Alloy fixed wheel frame with rack mounts

mostly harmless

The Problem: I have Langster and, whilst I enjoy riding it, I've changed jobs and 12 miles with a workbag is not enjoyable. It's also too small (not it's fault I'll grant you) and doesn't have room for mudguards nor anything to hang them off.

The Solution: A new frame; it needs

To be made from alloy (steel is not stiff enough)
To have rack mounts
Road geometry
Tyre clearence for 25mm
Rack mounts
A size with a 570mm +/- 5mm top tube
Cheap (<£300 frame and forks) and avalible frame only.

and, most importantly, to look good.

The also rans:

Dolan FXE: track geometry is probably twitchy as hell and not avalible in a suitable size (550 top tube is too small 585 too large)
Kinesis Decade Convert2: Looks to die for but expensive, not sure about the bolt on drop outs
Wills Wheels winter thing: Too expensive but looks lovely and there aren't any at the mo
Pearson Touché: Everyone's got one and I don't like either colour

I therefore throw it over to the forum at large to suggest things I've missed.

Cheers

Dave

huuregeil

Why not try to get the Touche unpainted and spray it up whatever colour you fancy. The reason everyone has one is that it ticks *all* the boxes for a roadie's fixed-wheel commuting solution!

Also, steel is not stiff enough? What do you mean exactly? If you're commuting with a bag, the only reason a frame might not be stiff enough is if the handling goes down the pan when loaded up. In this case, all those steel touring bikes out there are proof that steel can be suitable! Cos a decent steel frame (secondhand or new if you can push your budget just a little) would also meet your criteria.

mostly harmless

Not stiff enough in a "I'm using all my energy to make the bottom bracket and stays flex from side to side rather than moving me forwad" sort of a way.

I agree nothing beats steel for touring, heavy loads or long days

The unpainted touché is an intriguing idea but likely to add an unwelcome ~£80 to proceedings.

The idea bike must be out there somewhere... it's just finding it

amaferanga

You could buy a used Tricross single and just keep the frame. Sell the bits and your frame probably won't cost any more than £300. The 2009 Tricross looks good - much better than the common-as-muck 2008 Tricross (that I have).