I'm looking to buy a steel frame (48-50cm) for my girlfriend. Any comments on the ride quality for the IRD (interloc racing design) or Soma frames? I think the Gunnar speaks for itself. ANything else that's affordable that I'm missing (other than Surly)? She probably won't be racing but using mostly for road rides and fire roads (god bless Oregon!). I'm riding a Bianchia Axis and want something more supple for her.
thanks!

more supple? how about a soft tail ala khs cx100? their small size can possibly fit her.

I ANything else that's affordable that I'm missing (other than Surly)?
thanks!

What's wrong with Surly???

Peace
Jake

I'm looking to buy a steel frame (48-50cm) for my girlfriend. Any comments on the ride quality for the IRD (interloc racing design) or Soma frames? I think the Gunnar speaks for itself. ANything else that's affordable that I'm missing (other than Surly)? She probably won't be racing but using mostly for road rides and fire roads (god bless Oregon!). I'm riding a Bianchia Axis and want something more supple for her.
thanks!

My wife is on a 48 (i believe... the second to smallest size... she's 5'2" w/kinda short legs) soma that she loves. Most of her riding is road stuff, but she has done a metric century on it. What i like about it is the well thought out construction (no funky cable routing, everything fit together nicely, etc.), and the fact that she has no toe-wheel overlap, even on such a small frame. She does have small feet, though. Personally, i'm now a big fan of Soma frames. I have heard, though, that IRD and Soma are the same (or at least made in the same factory).

Good luck,
-Damon

Wow. Good question. I like the look and the value of an IRD. Surly's are nice too.

I have heard, though, that IRD and Soma are the same (or at least made in the same factory).

Good luck,
-Damon

Yep. They're made in the same factory and both brands are distributed by Merry Sales. Soma is to Merry what Surly is to QBP. IRD (Interloc Racing Designs) has been around for a long time and has a long history of innovation in MTBing. Soma came about when American Cyclery in SF became frustrated with the Surly Cross Check which at the time lacked rack mounts. American and Merry put their big brains together and came up with Soma. American is also one of the largest Gunnar dealers in the country (only River City in Portland comes close)