WTB tall, vintage 26" cantilever frameset + requesting Rat Trap Pass reviews

[Andrew Turner]

I've been drooling over 26" dirt drop builds / builds and was hoping to get some pointers and maybe even score a frameset while I'm at it. 

For the most part, my experience with wide, supple tires has stayed in the 700c wheel size, going all the way up to 48mm. My rides being 85% paved, country roads, I've found that tires wider than 700x35 start to feel slightly dead and sluggish especially with beefier casings...so I'm looking into a smaller wheel size. 

I'm 6'2", 135lbs, and typically ride 62cm road frames. I'm currently on a pair of Jack Brown but have my sites on René Herse Rat Trap Pass tires for the most width yet similar OD to a 700x23 wheel. I'd love to hear people's opinions on Rat Trap's for road use. I'm more than okay with sacrificing time if it means I can take on paths less traveled. 

And if anyone's holding a tall, vintage mountain bike frameset that could accommodate those tires please let me know! Here are a few boxes I'd like to check: 

• Unique welds, either lugged or fillet brazed steel 
• Cantilever brakes both front and rear
• Something a bit more elegant than a standard unicrown fork 
• eyelets for racks 

Thank you very much, 

- Andrew

[Brian Campbell]

I have a 22” 1986, Schwinn Cimarron frame and fork. Fork is a lugged unicrown and the frame is a mix of fillet brazing lugs an an ovalized top tube. Rear is 130mm headset is 1”threaded.

[Andrew Turner]

I'd prefer a bit larger of a frame, but I'll certainly keep this offer on the back burner! 

Thanks Brian, 

Andrew

[Dave S]

Oh I might be interested in this.  PM incoming.

[Ryan M.]

Can't help you on the bike but I will be getting a set of the Rat Trap Pass this week to put on my '96 Specialized Stumpjumper I'm setting up with Jones H loop bars and a bunch of Paul components stuff. I'll come on back to this thread after a few rides and let you know about the tires. If they are anything like the other Rene Herse/Compass tires I've had they will be pretty cushy on most surfaces but have limited traction in wet and muddy stuff...and loose stuff going uphill.