Well I have quickly become overwhelmed with choices. Here's a quick run through of what's going on: I purchased a 2001 Fuji Track from a friend at the LBS around six months ago. I sold my car and quickly started blowing parts off the bike only to be followed with a more durable replace part. Right now, everything has been replaced except for the fork and frame, though those have had a flat black repaint. The TT is a little long but everything else fits surprisingly well.

I am now planning to move to China within the year for an indefinite amount of time. I want to build a new bike from the frameset on, while I work at the LBS and have the wholesale pricing. I have no plans to purchase any type of automobile so I really want something that is going to hold up for year round riding and commuting without to much in terms of replacement parts, aside from the normal chain and BB here and there. Aluminum would be preferred but I'd like to keep a fairly relaxed geometry due to some back issues I rightfully earned as a child (shallow pool, concrete floor, diving in head first, etc.)

Obviously I want a SS frame, possibly with Eyelets for a rear mount. I have quite a bit of information recorded for my own use in terms of pricing and availability but I'd like to see what some of you would prefer in my situation. Budget isn't as big of an issue as quality and durability is.

- Brian

Kona Paddywagon or maybe an IRO Rob Roy.

I have had serious considerations for a Surly CrossCheck. I get it wholesale through QBP and it's really hard to pass up the utility possibilities of the frame. Cablestops and VBrake mounts would go unused for long periods of time but it's be nice to have something I could tour with.

bianchi roger

Raleigh one way.

Don't be afraid of steel, but make sure you frame-save it before you go.
I'm in the process of getting a new frame to thailand b/c my old steel frame has some internal rusing issues. pain in the ass.

what size tires they got in china there tim
?

I like Surly.

I'd look at the Steamroller and the Karate Monkey.

I presently ride a fixed gear Karate Monkey around town.

It has Schwalbe Big Apple Tires in the summer and Nokian 294 Extreme studded tires in the winter.

It has big fenders that work, cantilever brakes (who needs brakes?), and will readily convert to a geared configuration, disc brakes, or any other kind of brakes.

If I could have only one bike for everything from commuting to goofing around I'd pick the Surly Karate Monkey.

Don't dismiss it without looking at it.

Oh, and for your back, I have back issues too.

I went with a frame one size smaller than one would expect, a short riser stem and bullhorns, and this gives me what feels neutral to me, neither stretched out nor too erect.

That's pretty cool. How did it effect your Toptube measurement?

Get steel. In case you get into an accident, it is easier to repair and welders are abundant even in distant areas.

You're going to ride a bike in China? Wow. Good luck with that. Maybe do some research on Chinese driving habits before you go... Something sturdy like a crosscheck, but like other poster ^^^ mentioned, built up with China-commonplace tire size, whatever that is.

Well, it gave me close to the same effective toptube measurement I have on my 59mm Bianchi Pista, which most folks would consider one size too small for me.

I read a book the other day that gave a method of determining one's ideal uprightness, or body angle, for riding on the street (not racing nor on the track).

The authors of the book (can't remember the book, now) said to sit in a hard chair, barefoot on a hard floor.

Hold a pencil or other straight object in each hand, thumb up.

Lean forward and stretch your hands and arms in front of you, where you assume you might want your handlebars; and lean forward until you've put enough weight on your feet that you can begin to lift your bottom off the chair.

At the moment your bottom breaks contact with the chair, look at your hand position and torso angle.

The authors of the book described the above as the ideal torso angle, handlebar angle, and stretch for each person...different for everybody...for practical riding on the street.

I've accomplished that with the Karate Monkey, but my Pista lays me down a little flatter than the Karate Monkey does.

I go back and forth between both bikes and I like them both for their differences.

Bike theft is a real problem in China. Maybe you should just get a junker?