It's not a great way to come out of Bikeforums hibernation because I know this post has been made countless times before but here it comes again.

I'm looking for a frame. I'm short, I need a 48cm frame ( bb -> seatpost ) and that is limiting me a bit (Somas are bigger, IROs are bigger, etc). Thus far I'm looking at a Surly Steamroller or p'raps an Olmo Gara Pista. Anyone have any advice for me with regards to them? Does anyone know of anything stronger, cheaper, or of better value than either of them?

So far it looks like my money is on the SSroller but I'm open to other options. Any input is greatly appreciated!

soma has a 49cm frame now. i haven't seen anyone selling it yet, but it's on their site. deBernardi makes a 47cm as well. i've seen that sell cheaper than the Surly a few places...

There is a 46cm ti track on ebay right now, with a 55cm toptube. Maybe going too far in the other direction as far as size, but? Not mine and no affiliation. Item number: 3661389444

Dave

i have a 48cm track frame and fork. only problem is the top tube is 58cm.



it'd be a great frame for moustache or albatross bars though...

How about getting one made for a good price?

https://www.andantebikes.com/ecotrackbikes.html

$700.00 for the whole bike and you can get it made to order I believe. That puts it in there with the Surly.

DV-
welcome back. wasn't that you that peeked out in Puxatawny a coupla weeks back? The resemblance is uncanny...
Go with the Surly. I was going to, but...I bought a DeBernardi instead...had a little $ coming my way, so I spent it. Good for me.
It is hot. And mine

Yeah it was me 165, but unfortunately I didn't see my shadow. Or did I? I can't remember. Winter hibernation is where it's at.

Thanks for everyones posts!! I really want the Rush now but we'll see how the cash stacks up in the near future. Mebbe I'll just stick to a used (but new to me) ghetto road frame. We'll see but thanks for all your opinions!!

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...category=22681
too small?

fssb
sparky

fatty

Check out https://www.workingbikes.org/
and/or Urban Bikes for a possible older fixie-upper frame

Dude HATE, that is an AWESOME bike but too bad it's a little small. I'm almost 50cm, so 4cm too small is a little much.

165 you should see my ass, I do at least 5 spin classes ays a week I've got legs like mother****ing treetrunks going for my Spin Instructor Certification in April word to the VERB but yes I'm fat anyway. I'm totally hitting up WB this Saturday to check out a few frames and I'm bringing my tape measure along to see if there's anything that'll fit me. Urban is my next line of defense as they've usually got some nice bikes up there. I'll just call to see if they've got any used 48cm track frames.....

OMG I'm all ****zed on coffee.

Dumpster:

Word is that Upgrade Cycles has a Soma in stock if you want to take a look at it.

Skit:

Thanks a bajillion! I might head down there this weekend. But since I have my credit card all paid off the trip might turn out to be a bad idea!! Ha ha.

dv (for the past 1 year) : "im gonna buy a track frame.. blah blah"
aykay (for the past 1 year) : "okay, do it"
dv (2 days later, every time) : "i bought computer stuff instead"
aykay : "at least you can still bike around on that heavy yellow beast you hate so much and rides crooked"
dv (2 days later) : "this computer stuff is boring, shoulda bought the track frame"

Al5 - that's what I thought. DV's been saying that forever.

In related news, I've seen this Soma Rush, a tiny one no less twice - once outside the Fireside Bowl last week at a show which I figured belonged to this cute girl with a Chrome bag. I was biking to band practice last evening and when I got there, saw it again locked up outside and the girl was inside talking to building management. I was going to talk to her but she split before when I got back downstairs (after ditching all my stuff and bike upstairs in the practice space).

absntr on the prowl as usual... rarrrrr.

Yeah, DV finds the lure of technology irresistable most of the time. New camera or new track frame? ~ponder~

almost precisely the same situation i'm in.

i want to go large format [6"x4" atleast]

that's not to say i'm bored with 35mm slrs... i just want to branch out and et some real scary sharpness going.

on the other hand... a <1.3kg set of wheels...

fssb
sparky

Ahahahaha totally! Except I'm looking at the Canon S400 or S410. Uuuuhh...

I just called Upgrade Cycles about the Soma Rush and they said I can put down 1/2 the cost of the frame now and pay 1/2 when it comes in (14-30 days) so I think I'm gonna get it.

Anyone know anything bad about Somas cos all I've heard is good? Break my dreams though, I wanna know if it's gonna suck before I go get it.

Prolly going over there on Saturday.

is it just me or did this turn into a chicago love fest again? must be the warm weather

have you checked out wrenchscience.com or competitivecyclist.com they've got bike fit calc that are both interesting and a waste of time.


jeff

Hell yeah it's a Chicago Love Fest. I only discuss bikes when the weather is nice. In a few days when the good weather passes I'll go back into hibernation.

Thanks for the links too! I'm definitely gonna get measured!

is this gonna be the bike for iowa??

jeff

Prolly. Unless the folks get me a nice cyclo-cross or road bike for graduation - then I'd probably take that instead!

Traitor...

Soma's are good, but availability has been a problem for some (skitty being one of them). Either them make a ccrapload and everyone buys them, or they make a few and everyone buys them and the rest go on backorder. Either way, they are good frames.

I just picked up a De Bernardi from Marcus @ Yojimbo's....pics soon. F-ing delish. I get a rush from Columbus tubing...Aluminium is a son of the devil.

As far as this being a "Chicago Love Fest" - anyone tries to hug me, and I'll kill you. Touch my ride, I'll kill you.

In fact you're going to have to work very hard to stay alive.

Lighten up, Francis.

Hey, I loved riding in the slush and all, but I cracked my f'ing steerer tube (downside of converting an abandonded bike) and haven't fixed it yet.

Sigh.

Billy Magic