650B Elephant National Forest Explorer

@edscoble thanks for that. I've just put my name down for one of the batch made NFE frames. So I'll be joining the club.

Hah, you're the secondest person ever to get it, if @amey didn't get there first.

I think I've got quite a wait. The first batch sold out straight away. I emailed about the second batch to be told that if everyone on the list before me buys, I'll be waiting for the third batch.
Luckily I'm not in a hurry so it just gives me more time to decide on parts and hopefully pick bits up while I'm waiting for the frame.

I am in the second batch list but not 100% sure about it given the import duty and shipping costs ..

That's the advantage of the long wait, easy way to get unusual component.

You're the secondest! @dangeek's the third..esit.

What do you think of these @edscoble ?

Soma share the same weird geometry as Surly it appear.

Look like it make a great alternative to the Surly Straggler.

It's got a 50mm rake on the fork. Would this make it more suitable for 650b+42mms than the Straggler and perhaps better loaded (front & back)?

It also got a slacker headtube, so it's in between road and CX.

Any 700c disc bike is perfectly suitable for 650b, 42mm narrow the field down a bit, even on @amey's tight winter bike managed 42mm pretty well.

650b 56mm tyres even fit in the Genesis Croix de Fer.

Bit of a review/impressions here http://www.backalleybikerepair.com/somatic-tangerine-wolverine/

Cheers.

I was thinking suitable regarding steering trail, rather than clearance. It'll have a ton of clearance.

The word is out that skinny tires won’t get you very far in the woods

No!

That's what I meant, geometry look to be aimed inbetween road and CX.

I see. I think it's bias is probably still too far towards off-road for my liking. I'd rather hustle a lively bike I think.

Big tyres better than skinny. Have you no heard, relaxed geo is the new lively, takin it easy is the new fast.

Oh, and if you were considering a Wolverine, and are not in a rush for f/f, I should be able to give my opinion ( for what that's worth) in the next month.

big tyres are the new skinny

Been there, done that. 29x2.1" is way more than I want.

I'd be interested on how you get on with yours if you use it on the road.

Main task will be commuting, light touring with the kids, and forest tracks around the peaks. Just gonna run 40c nanos for offroad and 38c paselas on. Will let you know how I get on.

Ed, you posted any info about the dynamo and Light/charging combo you're using? looks pretty subtle.

I didn't have charging at the moment, I got a Tout Terrain for when I'll be going touring again, and given the nature of a tour, I'm less likely to do night riding to required the dynamo light.

The deposit email for batch 2 has gone out so a question @edscoble

Do you remember how much you had to pay for shipping and duties? This is the key factor wether to go for NFE or not for me as $1285 translates to £858 its already more expensive than getting a Rychtarski or Orlowski but happy to pay for Glen's expertise.

The small has reach of 362mm which means with just a stem (and maybe seatpost) change missus can use it too! I think I'll be building this for her to begin with.

Edit: Just checked standover height .. wont work; so I'll most likely pull out on NFE :(

I got stung badly at £250, bear in mind it's the first time he send it out of the U.S., you can find way to keep it down.

The fit on the NFE is normal seatpost length rather than long like a compact.

Maybe someone on here is willing to take it instead?

#NFELFGSSC