I'm planning to build up a bike for long rides that will include long sections of "shake and bake" pavement and often no pavement. The bike should also be decent on smooth pavement and the occasional non-technical off-road trail. I want more of a road bike layout, so I'm not considering a mountain bike.
In Surly terms, I'm thinking of basing this bike on a Long Haul Trucker type frame or possibly a Cross-Check type, but not a Karate Monkey type (I like the KM, but not for this bike). I really like the versatility of a cyclocross frame, but I'm leaning more toward a touring frame because of the lower bottom bracket.
I definitely want to go with a steel frame just because I'm a steel frame guy ('92 Bridgestone RB-1). No debate needed, I'm not moving on that point. Ideally it would be lugged steel, but an Atlantis or Heron frame is way out of my budget.
I wonder if an 80s Japanese touring frame would be a good way to go. I could probably use some of the components that came on a bike like that. I think I could pick up a whole bike for less than a new Surly frame. I plan to use a moustache or dirt drop type bar with an appropriately high stem. I'm pretty flexible on the drivetrain as I plan to use Suntour friction bar-end shifters. I'll want to use some sort of 110 triple crank for maximum gearing options. I think I would use a sprung Brooks saddle to help smooth out the rough stuff. I know that there are many suitable 700c tires for this kind of riding, but I'm not sure what is available in 27" if I use an older frame. Would there be problems changing to 700c wheels on a 27" wheel frame using cantilever brakes?
I would appreciate any tips or comments as I'm still working out the concept of this bike.
thanks,
BluesDawg