Cheaper alternative to Rivendell Bleriot?
 

Looking for a cheaper, but similar alternative to Rivendell Bleriot. Must be steel (TIG welding is fine), and fit up to 38mm tires. Any suggestions? Thanks!

So you want a 650B wheeled bike or would a 700 x 38 tire be okay?

yeah, it would help to know what features of the bleriot appeal to you

You won't find much out there in 650B. Try European (Swedish, I think) utility bikes.

Are you sure you want that wheel size?

If so, do a search on "650B conversion" on Google to look for people who've converted 700c/27" bikes to 650B. Centrepull brakes work best for this conversion, I believe.

not exactly apples to oranges, but kogswell frames are pretty nice - I almost bought one of their last generation frames

http://kogswell.com/index.html

750 is not bad for a riv (bleriot) frameset either...

look at waterford too, they might have one that suits you.

700c Would be fine. Doesn't have to be 650B. I'm familiar with Waterford (as expensive or more than Riv). Kogwell only has one model, which I'm not convinced by. Surly I like, especially their LHT, which will be available next month as a complete bike with very nice components for a very reasonable price.

I think one of the best deals going is the urbanite touring from Urbane Cyclist in T.O.
http://ucycle.com/bikes/item.php?nam...r&cat=urbanite

I guess you sort of answered you're own question. Let us know how you like it if you get an LHT.

Kogswell P/R owners are routinely using their bikes as loaded tourers now. The switch to lower-trail front geometry makes using low-riders very pleasant.

And the next batch includes separate models designed for 26" and 700C, as well as 650B.

http://kogswell.com/KogswellPR.pdf

Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30! Reynolds 853 steel. Lightweight but extremely strong. check it out at www.bikes.com.

Apparently the Surly LHTs designed for 26" wheels will also take 650B:

http://surlyville.net/tips-02.html

A Kogswell with a choice of forks and wheel sizes, what the heck is there to think about. I guess it is more expensive than an LHT, when the LHT is/was available for 360. Looks a lot nicer though that only appeals to so many... To each their own.

Geometry would not be perfect for me in a touring bike, the head tube is more upright than I like, the seat tube is perfect. Like longer chainstays though these are OK. Good BB height. I would need almost the inverse of the seat tube/top tube lengths. It does seem to look towards more of an upright urban stance.

Kogswell looks nice. Plus it comes with fenders and seat post, in addition to the frame, fork, and headset, unlike the the Bleriot, for a lower price :D