As always, around this time I get a bike inspection (as close to January 26 as I can, aka Australia Day), and start thinking which bike I would go for or build if the frame comes back cracked.

With the latest snowfall, discussions with Bill (who had treatment for an ACL injury) and developments in technology, I’ve been wondering what frames I would build up for the “perfect” all-rounder bike for me.

• $2500 or less for the full build. Less is better, of course.
• Single speed, but still have the versatility to switch it to geared if I wanted, with horizontal fork ends or good quality sliding dropouts (e.g. Paragon).
• No suspension.
• Have clearance for 700Cx40 or 29er tires, plus fenders.
• Either rim braking or disk brakes. I’m not saying rim braking, or disk braking, I’m saying the frame has capabilities to take either.
• Preferably steel to keep costs down.
• Full coverage fenders would be awesome, but I’ll use clip on MTB fenders if I have to.
• Being able to bolt a front and rear rack to the frame would be nice, but there’s always Freeload racks to solve my problem.

This reduces the list down quite a lot when you avoid going full custom. So far, I have the following in:

Frames, in order (and I hope you Tumblr folk can suggest a few more): Voodoo Nakisi, Surly Ogre, Soma Juice[1], Cotic Road Rat[2]. XC Hardtail, SS Capable.

[1] There are reports that this bike, set up with disk brakes, is a PITA to remove the wheel.

[2] Cotic sell a dropout that allows you to add gearing. It’s not optimal, but since the intention wasn’t to run gears in the first place, I’m putting it on the table.

Some might suggest the Salsa Fargo as being a prime candidate, but the Fargo doesn’t do singlespeed without fucking around with half links. So no to the Fargo.

With that in mind, the new Ogre actually looks pretty close as a complete package. Taking their complete bike parts kit, I’d make the following swaps:

Tires: Out - WTB Exiwolf, 29 x 2.3”. In - Schwalbe Big Apple HS430

Drivetrain: Out - 22/32/44t. In - 40T. I’m pretty sure the wheels come pre-built, so spacer kit + 16T rear wheel would probably be cheapest, although 135mm SS disk hub would be my preference. I wouldn’t lose sleep over it. Correspondingly, rear and front derailleurs would be pulled off too. I’d keep a 18T on hand for the truly inclement conditions too.

Handlebars: Out - Salsa MotoAce w/ Avid FR5 levers. In - 420mm drop bars w/ Cane creek long pull levers.

Extras: Full length Planet Bike Cascadia 29er fenders, swap Brooks Team Pro saddle in, Surly Tuggnuts

Expected build would be about the 32-33 lb mark, roll like a dream but accelerate slowly.