Soma Fabrications frames, specifically the Double Cross

[Kalidurga]

I had been lusting over Surly's Cross-Check, but after taking a really good look at their geometry I've realized it ain't gonna work. From what I've heard, the Soma Double Cross has a similar versatility with a much more acceptable geometry. Looks like, with some adjustments, it could work for me and my shoulder/neck issues.

So, is anyone here familiar with Soma frames? Are they good'n'sturdy, or would I feel like I couldn't put a single ding into the thing?

[Cataboo]

I think they're either from the same parent company or are made in the same factory or some such like that... Least I've read that a few times...

[Blueberry]

SOMA is slightly better tubing. I believe I've read of a couple of frame failures, but it's really hard to tell if it's one person complaining. My LBS manager rides a double cross and loves it. Beautiful bike! I've seen the lugged one (was a speedster) and the Smoothie too, and both were beautiful. Someone on here rides a Speedster too.

CA

[Selkie]

Kali -- Why not spring for a Luna Orbit? It's worth every penny and Margo will do what it takes to make you the bike you want. I love mine---it's a beauty and rides like a dream.

[Kalidurga]

Why not spring for a Luna Orbit? It's worth every penny...

I'm sure Margo's bikes are fantastic creations and it would be very cool to go custom, but my current financial situation doesn't allow for quite that large a "spring".

Not to mention that if I spent that much, I'd definitely be paranoid about beating it up. My current bike was only $1100 complete and it took me two years to finally be willing to just let it get muddy :rolleyes: ;)

[Kalidurga]

SOMA is slightly better tubing. I believe I've read of a couple of frame failures, but it's really hard to tell if it's one person complaining.

I've also heard that it's better tubing than Surly, but the only issues I've found in reviews have been with the paint chipping easily on Somas.

[KnottedYet]

I was also lusting after the Double Cross and the Cross Check. The geometry in my size (52) is the same. The CC has a slightly shorter effective tt length (4 mm) and slightly shorter wheelbase (1 cm). I can't tell the difference.

My LBS told me that Surly based their road bikes on samples of Soma bikes. (the CC and the Pacer). They didn't try to sway me in either direction, they felt both were equally good.

Frame prices were the same at the time, but buying a Surly complete brought my total to much less than buying a Soma and building it up. I really couldn't have afforded either when I started looking... way back when Surly CC was also only available as a frame.

I do loooooove the Soma logo.

[Blueberry]

The ones I've seen haven't had any paint issues FWIW (and one is ridden heavily).

Surly is 4130 CroMoly and SOMA is Tange Prestige. 4130 is pretty much bullet proof, but the ride quality can suffer. Tange Prestige is still very strong, but rides a bit smoother from what I can tell. Of course, I'm sure there are lots of opinions out there on the subject.

I ride a Cross Check. If I were buying again, I'm not sure which one I would buy. I think I'd lean towards the SOMA because of weight (they're slightly lighter) and better tubing (IMO). But I'm not about to get rid of my Cross Check.

CA

[Kalidurga]

I've got concerns about buying a bike I can't test ride, but I definitely like what I've read about this frame (plus, it's got that pretty logo ;) ). The main difference in the geometry between the Cross-Check and Double-Cross seems to be in the head tube. I talked to the guy who fit me on my current bike, and he felt that the shorter head tube on the Cross-Check would make it difficult to get the bars as high as I like. The Double Cross, on the other hand, has the same tt length as the Cross-Check, but the head tube is the same as my current bike.

Lots to sort out and think about.

[KnottedYet]

I popped some spacers in my CC, and got the same bar height.

(what would we call that? "Effective head tube length?")

[Kalidurga]

My current bike is set up with a stem extender. I'm not sure if adding that to the Surly would bring it up high enough, but I'm guessing it'd work on the Soma.

I should probably be considering touring frame geometry as well, but I just really like having a 'cross frame and being able to ride anywhere.

[Blueberry]

Knot is wise. Spacers are your friend. I've posted a picture of mine here somewhere. My bars are basically level with my saddle - I ride a 52 normally, but have a 50 cc because of the top tube length.

CA

[Kalidurga]

Actually, I think I've got spacers in addition to the stem extender on my Specialized (can't remember, will have to look when I get home), which has the same 110 head tube length as the Soma. I think my fitter did everything he could to get the bars as high as possible and they're currently just slightly higher than my saddle.

This is my current set-up, a 49cm Tri-Cross, and I'd need to go down to a 42cm Double Cross with adjustments to approximate the same:

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z163/KaliDurga/assorted_crap/014.jpg

[Selkie]

I'm sure Margo's bikes are fantastic creations and it would be very cool to go custom, but my current financial situation doesn't allow for quite that large a "spring".

Not to mention that if I spent that much, I'd definitely be paranoid about beating it up. My current bike was only $1100 complete and it took me two years to finally be willing to just let it get muddy :rolleyes: ;)

That's hilarious! I do the same thing---I refuse to ride a couple of the most treasured bikes in anything but perfect or nearly perfect pavement conditions lest they get splashed with muck! There is a designated "beater" bike for rain, very wet pavement, etc.

By the way, I understand about the "spring" limitations. Household purchases (HVAC system, water heater and soon, new windows) plus vet bills and swimming pool fees have made me swear off any new bikes for awhile!

[Kalidurga]

Ha! I'm currently trying to pay off massive vet bills and have been ignoring similar household purchases, so I shouldn't even be considering a new bike. But the want just keeps rearing its ugly head :rolleyes:

At least I don't have a swimming pool ;)

[Selkie]

The pools are not mine, unfortunately. Fees to use pools belonging to others (the County and a Community "club");)