Originally Posted by
NoControl
I think that the Surly Disc Trucker in 54cm would be a stellar choice for you
A 54cm frame would most definitely
not be a good choice for someone with a 28" inseam. The 54cm in a 26" wheel has a standover height of 31" which is at least 3" taller than BikingDingo has legs (giving an inch of wiggle room between the hard bits and the sensitive bits). For a 28" inseam, a 46cm (28.5" standover) or a 42cm (27.6" standover) would be much better. BikingDingo didn't tell us if that is her (his?) inseam in bare feet but unless BikingDingo rides in PeeWee Herman platforms, shoes aren't going to make up 3" in height.
Originally Posted by
BikingDingo
I'm 5'4" with an inseam of 28". I was extremely interested in the Surly Long Haul Trucker Disc 54cm, but learned that a 26" tire may be undesirable. Surly makes a 700c, but the biggest size is 56cm. I believe my body would be too small for such frame. I have three initial questions:
1) Is a 26" tire truly undesirable? Would it be insane to do a long tour in a 26" tire?
2) What make/model would fit well with my build (5'4.5", 130lbs, 28" inseam)? I prefer Surly, Kona or Scott due to a potential discount.
3) Are disc brakes an unnecessary luxury or highly recommended?
I initially hope to use this a commuter and eventually transition it into a cross-country touring machine.
For a you, a 26" wheel makes a lot of sense. It increases standover without compromising on frame geometry and handling. You aren't all that short but smaller wheels do make a difference. Don't be sold on the hype that large wheels "roll better". The difference is minimal and a smaller wheel has several advantages. It is lighter, as are the tires. It's stronger but that not much of an issue for you.
Perhaps most importantly, it allows for lower gearing.
This chart shows the difference between the 700C and 26" gearing
(26" is on the top).
Finally,
Santana Tandems has an interesting take on disc brakes with which I happen to agree. I have disc brakes on a few bikes and, frankly, can't see what the fuss is all about.