Touring bike build ?s - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

11-04-2004, 07:34 AM

I've been in the market for a new bike. About 80% of the time I'll be
using it for fitness rides of 20-65 miles on pavement. The rest of the
time for fully loaded touring, both paved and dirt roads. I've been to
the lbs and ridden a Bianchi Volpe and a Surly Xcheck, both of which
fit me well in a size 58.

Now, for the ?s...

They also have a couple of 2002 Jamis Aurora frames-a 57 and a 59. I'm
thinking of buying a frame and building it myself. They want $125 for
the NOS frames. First of all, will an Aurora fit my needs? Secondly,
am I better off getting the slightly smaller 57 or the larger 59?
Thirdly, I'm wondering if I can build the bike for less than I can buy
the new Volpe, Xcheck or a Long Haul Trucker. I would want 105 sti
shifters with deore or lx competing the (8sp) drivetrain, 36 spoke
wheels and the rest with whatever I can find cheap. I'm thinking about
$550 for the build. Does this sound reasonable? Am I close in my
guess? Or do I buy the 2003 volpe for $700 or one of the Surlys for
$850?

Lastly, can I even use the 9sp 105 shifters with an 8 sp drivetrain?

Thanks for any help.