Originally Posted by
southpawboston
...does yours have the suzue sealed bearing hubs as well? i plan to have a frame builder do some modifications to it and powder coat it, then i'm going to build it up as a 650B conversion. i don't have a full shot of the bike, but i do think it's the same bike! i'll post some tonight.
Yes on the hubs. This bike is a real sleeper! The ride is dreamy. (My gel saddle probably plays a part, but the fork is buttery, for sure) It has a very high level parts spec but you wouldn't know it from the (lack of) reputation the bike has. Totally sealed hubs, 36/40 spoke wheels, "deer head" Deore brakes and mechs, etc.
Re: it being a touring bike, the only fault I can find is the fact that it has only 2 bottle mounts and the under-downtube mount really crowds the front tire. A tiny section of my water bottle top got worn off on that 35-mile ride.
Also to totally do it, low-rider mounts on the fork would be needed. Still, no complaints. It is a great light tourer. I was going to flip mine, but after I spent some time on it, it earned a permanent spot in my fleet.