Let's say you were to go after a custom build based for hybrid/commuting use that met the following characteristics. What might you recommend ... for the frame/fork choice, for the components?


The image I've got in my head is something like this: CorraTEC Shape Urban One (lady/femme) 2014 or the Sunset (lady.femme) ... mixte frame, Shimano 105 2x10, fenders, racks, possibly with suspension fork, possibly with disc brakes. (Or any one of the similar bikes in the U.S. with roughly similar layout.) A stretch Trek DS MIXTE frame geometry might work very well, but it (mixte DS) doesn't exist.


Similar reference formats that are interesting to me (though often don't fit well) are: Giant Rove; Trek DS; SOMA Saga; Surly LHT; Robert Beckman Sakkit 26 (for those who remember this one); or similar relaxed hybrid or touring type platform. Even a Cannondale Bad Boy Ultra could work, though it's too big for me.

Indeed, most frames seem to be too tall for me. Or, if I get them short enough, they don't have the top tube reach for me; and all too often the handling seems a bit fouled if I just send the bars+stem way forward. Which keeps bringing me back to the MIXTE frame, or extreme slant top tube, formats. Yeah, well, that's my body shape. Got to love it.


BUILD CRITERIA:

• Primary use: commuting, mostly paved, though some off-asphalt packed trails; no MTB use, no descents, no truly cruddy, rutted surfaces.
• Fitment measurement limits:
  • Standover height 28" (711mm) max, absolute rqmt in this build, but prefer an inch or two shorter (ie, mixte frame);
  • Eff. top tube 24" (610mm) max, for my torso length and arm length;
  • Reach 15.5" (410cm) max is about right, yielding a slightly more pedal-forward orientation;
  • Wheelbase 43"+ (1100mm), preferred, for overall stability, tracking and general feel;
  • Chainstays 17.5"+ (445mm), preferred, for overall stability, tracking and general feel;
  • A reasonably relaxed geometry has a better, more stable, less twitchy feel to me ... preferred;
  • Seating position: mildly more upright position than a traditional middle-of-the-road MTB/hybrid fitment (not upright by any stretch, but not a hunched "athletic" posture).
  • Frame Size: 17.5" in the Trek DS is roughly the right size, but with a bit greater eff. top tube and reach.
• Comfort requirements: front suspension with mild travel (40-60mm), lockout; suspension seatpost; Brooks saddle, for comfort and fit. It's for comfort, and a requirement.
• Wheels: fairly stout, 36H minimum, double-walled rims, solid hubs.
• Tires: must be able to handle either 26x1.9" or 700x42mm ... with full fenders.
• A double or triple with satisfactory (to begin with) components is fine, with a view to upgrade components within 2yrs. Ultimate setup will either be Shimano Deore/MTB or Tiagra/road, possibly a Shimano Alfine 11spd internal hub at some point.
• Brakes: a quality v-brake or other decent rim brake is okay; disc brakes are fine, too, though not required.
• Lighting: possible addition of a front dynamo hub, at some point.
• Weight preference: sub-28lbs with derailleurs; sub-32lbs with IGH; sub-36lbs with IGH and dynamo ... more or less. Though, willing to accommodate a bit higher weight for the "right" frame and geometry.
• Am presuming it's mostly used parts, cobbling together over several months from "finds."
• Goal would be to keep initial costs low, but not create a brick-wall to getting this setup within 2yrs on this platform. Say, get the bike running for under $500 total, knowing upgrades would come later. Want functional and reliable components of course, but could upgrade later. (ie, Shimano Acera MTB fine, but would upgrade to SLX or Deore XT at some point; Shimano 2300 is fine, but would upgrade to Tiagra or 105 at some point).

Biggest problem? I don't know most of the frames out there, particularly the older platforms. Finding candidate frames from back then is hard, and there are hundreds of current models out there. Am seeking the collective wisdom from the community as to what starting points might make sense given the basic geometry limits I've got.

Example fitment match: the Trek DS 17.5" 2014 is about right, more or less. Though, the eff. top tube is a bit short, the reach is a bit long (prefer a tad more of a pedal-forward fitment), and the standover height is at maximum on that frame size. Can get the rest of the way there with an offset seatpost, stem and handlebar changes, on the Trek DS. But my preference is for a mild suspension fork and post (per spec goals), a bit more relaxed, lower standover. Don't even want to go the Townie route, as it's an extreme pedal-forward at the expense of everything else. Ah, the perpetual search for the unicorn ... or that one nugget in the haystack.


QUESTIONS:

• Where might you start, for this specific path, if you were going this direction?
• Particular frame/fork combination to consider as a starting point?
• Particular components (gears, crank, rings) to select?
• How best to ensure future ability to upgrade to internal hub?

Am open to any suggestions. Let's keep the discussion on this particular build path. Would prefer not to deal with 100 different variations on the theme, in this discussion.