Need help finding a frame
 

Ok so I have my commuter (Marin Mill Valley see photo below) and it is all AL (both frame and fork). I like the bike but I do put a lot of miles on it as it sees both commuting and family use so I would like something smoother...ok what I am saying here is I want steel.

My problem is my need for a sloping top tube because of the trailerbike I use with my son. If I get a traditional geometry frame there isn't enough seatpost to stick the trailer hitch onto, but I can't seem to find a steel frame with sloping geometry that both fits and takes a 700c wheel and say 32mm wide tires. I was thinking Surly Karate Monkey but the top tube measurement seems SOOO long, am I missing something there? I guess if I was doing custom It would have the same dimensions as my Marin but be made of steel....and if I was adding to the wish list I would throw disc brake tabs on there too. :D

Does the bike I am looking for exist stock or should I just go custom? Or should I just suck it up and get a MTB and ride the 26" wheels with slicks?

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeej440/s...s/dscn3488.jpg

would anything at Gunnar work? you didn't mention how much you want to spend........

OT I noticed the Nashbar saddle type panniers, I was going to get a set becauser of the saddle type, can they be rolled up and held in place on the top of the rack with bungees? they look about the right size for quick trips to the grocery store and hold a few items>>

oooooops, here's the Gunnar site link

http://www.gunnarbikes.com/

Bianchi has some steel Road bikes with sloping top tube. They also have a crossterrain that comes with 700*28 http://www.bianchiusa.com/1412.html.

Yea I have looked at gunnar and not seen exactly what I am looking for. As for the Nashbar panniers they are the daytreker model and I believe you could roll them up but why? They don't really hold a ton but for me they do hold enough. I can fit a Volleyball in one side and my shoes in the other as well as a lock and my tire changing kit...I guess that is quite a bit of stuff really. I like them...one of the best purchases for the commuter IMO.

As for the Nashbar panniers they are the daytreker model and I believe you could roll them up but why?


I don't like anything on the sides of the rack until I absolutely need to, just a personal preference..... thanks i just ordered one set