Where is this "hubs"? A group of C&V members need to meet and greet this individual and persuade him to allow another bike.

But seriously, a 44cm frame is hard to come by in a vintage bike. How much do you ride the lotus? I have had bikes like what you describe and road them lots and loved them every time I did, but when I rationalized it, it was the redundant bike, the one I could do without and I let it/them go. Some I miss dearly.

So are you talking about an actual 29er or are you talking about a pugsley? They are different beasts. One has tires over 3" wide! I want to get my hands on one of those in the neat year or two as well.. I'm thinking the salsa mukluk.