Just lost a crazy long lost so I'll make this one concise.

Looking for a frame to ride on hard pack with some pea gravel.

Considering the nature boy, big block and Work.

This far, I'm favoring the Work as it seems to split the difference between the two all city frames.

My biggest concern is the fit, specifically the short head tube. Based on the TT and published stack and reach I think I can make either the L or XL work. The L has 120mm head tube and 135 on the XL.

I typically ride a 56 with 150mm head tube. 33 in seam.

I've never used a threadless head set before and usually like to keep my bar drop to 2 inches. Beyond 3 my neck gives me trouble.

Is it possible to make this frame work for me or am I spinning my wheels here?

The nature boy seems pretty solid and has similar utility. Only thing against it is about 1.5 lbs and perhaps a less fun ride.

The big block seems very similar spec for spec to the Work but has a 150 head tube. Max tires are probably sufficient though.

Any and all input will be well received.

Well... That's a first. Picking your frame size based on headtube lengh? quizzicaldog.jpg

I'd worry about the top tube length, then the seat tube length. It would be worth your time to get a friend, a tailor's tape, and a carpenter's level then go here and calculate your fit.

Yeah, if the frame has a shorter headtube, you can just use a couple spacers and/or a positive rise stem to compensate. I wouldn't base frame size choice on it. There's a 2cm difference in TT length between the L and XL work, which is very significant. I'd probably go with the Nature Boy anyway, personally.

I would go with a SSCX frame or really any CX frame with a chain tensioner if you're dead-set on single-speed. They would be the easiest to find. The frames don't seem to be nearly as aggressive in geometry and will give you more than enough tire clearance for what you're doing. Although, "gravel bike" is now a thing and you can always get a touring frame.

I would actually just get a Soma:
Stanyan ?18 Frame Set | SOMA Fabrications

That has clearance up to 35c tires, semi horizontal dropouts, threaded stem, and you can eventually throw gears on there if you ever choose to.

Mash Work and Big Block are track bikes with super steep head tube angles, minimal BB drop, and sub 400mm chainstays. There's no way I'd use these off road - I'd kill myself!

The Nature Boy seems altogether more appropriate for your needs, has a longer head tube (and a taller stack #, which is the more important number, as it factors in fork length, head tube angle, and bb drop).

I am opposite of you, 6' with 30" inseam and long arms. the xl (57 TT) fits perfect. i was worried about the small headtube as well, & you'd be showing even more seatpost w/ shorter stem.

Id advise against it. i feel like allcity geo is taller so look into their offerings. if youre riding fixed the biggest difference between BB & NB is wheel clearance vs. track geo. check out the WT also in case the geo works.

Most bikes fit people like yourself so tge used market should treat you well. so tired of 57x54 or 58x55 bikes that are the opposite of what i need

I think you would be better off with a Nature Boy than a Mash Work or Big Block for riding gravel.

You're actually better off sizing down with a mash work. All that tire clearance had to come from somewhere.

Awesome feedback! I've read up a bit and see now that HT length isn't going to be an issue with any if the frames. i'd read previously that it was not recommended to exceed about 20mm of spacers but I think this is mostly of issue with carbon steerers.

What was the problem with quills, again?

I rode the trail before the eclipse on a road bike with 23's and 73 parallel angles. I think a steeper bike will be ok here. The nb is ideal but slightly less appealing to me for off the trail riding.

GMJ, that Stanyan is dope. Hadn't seen that before definitely giving it some hard thought. I do love prestige.

Pwebb, noticed from your pedal room link that your in Berkeley. I lived in Albany and miss it pretty damn badly. I worked at Pyramid when was in school and still have dreams about Zachary's on Solano. How do you feel about taking your work out for a test ride at mt diablo for me?

, the above was lost in my post