Originally Posted by
dsaul
I have no idea why Surly wants such a high bottom bracket on that bike. Maybe they are concerned about people pedaling through corners. If you're the type that pedals through corners, then maybe you should stick to Surly's recommendation.
All I can tell you is that I am currently riding a bike with a 279mm bottom bracket height in off road conditions. I designed and built that frame with that bottom bracket height. I sometimes ride that bike on singletrack trails with large rocks and log overs, but I'm a skilled rider who knows when to pedal and how to negotiate obstacles. If I were building a bike to use strictly as a mountain bike, I would choose a higher bottom bracket.
Yea, I don't want pedal strike during cornering if can be avoided.
I put the 700 x 40 tires on it, and there is about 100 mm from bottom of the pedal to the ground, with pedal in lowest position. I don't know if it can be ridden like that because I don't have the rest of the parts on it just yet. Hopefully later today.
I've tried to be as helpful as possible,
I know. I appreciate it. I just like to pick things apart until I understand it is all.
I am pretty sure I am getting 29 x 2.15" schwalbe Almotion tires. Be best for touring on that bike. I will build a plus size 27.5" later for mountain riding. If the 29'er is too much bike and/or tire, I will just move over to a Disk Trucker or a Bridge club later.
I have a funny feeling I will like my bike. Besides, now I have something to do for the next 10-20 years...build more bikes
I still want to know and understand it all anyway. Learning is fun.