jargo432

Having finished my DT build I find myself in need of a new project. I've been looking at building a touring bike for off road use with 26in wheels. (Yes, your right... I'm dreaming of a tour someday where there isn't a Walmart or McDonalds for thousands of miles)

Being a fan of Surly I first looked at the Troll. However was saddened to find out the chainstay was a mere 16.5 inches. I'm not sure that would work for my size 13 feet. (maybe it would be possible to find a rack that would push the load more to the rear, I don't know)

I also looked at the Co-Motion Pangea, However at two grand for just the frame, I would have to save for a while to buy that.

Anyway, I'd love to hear any thoughts you have for my next build.

Thanks

saddlesores

forget the name brands; look at some of the older
mountain bike frames. you can get a great deal
on ebay......10-20 bucks for a NOS steel frame,
put your money into components and wheels.

bradtx

jargo432, Is a 26" wheel set is all that's on the build sheet currently? Experiment with a set on the DT. The major difference is that the head tube angle is slightly steeper on the 700C frame.

Long Haul Trucker | Bikes | Surly Bikes

Brad

fietsbob

circa 90 MTBs that have rigid regular reach forks .. or if needing New, Surly's LHT 26" wheel version .

Taiwan's factories are able to produce bike frames cheaper than In the US, thats why they are so Dominant in the Bike Biz.

timdow

+1
Older rigid fork MTB's are ideal for a build. Personally I would look for a complete bike instead of just a frame to get some usable parts for the build.

LeeG

It looks like there's an inch further back you can put the rear wheel on the Troll, the more important question is how much do you intend on carrying and how big you are.

Chainstay dimension may be important for big fat rear panniers but if that's not a necessity you may do well as is.

tarwheel 

What size frame? The Soma Saga is available for 26" wheels in smaller sizes. The Saga is an incredible value for the money, and very well designed for touring.

jargo432

Thanks for the replies. As for my size, I'm 5'11 3/4 and 215lbs. I ride a 21'' MB and a 56cm road bike. The trucker in 56 comes in both 26in wheels or 700c. Mine has 700c. I'm really wanting something like a MB for touring.

As for the older MBs, what are some of the better brand names to look for?

mijome07

Both of these bikes (or similar) would make great candidates.

mijome07

I'm currently re-building a 1997 Trek 820 MTB. Not the prettiest bike, but it's what I had laying around and makes a great candidate for the geometry being ideal for touring and it's STEEL.

apolloturner

+1 for old steel mountain bike. I just finished mine and came in way under $600. The wheels came with the bike or they would be different. I may need to upgrade them at some point. Specialized Rock Combo. I am fairly certain a Stump Jumper is almost the same frame though.I am size 13 foot as well, and Have yet to heel my panniers.

saddlesores

schwinn high plains frame, xt components mostly,
suntour thumbies, phil wood hubs

(boot hill end of june, death valley in july)

DropBarFan

Rode an 80's Specialized Rockhopper, not offroad but lots on bumpy city streets where the stretched-out design really smoothed out bumps. IIRC has double eyelets on both front & rear dropouts for fenders & racks. Chainstay is 16-7/8" I think. Frame is steel but not super heavy.