Rswinkler

I'm looking to build up a commuter/gravel grinder, and can't seem to find just the right frame. I have an Alfine/29er disk wheel, and most of the rest of the parts from a donor bike. Just need a new frame to hang it all on. The perfect frame would basically a Cross Check with disk brake mounts (with it's long horizontal dropouts) or a Double Cross Disk with an EBB (for chain tensioning) but neither of those actually exist. I don't really want to run a chain tensioner if possible.

I like the On One Pompetamine or Planet X Kaffenback, but the XLs are still only a 57-58cm frames. I generally ride a 61/62cm. The Raleigh Furley is sold out for the year, and not available as a frame only, and I can't find a Civia Bryant frame anywhere.

Any ideas on something larger that would work? People have recommended that I just set up a 29er mtn bike with drop bars, but I want something a little quicker and tighter for weaving thru traffic.

mikhalit

I ride Poison Chinin IGH, steel touring bike with an EBB. Goes up to 60cm (61cm ETT). Another German brand is Herkelmann bikes, they have a couple of frames with EBB, up to 61 cm. They aren't advertised as drop bar frames, but i successfully run drop bars on my poison.

Genesis day one has all you need, but I am not sure if you can buy it as a frameset:

GeoKrpan

Check out Origin 8 CX700 Cross Frameset, horizontal dropouts with derailleur hanger, disc brake tabs on frame and fork, and removable cantilever studs. Also, Origin 8 Scout 29er MTN frameset, same dropouts, disc only. Both are triple butted 4130 chromoly frame and fork. The prices are great.

I have both a monstercross and rigid 29er. The 29er is definately the more versitile. I run an upside down Wald #8095 on the monstercross and upside down Soma Oxford on the 29er. Both bars are MTB lever and shifter compatible and that's what I use. I started out with Salsa Woodchippers on both bikes and integrated road shifters but the Wald and Soma and MTB controls are working so much better for me. Next upgrade is Deore M596 hydraulic disc brakes. They are tons better than the Avid cable disks that I now use.

AusTexMurf

Origin8 CX700 is exactly what I was recommending as well.......have a 2010 model, myself......very versatile ride, price is right.

Surly Karate Monkey would work except for removable cant studs.........have to use discs.......

Won't be disappointed in the Origin8 CX700, though.....should be lighter than KM with more cx type geometry........

fietsbob

Bike Friday? just wont have Big wheels..

GeoKrpan

I haven't actually seen a CX 700 but I have seen some really good photos of the Scout and it looks REALLY good.

My monstercross is a Gravity Zilla and it is a good bike but it does not have horizontal dropouts.

MichaelW

You need a Cotic Roadrat.

dynaryder

Saw a dropbar Alfine Karate Monkey on eBay once,but it was the wrong size for me. Roadrat would work. There was a company that did steel disc cross bikes with sliding dropouts,but I can't for the life of me remember the name. Think it began with a V?

Rswinkler

The Genesis Day One is very close to what I want to put together, but is not available as a frame only.

The Origin8 CX700's build quality is questionable, is pretty heavy, and kinda ugly in my opinion.

The Road Rat is a flat bar specific setup, and I don't really want a funky hi-rize stem. It also has super weird sizing that I would need to try before I buy.

But, I think I found what I'm looking for. The Traitor Crusade. Sliding vertical dropouts to the rescue. Good looking forks too. Unicrowns are just fugly. Looks like the back has fender mounts, but the front does not. Hope I can get a Ruben fork instead, that has the mounts. Now, I just need to find out when it is available.

Leebo

What about the Surly disc trucker? Soma, Kona or Jamis would be good choices as well.

Rswinkler

Surly disk trucker and Kona Sutra have sluggish, long-trail, touring geometry, and I don't use panniers, so no need. I love my LHT, but only when it's loaded down for a camping trip. It's a sloth for the stop and go city commute. I'm looking for more of a classic road/cross geometry

Soma Double Cross and Jamis Bosanova are more in line, but would need a chain tensioner to run the internal geared hub. I would rather not do that, and I'm interested in and EBB, horizontal dropouts, or sliding vertical dropouts.

Any other ideas?

hubcap

OP wants an Alfine gear hub, I'm assuming without a tensioner.

edit: oops, OP beat me to it.

AusTexMurf

Vertical drop outs and weighs more than the Origin8. Origin8 also has a much sportier feel than the LHT.
OP already knocked CX700 due to weight and other issues. Check older threads, CX700 is a bit lighter than some other steel frames out there, including LHT. About the same as a CrossCheck.

fietsbob

There are disc brake single speeds, then you install a different rear wheel with the hub you want..

note: Civia is a QBP brand, check with the LBS with a QBP account.

UK ? this one? https://www.evanscycles.com/products/...-bike-ec043730

dynaryder

Did they change them? They used to do two sizes of toptube for flat and drop bars.