Just how large do these frames run? I am tempted, but at 6'6" with a 35"-36" inseam, I'm a bit nervous the 60cm will be too small. Using the fit calculator here:
http://www.ebikewarehouse.com/Tiemey...Calculator.htm, it looks like it should fit.
What do you owners think?
The top tube to seat post dimensions may be a problem (see the previous post with dimensions chart).
I went with a 58cm because even in that size, it's more top tube than I wanted. The 60cm frame has a 61cm top tube, the 58cm frame nearly 60cm.
I think part of the reason is that the BB height (ground to center of BB) is high, at 12". I need a BB to saddle height of about 79cm. On the 58cm frame, this puts me up pretty high. I purchased a used frame/fork, on which the fork had been cut 1.5". Using one of Nashbar's 130mm super ridiculous rise ATB stems, the bars come just about level with the saddle. I would have preferred them a bit higher than the saddle (which would have been possible had the steer tube not been cut).
Other problems I've encountered with the frame:
Cable routing is not ideal for cantilever brakes. For the rear, there is no built-in stop, and the cable stops along the top tube are at 7:00, requiring a stupid bend when coupled with a seatpost binder bolt cable hanger.
If running cantilever brakes, you'll need to find a fork mounted stop for the front. I tried a steer tube mounted stop and experienced awful chatter. From what I've read, there may be several causes for this, but I think it may have to do with the geometry of this frame, or the flex in the provided fork. I think the frame is designed for V-brakes.
Fork only offers one set of eyelets up front, and the lowrider mounts are not through the fork. The fork also weighs 2.5 lbs. It's a beast. It's more than half the weight of the frame alone!
If you're going with a compact triple, be sure to get a top swing front derailleur. One of the water bottle bosses interferes with the bottom swing models I tried.
I've nearly completed my build, enough to have given it some short test runs (10-15 miles). I'm happy with it's ride and handling so far, though I haven't had it loaded up. Don't be scared away by the aluminum frame: fat tires and the chromoly fork take care of dampening. True, a steel frame may last longer and be repairable by a welder in Upper Mongolia, but for all practical purposes, I'm sure it's rugged enough.