"I finally took the plunge and selected a Wilde Rambler frameset. It’s an “all-rounder” (meaningless cycling industry terminology) which put it squarely in the genetic lineage of my beloved Surly CrossCheck and the predecessor Spacehorse. In fact, Jeffrey Frane the founder of Wilde Bicycles designed the Spacehorse in a previous professional life. Honestly, I view a solid local bike shop as a huge community asset and try to purchase as much of my cycling products through them as possible. I think there are lots of reasons for this and you probably agree if you’re reading this. I’d encourage you to purchase frames through your LBS (e.g. City Cycles) if at all possible and practical and in fact to exercise a bias to companies that work through local shops..."