geometry having a long top tube.

Stop, now!

It's too bloody tempting.

what size is it?

55cm st with 56cm tt
White with green panels and lettering is stunning to look at (to my eyes).


I'm still hoping to get a road frame and put 26" cruiser tires on it with a SS coaster brake. Think that'd be a cool cruiser.

Try the touring forum.

Thank the lord, it's too long in the st for me!

In smaller sizes the crosscheck is set up for 26" wheels.

If it's really road hubs vs. MTB hubs I know of people who've removed spacers from a Deore hub, and cut or replaced the axle with a shorter one to get around the narrower spacing problem.