how fat can i go CX?

[dave66]

winter time / tax return project is an SS 29 er for commuting mainly but also fireroad fast singletrack duty.
first thought was a CX frame and drop bars but how fat can i go on the rubber [frame of choice is a Kona jake]

or would i be better going true mountain bike and just building up with drop bars? how different is geometry on a 29er and a CX bike?

gawd I love looking at build options.....

[Mauriceman]

a 29" mountain bike will be more versatile in the area of tire choice fer sure. Why limit yourself with a Cyclocross bike?
Surly's Karate Monkey offers the ability to run single speed or gears, your pick.

[benwitt11]

i would consider the karate monkey. the frameset's a little on the heavy side, but the quality and build options abound. i have been emailing dave gray at surly,(dgray@surly.com,) and he said a black k.m. should be available early next year. the clearance is the best thing with this frame. you can go from super wide tires to 23c racing slicks. if you go with discs you could get a mountain/ commuting wheels set, and the a road set like mavics speed city. these are light for 700c disc wheels. i would advise getting discs because of how they perform in adverse and wet conditions. they'd also help slow the greater rotating weight better.