steve-in-kville 

The old Kilo just keeps chugging along, but I am getting itch for another project. I am really diggin' the concept of a SSCX bike as an all-around commuter/fun bike. I want disc brakes for sure. As I am on the shorter side, and I am starting to warm up to the 650 wheel size.

So... would it be advantageous to buy a Straggler complete and convert it to SS? I could always ebay the components I don't need. Or should I do a build from the frame up?

Thoughts? Ideas? Should I be looking at a different frame?

SquidPuppet

It seems like a good choice for what you want to ride. I'd just get the frame set and build up from there. More fun that way.

steve-in-kville 

You know, after researching this for a few days, I think I just may stick to the 700 wheel. I'm making it work on the Kilo as long as I stick to SS. I worry about toe overlap on FG, though.

The All City Nature Boy disc ticks off all the other boxes.... and they come in some smaller frames as a complete. Down side is, no local dealers and I don't think Scrod is allowed to ship All City bikes. Screwed again...

nightfly

This is pretty cool for inspiration:

Custom Nature Boy Zona Urban Racer

steve-in-kville 

Now that is well done! Not a flat-bar fan (loves me bullhorns!) but I like it. Especially amused by the bottle/flask on the down tube.

SquidPuppet

What negatives about 650B has your research discovered?

steve-in-kville 

Basically the fact that 700 is everywhere and 650b not so much.

And I am slowly upgrading parts on the Kilo with intentions of moving them to a newer frame.

You follow?

SquidPuppet

I don't know what you mean here. Popularity? Parts availability? I know that there are many excellent tires available for 650B.

Do you mean that you intend to move the existing Kilo wheels to the new bike? I thought you wanted discs on the new bike?

steve-in-kville 

Hmmm.... that's a really good point. Never thought of that! Now I know why Squid makes the big money!

That changes things...

SquidPuppet

Wow. That thing is awesome. Grinding stuff off, brazing new bits on, matching stripes on the fenders, my kinda bike.

SquidPuppet

The reason I brought up tires is because you mentioned going off road, and 650B seems to be really popular for gravel and dirt roads. Maybe not in the racing scene, but the touring recreational scenes. The Rivendell and Compass dudes seem to be really into 650B.

Seems like it would make good sense considering you ride a smaller frame. I'm sure you know that a few bike manufacturers automatically change to 650B for the smaller frames in their range because it just balances things out and works better.

Exactly the same reason these guys build bikes with 36 inch wheels for vertically enhanced people.

That dude is 7 feet tall and the bike looks "normal".

steve-in-kville 

Doesn't Surly offer a few bikes in 26"? I thought the Disc Trucker was once offered in the option of 26". But the Trucker is more of a touring frame than anything, IIRC.

SquidPuppet

All City has a few dealers in PA not super far from you. You could probably order a bike or frame set and make the one time drive to pick it up.

Carcosa

While I appreciate the thought and effort that went into that bike, I also really hate it.

Guys says it's a bike to bash around town on the way to the bar and I call BS. Also, a bunch of carbon bits on a two speed coaster brake contraption seems silly. Ride a SS/FG or get a derailleur like a normal person.

steve-in-kville 

Quote worthy right there! Can I use that??

SquidPuppet

Is it that particular bike only, or do you dislike all IGH bikes?

Carcosa

Yes.

While IGH bikes admittedly aren't my cup of tea, I don't really hold a grudge. Something about that bike in particular grinds my gears. Pun intended.

nightfly

Agreed, the IGH part of that bike is stupid. I would do a fixed gear or single speed version or even a regular coaster brake. That bike is someone at All City's take on the Speedvagen Urban Racer which seems to generate strong feelings of derision from certain quarters. Personally I kinda dig it and the All City version is at least in the realm of possibility where the Speedvagen is just silly money...

seau grateau

When someone says a bike is for bashing around town but it's not a piece of ****.

SquidPuppet

It looks like the only thing that it has ever BASHED into was a microfiber cloth loaded with fine carnauba.

seau grateau

Careful, you might scuff your custom brazed tail light.

Carcosa

@seau grateau @SquidPuppet

Exactly. Come clean on your boutique build bro.

I appreciate fine workmanship, but not when you play it off like its a bar bike. And if it IS a bar bike. F*** you. Give me some of your copious amounts of loot.

SquidPuppet

You can bet your ass that thing has never seen a rack or a lock.

JeremyLC

I admit, I'm about 5'8" or so, and I kinda want one of those 36" wheeled Coker cruisers because it would be kinda like being a little kid again with an entirely oversized ride. I think it could be fun a low speeds.