Okay guys and girls - another shift in my thinking coming up.

I've been looking for the "Ultimate Bike" as you well know and for me that would be a bike that does everything well, or you might say a good "all-rounder." I'm not talking full off-road, as I have a daul suspension MB for that. What I mean is a bike that is lively, comfortable, stable, and that I can ride on paved trails, roadways (smooth or bumpy), and the occasional hard packed trail for commuting and long weekend adventures (and possibly longer - much longer, but I wouldn't design the bike for that since that is a small part of my riding). I'm not interested in thick sand, heavy roots and rocks, or drop offs, as again that would be considered "full off-road" for me.

I've been looking at Rando bikes (that is Randonneur bikes) lately and am starting to take a liking to them. They appear to be smooth for longer rides, comfortable for all rides, and fairly "fast" and lively. Lastly, if done properly they can look great (in my eyes) with straight top tubes, drop bars, and other items I find appealing.

The Rando bike I've been looking at lately (and talked to the builder about yesterday) is the Terraferma with 650B wheels. It has a bias towards front loading of up to about 25 pounds - as that is what I'm told allows the bike to continue to feel stable for the Brevets. Something like this, but with my touches - http://terrafermacycles.com/corsa-650b.html . I like the fenders and the 650B option (as long as I can get a good set of Schwalbe tires). I know the 650B is a long discussion thread, but wouldn't mind hearing from you on this.

I've been looking to build the ultimate bike with discs, but I've seen one Rando bike with them and it looked very odd. It might have been the rake in the front fork with the disc. Discs look good with straight forks though.

Also, I've thought much (but not done yet) about frame materials. I love the SS looks and ease of care, as well as same for Ti. However, I keep coming back to steel as the best value and possibly the best ride characteristics (although that will likely be debated for many years). I just need to get my mind back around the frame "care" thing - that is the potential for paint to chip and scratch. Maybe powder coating would work better - dunno...

Any thoughts or opinions on a Rando bike with 650Bs?