I'll second this. I've got a commuter with cyclocross geometry and spacing (it's nearly identical in geometry and sizing to a Surly CC), and it truly is a do-it-all. I can put 28c tires on it and go as fast as the wonderbike roadies in my club (granted, not THAT fast), pick up a 40 lb bag of dog food on the rear rack, cruise to the coffee shop, take it down rutted dirt roads, and average 15-17 mph on a very rough commute, or I can throw on 38c tires when the mud starts flying and go off-roading with it, or just tackle the commute once the thaw hits.


If you can do it on a bike, this bike can do it. That said, I built it basically from a frame and wheelset - everything is done to my specification. You couldn't buy a bike like this from the store. So, if you wanted to get a frameset and build from there, I'd start with a frame that can cope with at least 35mm tires and fenders, can be racked front and back, and is large enough that the bottom of the drops is about at your knees when your legs are at the top of the pedal stroke.

Of course, it's not going to be as fast (at 32 lbs) as the 15 lb carbon bikes, nor as pretty as a Rivendell A Homer Hilsen, or as tough as an Indian 3 speed, but if push came to shove, I'd pit this bike against any of those three for usability, durability, repairability, and reliability. Chances are I'd get damn close. I prove that every day I ride the thing.

At least, that's my opinion, and you know what they say about those...