I'm looking into buying a nice SS frame for commuting. Something with more relax geometry, place for bigger tires, steel. It would be my ultimate build with Paul components and etc.

Might sell my fixed gear and geared Benotto to raise some money for this project. Looking at Vanilla, Rivendell and the likes, but also open to IRO and "cheaper" alternatives.

Also considering getting a local builder to set me up with something nice for a good price.

Any other ideas?

looking at vanilla and rivendell, also maybe an IRO.....

wow.


get a surly cross check. perfect commuter. ss or gears.

Salsa casseroll

karate monkey!

Vanilla is a no go unless you want to wait a decade.

Sounds like you have money. Try Rivendell.

on one il pompino!

You could get a crosscheck, strip it and bling it out with a nicer paint job. that would make for a functional and fly looking commuter. There is a repainted cream coloured crosscheck on velospace that makes me want to do mine up.

+1. The Quickbeam is a beautiful bike. Or you could go for a classic restore. A local guy owns this rebuilt Motobecane and it's a thing of beauty.



Shapelike has some more pics at https://flickr.com/photos/shapelike/2238341112/

Yeah, Vanilla, I'd go with Vanilla.

Ooh forgot about this one:


Singular Peregrine

Apparently the new ones have a lugged-crown disc fork. Sex!

That is the one that started my obsession.

Gunnar Street Dog, it is a Waterford in disguise. Kinda like a transformer but different.

you can look at vanilla all you want, actually getting one between your legs is a whole nother deal.
second the vote for the casseroll.

I liked the street dog a whole lot more when it came with canti bosses.

If you can afford a Gunnar, then you can afford the extra $$$ to go full custom, and just get a Crosshairs with track ends.

Oh yeah, also look at a Milwaukee frame at Ben's Bikes, as well as a Kona Paddy Wagon.

I would also consider, since you seem willing to spend a few $$, A.N.T.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/antbikemike/

I have an Indy Fab and it's a beautiful frame. About 12 weeks from order to delivery. Not so bad when compared to Vanilla's 5+ yr wait.

I'd hit eBay for older steel frames. Columbus SL or Reynolds 531 frames for less than $150 and with horizontal dropouts. Look for touring frames; relaxed geometry, room for bigger tires/fenders.

Or, maybe Rodriguez can make you that dream bike:



He makes all kinds of frames, btw.

Very nice!

You mean 4 1/2 years is a long wait for a bike?

yeah most places are like a month or so, you pay your firstborn now, in 4 and a half years he calls you and you trade in the rest of the family and your house for the actual product. But damn do they look nice...

Only 1642 days until mine might be ready.

I would get a Waterford.

Go as local as possible! mariposa out of toronto is kind of close. They have some beauts in their line-up.