Well, I'll have to look around for a second hand thing. What I meant in an earlier post was that I'd probably buy a singlespeed primarily as a utility bike, since it's low on maintenance and unattractive to theives. In which cas e a chopped up second hand frame would be ideal. I was toying with the idea of getting something I could run a cassette on as well, in which case, the el cheapo frames out there might be heavy, but are pretty good value too.
The tandem shell is a nice idea - wonder how heavy it is, though...
Could build it lighter, as it will only have one rider's weight and strength going through it...

Got you thinking this one hasn't it Bent?

Doesn't the Cove Tightee have an eccentric BB to add chain tension? There s one in the summer What MTB mag with a Rohloff 14 speed internal geared hub. That will obviously allow the use of standard dropouts and hence, gears if you wish.

If you wanted a frame that takes both though, you'll also need cable stops etc.

Rolhoff hubs weigh a complete ton! I saw one or two on some very weird (but apparently very good) DH bikes at the Leysin world cup race. Some guy actually destroyed one.

Cove make very, very nice bikes, although I'm a fan (and own a) De Kerf.

I suppose I could just ride my De Kerf around in 32x16 and not change gear, mind. ;)

I built my SS using an old steel frame which works fine (it was an ok frame to start with). I used an old LX rear mech for chain tension. The rear hub is an old Alivio 7 speed with a large spacer which put me back about a tenner. I put an old LC crankset on the front. The chain is a bog standard cheapy from Halfords. Great winter bike. Apart from the spacer and a new saddle it was a "parts bin" bike. Everyone should have one...they teach you how to spin properly!

That's what I was going to do! Need wheels and a frame, but apart from that, I have all I need!