Soma ES hybrid/flat-bar road bike
 

I've owned and ridden hybrids since 1995 and I'm a big fan of the category. I've been thinking about building up a decent quality steel hybrid and during my research I came upon a photo of a Soma ES set up like a hybrid. This picture was on Soma's website at one time but I don't see it now. Has anyone else seen other photos of this bike and does anyone have higher resolution images? For whatever reason, this set-up just speaks to me. It's techincally a sport road bike but with clearance for 700c x 28 tires with fenders and in this configuration, I would consider it a "sport hybrid", much like Trek FX series. I would like some better pictures including views from different angles to add to my working build folder for inspiration.

Thanks!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6.../SomaES002.jpg

Before that guy comes in here touting Jamis, why not try Jamis? They are steel-framed hybrids.

Yeah, we have some Jamis touters here but I would second the recommendation for a Jamis Coda. It's offered in a variety of models depending on what spec you want and would be a lot cheaper than custom building a Soma from scratch. Nothing wrong with the Soma though if you have the money to spend and want something unique.

I'm actually looking for pictures primarily for ideas about components, color etc.. I plan to retro-fit an old Trek hybrid model that I've been riding for over 15 years. It's rideable now so I can gradually update as I get the money for specific components. The biggest issue is that I weigh over 375 lbs and my first upgrade is going to be a custom built wheelset. I also want something unique so buying a whole bike isn't that appealing right now.

I think if you have the time, patience, and the money. Nothing could compare to custom building your own Bike.

Here's another Soma ES built up into a hybrid. http://schwabcycles.com/about/bikes-...oma-es-330.htm

Nice! Thanks for posting that one!

The only problem with building hybrids out of road frames is usually relatively short ETT. For example FX and Bad Boy have MTB based geometry with longer ETT.
I had an experiense with transforming my wife's Fuji Roubaix Pro (Reynolds 853) into the hybrid (road bike with flat bar) and I remember I needed an extra long stem to correct geometry.
(I reversed it back to road bike later)