Hey there, ape guy here... ;>)

Looking for a cross frame with a relatively long top tube.

Ape-guy's measurements: 6' tall, 30' inseam

Current ape-guy road steed:
58cm (effective 57cm seat tube & 57.5cm top-tube). I use a 130mm -17 stem just to make the frame livable. I do long training rides, some over 150miles. While the bike is OK I really need a longer top tube - something between 59-61cm.

So... any ideas on a suitable cross frame? Money is an object, but I'll check out any leads. Custom is where I should probably be looking, but budget won't allow it at the mo'.

TIA
Jabo

I am similarly shaped. Look at the fuji's. They are light stiff and cheap. Frames are sized c-t, so top tubes are longish compared to seat tubes. for c-c seat tube just subtract about 3 cm.

Propads have a long top tube as well

Thanks for the suggestions. am googling them now.

I forgot to mention that I'm seriously considering disc brake compatibility. I saw a Redline frame/fork combo selling for $499. over on Excel sports, but the top tube is kinda short on the 56, and the 59 (c-c) seat mast is WAY too long for my legs/speedy dismounts.

redlines have a slightly longer TT.

I'm 6ft with a 32" inseam, so about the same, I've got a 54cm Soma double cross which has a 572mm effective and a 560mm c-c top tube, I could of gone with the 56cm (582 effect and 570 c-c) but wanted a little more standover for off road. I've got an easton ea50 layback post and the cockpit length is just right for me.
No discs though (could get a different fork and stick discs on the front?), but certainly a very good value frameset.

Thee Monkey Butlers
http://www.mb-imaging.net/320web/monkey/images/monkeybutlers01.jpg

The Lemond Poprad has a long TT. I'm 6' 2" and ride the 57, which has a 58 cm TT. Becuase of the relaxed frame angles, the TT actually feels a little longer. I set it up with a 100 cm stem, 20 degree rise to bring my body up and back a bit, which works well for cross racing. I know you are looking for frame only, but they now sell a built Poprad w/ disks.

The Felt frames are long in the TT, I know I have the same problem.

Gunnar

http://gunnarbikes.com/crosshairsspecs.php

My 52 has a 55.5 tt. The price isn't too shabby either for a handmade US bike

they have sloping TT's and you could ride a size up most likely. Bianchis have slight slope and longish TTs as well

I know you said that money is an object. But I'll plug Curtlo (www.curtlo.com) since he has pretty inexpensive custom pricing and I've heard good things from his customers. You can get a fully custom CX frame with his fork for $905 and if you want nice carbon, it'll only set you back $1,113. It might be twice what you're looking for with production but this is an investment that will be with you for years. For someone with your physique, custom will be night and day ... You'll wonder how you lived with ill fitting bikes for so long.

Second the Double Cross; I think they've got about the longest top tubes for any given size that I've ever seen (55.5 on the 52 that I had, for example). Solid, nicely made, very reasonably priced.

Hey Wow! Thanks for all the great replies. You guys know how to make a monkey feel welcome!

Niiiiice argylesocks (monkey butlers?)

Looked at the Poprad last night. Discs & looks nice. Geometry might work, but getting it in a frame or frame/fork may be an issue though. Have to check out all the other suggestions made since.

Thanks again.