On-One or Surly? others?

[newtothis]

This summer I'm building up a bike for loaded touring off and on road.  I need it to be capable of riding single track and pavement with my camping and possibly climbing stuff loaded on it.  The frames I'm considering are: One-one inbred 26", One-one inbred 29", Surly Troll or Surly Ogre.  I'm 6' 1" or 2".  Should I go 29er or 26er? And is Surly worth the extra cash?  I like being able to use rim brakes if needed, but most likely I wont be out of the USA in the next few years so disk brakes should be available.  Any thoughts on this?  Also are there any other frames of similar quality within this this budget?  The Surlys are at the very top of what I'm willing to spend.

Also what are good drivetrain components?  I wouldn't want to spend more than $200 or $250 on a crank + bb.  I've looked at the Shimano slx series. Is that series good for bikepacking + touring? Are there any others? My budget for wheels is $200-$300.

Thanks in advance

[kkjellquist]

I was all ready to get a Salsa Fargo 3 ($1399) until I ran across the Surly Ogre ($1499).  IMO the Surly is a better spec for the price and even more versatile. 

I've decided to go with the Ogre as soon as I decide on the size.  5'11" w/ 88cm true inseam/PBH and 79 cm saddle height.  Very conflicted about the 18" vs. 20".

[tanslacks]

Hi Newtothis,

I just finished a road/offroad build. I am 6'2". I can only tell you what I did and how it worked.

Frame Salsa Fargo 2 Large

Shimano XT drivetrain triple up front and 9 speed in the rear (keep it simple)

Jeff Jones Loop Handlebar

Shifters are Shimano bar end shifters with Pauly flat bar adapters (index or friction shifting, easy to repair)

Notubes 29er flow rims

WTB Nano 2.1 tires

I worked flawlessly! I just returned from a tour through the desert and I am leaving for the mountains tomorrow. For the desert tour, I had to carry a LOT of water so I added a surly rear rack with panniers. They were quite heavy with water and on well traveled single track, I wobbled a bit, but dirt road travel was no problem. On my mountain trip, I am dropping the rear rack and going with Frame, seat and handle bar packs. I love the set up.

However, This was my first 29er and I do feel pretty high off the ground on technical ridding. I imagine I will get used to it, but I built this for all terrain touring.

good luck

[paxton coyote]

Salsa Fargo