I really like this forum the best, and it definitely fits my riding style the most (I'm not a roadie, I don't go down mountain trails at 60mph, I only commute 10 miles a day, etc.)

That said, I bet I'll get crucified for this but here goes:

I'm really liking the IRO Jamie Roy frame, and would like to build one up.
However, where I live (SW Missouri) is really hilly, and I can't do SS or fixed yet. I hope to eventually, as I'm probably going to college in Chicago (nice and flat!).

So question #1: can you somehow mount a deraileur on it? I know you can have a clamp on front deraileur, but I don't know about the back. Also cable guides, what would you do without those?

#2: I've seen some on velospace with a front disc brake, obviously they switched out the front fork to do it, which I'd have to do as well. But those bikes were fixed, so they didn't have a back brake. How would you put a back disc brake on?

#3: I'd be using bullhorns with MTB type levers (if it's not already clear that I don't fit the mold, take note here...). What shifter setup would work with these bars? Would MTB shifters with the brake levers integrated work with road deraileurs and gearing?

That's about it otherwise.

I'll just explain my reasoning: This bike would be convertible to ss more easily than, say, an Allez if I just bought one of those. Also the brakes would work in a wider variety of weather conditions, and the Allez obviously doesn't come with discs (or bullhorns).

I'm not too concerned about weight, being 6'6" and 205. It wouldn't be that heavy, probably about the same as my Trek. And when stripped down for SS it would be light again.

So I guess this bike is a chopper... not road, not hybrid, not track, etc.

1) You could use one of the brackets that mounts where you axle mounts, but with the fork ends you would have to readjust the dérailleur every time you take the wheel off.

2) I assume the frame doesn't have disc brake caliper mounts, and if so you have no hope of mounting a rear disc unless you weld some on.

3) I have no clue.

eh, i'd just grab an old road bike and strip off the excess parts as you see fit, then eventually convert it to a fixed gear. Not much money spent and if you decide that fixed riding is for you, you can always drop $600 on something a little nicer.
I started my fixed experience on a road conversion and slowly upgraded to a track frame.

Anyways, that's just a thought, it worked for me. Good luck.

Well thanks so far. What about an internally geared hub, say 8 speed? It would look cleaner for sure.

1. you could kludge up a rear derailleur with one of those low end, crappy derailleurs than have an integrated hanger. But it would suck. A better option would be an internally geared hub, like a Shimano Nexus. No need for cable stops since you can run it with full housing (use zip ties)
2. By getting a different frame.
3. bullhorns and MTB shifter/levers have different diameters. MTB bars are smaller (7/8" vs 15/16"), sou you'll have to do some reaming to get those levers to fit. Consider using cross-style "interruptor" levers if you want something mountainey. And bar end shifters. But you can't use bar ends with an internal hub. and the shifters for the Nexus are mountain sized too

good luck getting this to work.

Yeaah I've been thinking it's impossible but I thought I'd ask.

rear spacing is 120mm.........not wide enough without a reset unless you want 5 or 6 speed from 20 years ago

Heh. Well I'll just shut up and buy an Allez then...

Jamie Roy is 130.

Why don't you get a Cross Check?

Surly, right? I'll look it up.

Well it doesn't look disc-able, so I might as well get an Allez.

Paul - I am almost doing the opposite of you. I already own a gear bike but am looking for a winter ride. I am getting a SS despite the hills around here. I can always add gear options later if the hills beat me. I am going to buy a Van Dessel 'Country Road Bob' - assuming it fits me when it gets here. It has a derailer option. I also like the Salsa Casseroll and if one was nearby, I would have liked the Kona 'Paddy Wagon.'

Just get a good quality, older, used road bike. They are incredibly versatile frames, and you can build them up into pretty much whatever you want.

Karate Monkey?
discs
derailleur hanger
700c
track ends....

I'll check that out. Honestly I'd never checked Surly out except for just now. I'd only seen a steamroller, and the kind with the fat tires.

Ha Ha ha

Yeah the karate monkey looks perfect. Thanks!

If you want to be able to ride fixed, but also want gears.
I just heard a rumor that Sturmey Archer is going to begin producing a 3-Speed internally geard hub. Dont' know when, but I heard they are.

You might also consider getting three wheels: A front wheel, a rear fixed wheel, and a rear internally geared wheel. You could switch out the fixed wheel and the geared wheel whenever necessary.

You, sir, seem like a candidate for a multispeed hub. 2-speed fixed modification, maybe? One for ups, the other for downs.

This is the thing I hate about bikes: It looks a lot easier to buy an Allez, and an IRO Jamie Roy, and just have one geared and one fixed. And I'll have to get over my disc brake obsession.

Oh and the karate monkey looks awesome, but with the option of 29" wheels it would seem much cooler as an MTB. Which would eliminate my Trek, which I really like.

Man I wish I lived in Kansas, I could have just 1 bike and run it 52x12 or something crazy and not have to worry about hills.

I'm not sure how hilly it is where you live but people manage in San Francisco alright. It all depends on gearing. Get the jamie roy and set it up for hills, and when you move change the ratio

FWIW there are hills where i live and I manage just fine on a FG. Try parking your Trek's shifters at 42*16, 52*20 or so for a week and see how you get by, you may be surprised.