I'm looking towards starting a new project in the near future and part of the project includes a bicycle that absolutely must have the classic track bike, horizontal top tube, steel frame look... but I would like to use thicker tires (32c-42c).

Then I thought... "I wonder if I could swap out the wheels on a kilo tt for 26" or 650b/650c wheels to make room for the larger tires, and then just swap the brakes for some long reach ones. Think it could work?

P.S. Pedal scrape is not a concern. However, having front and rear bakes is. Not having brakes is not an option for this project.

Also, I am willing to accept other frame options, provided the price for frame+headset+fork is less than $500.

Thank you in advance!

Surly Steamrollers fit 38c tires according to the specs. Frame/fork/HS can easily be had for less than $500.

You thinking of making a tracklocross bike? Cuz a friend of mine has already started on that ****.