looking at frame options

[riverfever]

I love my Orbea Alma but I'm just seeing what's out there. I'm super picky. I'm looking for a frame that I can build up in several directions. I'd like the option of going SS or geared without running a tensioner. I'd like the option to go with different breaks (disc vs. cantis). I realize I can go custom and get anything I want. I'm considering that route but also want to see what's out there off the shelf. I am aware of the Surly Karate Monkey but man......that things heavy. I've been looking at the Spot Brand Rocker Geared. Interesting frame but I can't tell if they sell just the frame or not and how much it sells for. What else is out there that's similar. I'm cool with not having the options on brakes with an off the shelf frame. Priority would be the ability to switch drivetrains I think. What do you all know of?

[sherpaxc]

Salsa El Mariachi comes to mind.  They have those amazing Black Cat looking dropouts.  I don't know though, coming from your background of a super lightweight carbon fiber bike and going to a heavier steel bike might be tough (mentally).  You could always drop the coin on the ti version.

Good luck with your search.  Let us know what you went with.  BTW, you still teaching in CO or did you move to Ohio?

[riverfever]

Still in Colorado right now and keeping an eye on the market. Might head back (to St. Louis though) after this year or we might do one more year out here.   

[riverfever]

Money is a bit tight right now. I had 3 root canals/crowns this summer. For the second one, the oral surgeon couldn't get my mouth numb so I had to have IV sedation. That alone was 750. My doctor's keeping an eye on my jaw bone because it may need surgery still. I've spent just shy of 8 grand on my chicklets over the last 4 months. I grind my teeth very hard.

You're probably asking why I'd get rid of the Alma? Well...I got a very sweet deal on that bike. I'd sell the frame for 600 and then see what else I could get. I had the Alma all built up with new stuff so I'll just sit on it and ride whatever I get SS over the winter. I can't afford to rebuild again for whatever ride I decide to do this summer (I will say this...the impending move back home has me looking around more when I'm riding so I'm not interested in going fast but seeing what's along the way and getting to know the trout). The carbon is really nice but I'm looking for something that I won't have to worry about several years down the road.

The El Mariachi looks really nice Travis. The Spot Rocker Geared looks nice but I hear a lot of bad things about the customer service. I also don't like that it only has a 1 year warranty. The Surly's gonna be too heavy and then I think I'll be disappointed. The Vassago Bandersnatch looks ok. I'd just have to use a tensioner which is probably fine. So far all of the frames I'm looking at are 500-600. I need to go back and look at the Niners too but they'll be more.

[harryonaspot]

Rode my new El Mariachi all weekend. Very Happy! Fast ,stable, nimble. Rocks roots buff singletrack,it ate them all up. worth the $600 for sure. But a little portly coming off an Air9,although not that noticeable. Very comfortable ride as well. Harry

[sherpaxc]

The Vassagos are pretty popular for sure.  I have no dog in any of these bikes but for what you get with the money, that El Mar is hard to beat. 

Gonna be doing me some road touring/fly fishing next weekend with the wife and kid.  Try not to be too jealous.

ps.  Good God man, wear a mouthpiece or something!  You gonna have to sell your V-Dub van to pay for all that? 

[riverfever]

I now wear a mouthpiece when I sleep AND when I ride. I'm starting to learn how to relax my jaw more when I ride but I've always grit my teeth when I'm doing an effort so it's a hard habit to break.

The van is gone but I would have gotten rid of it regardless. It struggled way too much up at this altitude. I had to have a plan B to get home from the Safeway.

[wdlandparker]

another option would be a SIren John henry, fairly light for a steel frame, not too terribly expensive either.
http://www.sirenbicycles.com/johnhenry.html

[afie]

Ventana offers a pivot dropout to be used with normal or belt drive singlespeeds and I think has a derailleur hanger as well. Just ask for cables stops, v-brake bosses etc and they should be able to build it up quicker than most other custom shops.

[rocky rode]

Take a look at this new(ish) builder:
http://ampeircecycles.com/index.html

For just a bit more than a Siren or Salsa you could design your frame any way you want.  Andy is also using Black Cat swinging dropouts, which I really, really like, so you can go geared, single or dingle.  I have always thought that an off the shelf frame was fine for me, being the frugal (cheap) guy I am.  I am SO very glad I got my custom frame.  If you know exactly what you want in a frame it could be your best option in the long run.  Also check out Waltworks for an affordable custom.

Gary