One frame to rule them all?

• The frame that was originally intended to replace the Model T has arrived, and it's an intriguing animal.

  Inexpensive, if a touch heavy. Simple and streamlined, if basic. But most importantly, these as-yet-unnamed frames appear to be a much more versatile platform for all sorts of single speed, fixed gear, and even 3/4/8 speed internal drivetrain applications. The rear horizontal dropouts are tapped for mounting a fender or rack. The rear triangle provides clearance for smaller cyclocross tires. And buyers can choose from road caliper, cantilever, or disc-brake friendly forks.

  Available in sizes 49-64cm. $200 for frame/fork. From $500 complete, including professional build labor. Add $100 for custom powder coat. After a year or more of struggling to find a meaningful offering in this category -- something demonstrably better than off the shelf bikes, but still capable of competing with mail order prices, I think we've found a winner.