I think that's a bit pricey...I'm not a big Riv fan from a cost benefit standpoint...I'd go the custom route at that point.

Or...go to Trophy Bikes. They sell Surly. Maybe you could test drive a Crosscheck and see how you like it.

This is definitely something to consider...I'm going to sleep on it. I loved that DB...I think I made an error (that frame rode a LOT better than the Surly).

I'd go the Vassago route over the cross-check (you can get sans fork and I like the frame material better).

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Let me know. I trash picked it. I'm sure we could workout a trade for someting. The frame has scratches, but no dents and is a *****in sky blue & white.

I wouldn't say it couldn't, but it's certainly not advisable (especially when your objective is to run ~42mm tires and fenders). I'm certain VO would insist on only 650B for that frame as that's the way they designed it. FWIW, my LBS recently built up a Polyvalent (2x9, Porteur bars, Brooks saddle and bar wrap, SS fenders, Col de la Vie tires). Very sharp bike to my eyes.

I'd like to take an 80s touring/sport touring frame and convert to 650B. But, I already have one and it has cantilever brakes, so no dice.

Very, very cool frame...will sleep on it and let you know. I'm leaning at this point to the Vassago or leaving it as is.

Scott (Nikkorod) gets all of his good ideas from me:;)

[IMG]http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k292/bylar13/069.jpg[/IMG]

All kidding aside, this is a 2008 Salsa El Mariachi. It has an EBB. If you could pick up one of these used on ebay (frame only) Bilenky could put canti mounts on the rear and there are a host of 1 1/8 touring forks available. It could be "semi custom". The El mariachi frame has mounts for fenders & rear rack. It is made from Tru Temper OX Platinum tubing. You could put a Planet Bike blinky in the unused disc brake mount!

I also have a new (never built up) Pake C'Mute frame 52cm. I know it can take a 35mm tire w/full fenders in the the rear, not sure about larger sizes. It has horizontal drop-outs.

You can also take a look at this Bikes Direct IGH road bike that will take 45mm tires and comes w/ 5speed IGH and a bar end shifter.

http://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott_wt5.htm

Think of the American Economy, if you don't spend money Bilenky won't have money to spend. Their suppliers won't have money, the local tavern won't have money....

Be American, buy a NEW handbuilt frame.

I have a wedding coming up! I'm spending money I can't afford to spend in other directions!

Sure, Sure...whatever you say Benedict Arnold. ;) :lol:

Sell the Karate Monkey and buy my pake. I will give you "special wedding pricing"!;)

650B has a bead seat diameter (BSD) of 584. It's like a 26-1/2 inch size, so it often fits frames built for 26" or 27" wheels. MTB 26 is 559. 700C is 622. Old 27" tires are 630mm, and old 3-speed tires called 26x1-3/8 are 570mm. Either VO or Rivendell wrote a long article (so I guess it's Rivendell) on why 650B is that perfect magical compromise. I think it's bunk, but if it works for you, great.

Tom...as always you are extremely helpful...THANK YOU!

I'm going to wait a while on the purchase (I have another "thing" in the works) but I'm going to go with the Vassago and sacrifice the front fork.

Heh...does that mean you throw rice at me after I pay you?

I didn't notice that! The price is awfully attractive and I'd end up with extra parts. Quick question...how is an IGH using drops? I thought no drop friendly shifters worked with them?

Oops, old English 3-speed tires are 590mm, not 570. So 650B is 6mm smaller in diameter.

Anyway, 650B is still pretty rare on this continent, so you have to web-order tires. The good news is that you can get good tires.

So which Vassago frame are you going to get, and which fork?

This has pretty much everything I want...except the fork braze ons. I would just sacrifice those.

http://www.vassagocycles.com/fisticuff/

SA makes a specific bar end shifter that comes with that bike. As for SRAM 9 speed I am not sure. I do have a hubub bar end adapter for attaching twist style grips to drops that I am no longer in need of.........

I don't really understand what that is...but if it makes using drops possible with my SRAM IGH, I WANT IT!

Think of a bar end shifter pod that inserts into the opening of the drop. It has a smooth section (like a handlebar) attached to the pod that allows you to attach a twist grip style shifter.

See below:

http://www.benscycle.net/index.php?m...2&currency=USD

Got it...it essentially extends the bar. I'll let you know when the time comes!