I hear there might be some really tall folks here! I have this posted in the "Commuter" section, but somebody suggested it may be better hither rather than yonder.

I am hoping to get some advice on a frame set to replace my undersized, heavy, old beater. The list of manufacturers out there is dizzying, but my requirements leave me with little options.

My biggest challenge? I am 6'-5" with longer legs than the "typical" 6'-5" dude. My PBH is 99.5cm. I visited Rivendell in Walnut Creek and talked with Grant Petersen, and at the time, he suggested a custom A. Homer Hilsen in a 69cm frame. It was to have TWO top tubes (It looks like he actually came across more freaks of nature like me, since the double-top-tubed AHH is now a standard model). Unfortunately, I could never afford the AHH's $1,500 price tag.

I should also say that I ride year round in the snow-covered and rain-soaked Midwest. The conditions can get really nasty. I ride through Spring floodwaters filled with silt and mud; Winter snow, ice, slush and worse yet salted roads (the salt on the pavement quickly devoured my chain and rear derailleur this winter). Also, potholes are a problem. And sometimes, when you are riding along and a semi pulls up next to you, there is no choice but to hit the pot hole head on.

I also ride RAGBRAI from time to time. I require fenders front and back, as well as a rear rack. The smallest tires I ride on are 32c WITH fenders. In winter, I ride Nokian 35c Hakkappellita's, also with fenders.

I was looking at Surly's Long Haul Trucker, but their frame size maxes out at 62cm. I looked at Soma's Double Cross, but again, they max out at 62 cm. Their Smoothie ES has larger sizes, but can't accommodate tires wider than 32c. I need a frame / fork that that can fit my tall stature, is rugged and can slip and slide in the snow (and yes, I do occasionally wipe out), but more svelte and lithe than my current department store jalopy that weighs in at a scant 42.5 lbs.!

Suggestions?