I think I know what I want now. Can you help me find it?

[Jolt]

I did test ride a Surly Cross Check, and I found it light and springy, and handled well. Did you test-ride one? Which Surly are you referring to?

The Surly Troll is their non-suspension mountain bike frameset. I know you said not a mountain bike, but it's not like other MB's. More a flatbar adventure bike with no suspension. You can put thinner tires on it, but I'm not really a tire expert, so can't say what size. May have a lower stand over, comes with flatbar setup, and can be purchased as a frameset. If it handles as well as the Surly, is worth checking into. (If anyone knows, Skyking?)

Plus, it comes in a yummy plum-color this year.

That Troll looks like a cool bike...if I didn't already have a rigid steel MTB (1995 Trek 830) set up as a general purpose rig I'd be checking it out.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Thanks for the replies. The computers at work weren't working well last night so I couldn't reply sooner.

This is what is so fun about this forum. I got ideas that may not have occurred to me otherwise. Going along with the Troll trend (because I love Scandinavia and Norway is on my list for next year), I also looked at Soma's website and found the B-Side: http://www.somafab.com/archives/product/b-side The LBS nearby that wants to build a bike for me sells both Surly and Soma, so I think I can get an honest opinion from him. I'll pay him a visit later this morning.

[IBrakeforPastry]

That Troll looks like a cool bike...if I didn't already have a rigid steel MTB (1995 Trek 830) set up as a general purpose rig I'd be checking it out.

I just had my Trek 720 fixed up a bit and there's an 820 on Craigslist in my neighborhood. In blue. Must...resist...

[cosc]

Just to throw another one in the mix-the salsa vaya would fit what you want. I love my vaya -a great all-around bike. The smallest sizes come with 26 inch wheels and drop bars. The vaya 3 model has triple crankset. Hope you get just what you need.

[IBrakeforPastry]

I checked out the Vaya a few days ago (I think that's actually how this search may have started). There are something like five left in the world in my size. The dealer said they're kind of hard to get Glad to know you like yours so maybe someday I can plan ahead and order in January.

[tulip]

I agree that the Bike Friday option might merit a bit more attention. I didn't ride mine before I got it, but it was built based on my road bike. I ride the Bike Friday alot and it is wonderful. Don't dismiss it out of hand.

[IBrakeforPastry]

What is your size?

Probably a 44 or 46 (if it comes in a 46, I don't remember. I'm getting confused with all the bikes I've researched)

I agree that the Bike Friday option might merit a bit more attention. I didn't ride mine before I got it, but it was built based on my road bike. I ride the Bike Friday alot and it is wonderful. Don't dismiss it out of hand.

It's not dismissed yet. I keep thinking how nice it would be to have the versatility, and the ability to throw it in the back of my car. And the consultant spent so much time with me on the phone that I'm sure it would be a great build.

I'm off to the Soma/Surly dealer now to hopefully have a chat before the lunchtime rush. It's in the neighborhood, easy walk, easier ride.

[Jolt]

Was just looking at the Troll geometry chart...is it just me or does that bike run wicked big? I think my 16.5" Trek has the same standover as the 14" Troll (and no, I am not referring to when I have the street tires on it).

[Sky King]

I checked out the Vaya a few days ago (I think that's actually how this search may have started). There are something like five left in the world in my size. The dealer said they're kind of hard to get Glad to know you like yours so maybe someday I can plan ahead and order in January.

We sell both Soma and Surly too, I would lean toward a Surly - just think they frames are put together better. Troll's are pretty this year for sure. A disc trucker is also a perfect option for what you are thinking. I rode a disc trucker with moustache bars on a 40 mile dirt/gravel road ride this spring and it was a super nice ride.