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Hah! I have some already, but since getting a SRAM equipped road bike, I much prefer the hood shape of their levers. The TRP looked a good backup if I can't get a good price on the SRAM ones.

But maybe I'll still use the Cane Creek levers if the rest of the build ruins my finances!

Hmmm ok. Definitely going for the 2014 frameset - BB is higher and the rear disc is inboard the seatstay as opposed to outboard too.

Sweet, cheers for the advice :)

Croix is definitely leading the way. With the 56mm offset Thorn fork, I think the trail would end up at around 59mm - sound ok for front loading?

Nice one! I've been nosing around your thread the last few days too, dead keen to see how you find the 105/XTR drivetrain bits.

In other news, I forgot about Cotic and so went for a look. The Escapade & Roadrat have reasonably compatible front end geo, and a high BB. They only really differ in top tube length.

The forks have no braze-ons for front pannier racks, but they can be bought frame-only so I could still use one with Thorn disc forks, though it'd look a dog's dinnner.
Don't like look of the super-compact as much as that of the Croix, but it could be a good backup choice if I can't get the right Genesis frame.

Excellent name is excellent

@Thuekr Cool, thanks for the info!

That doesn't sound too life threatening ;)
I can always squeeze an extra mm or so with bigger tyres too.

With any luck I might be able to snag the frameset mentioned upthread and get this moving!

Been doing a bit of maths around the BB height of the 2014 Croix de Fer.

With 65mm bb drop on 700 x 35c tyres the frame was designed for, the height is 281mm.
On 650b x 38 would put the bb height at 265mm.

Is that stupidly low?
I'm not fussed about crank length so will happily use a 165mm crank.
I'm sure I won't be leaning too far with panniers on the bike, either...

Oof

Motta's lovely, can't wait to see the Caad finished too!

Numerous reasons really, although after more research the 2014 (or possibly even 2013) frame seems to make a good candidate for conversion.

Sure thing. I'd actually failed to think about this properly but just looked at a couple of things.

Surly are saying 26 x 2.1" will fit with guards, and according to this, that works out as a tiny bit bigger than 650b x 38mm.

Though obviously a pinch of salt is required there as rim width will affect tyre height, won't it?

@roadwarrior

Sheeeeiiittttt. I'm gonna think about that (and hopefully get some advice on 650b suitability) and get back to you. Providing of course you'd be willing to post?

I'm definitely not going round the world, or anywhere truly remote.

The build and use will be closer to:

(maybe not so much skidding)

As I say, I'm not 100% settled on the Disc Trucker, but it hit a good sweet spot between affordability, fit, and geometry.

Croix De Fer with a replacement fork might actually (probably) work a little better, albeit for a little more cash so that warrants more consideration.

From the Surly site:

Can I run either 26" OR 700c wheels on my Long Haul Trucker?
No. Each LHT has geometry and braze-on/ brake boss mounts that are specific to the wheel size intended for the frame you purchase. So, if you buy an LHT 26", use 26" wheels. If you bought an LHT intended for use with 700c's, well then use a 700c wheelset. They are NOT interchangeable.

Not sure how that applies to the DT, but I'd assume the same rationale..

Oh rad, thanks! Was too lazy to look too far :)

@roadwarrior Word. I've read that both can be made to work (from different sources), though I admit I've seen 700>650b more often. And so I shrug! I just went back to the Salsa Vaya to look at that again, geo on the 54cm looked better aside from BB drop.

I guess there's the option of a Croix De Fer & Fork swap, basically what Spotter did?

@busseynova You're not the first person to point this out. I think I'd thought that burlier frame = longer lifespan, so wasn't too fussed about it perhaps being ott for the type of touring I'm intending on.

Also I like the way it looks which is obviously the most important part.

Hah! I did that same double take when I uploaded the image. The weight for the frameset is estimated, and I imagine it's far heavier than that!

After lurking about coveting some of my favourite forum bikes, and also this one for a while, I've decided to stop thinking about building a utility/light touring bike and just build a utility/light touring bike. The aim is to get a few weekends in towards the end of summer, and then a big trip abroad this time next year.

This is going to be a fairly slow project I think, and as I am riddled with doubt over what I should build I would love some ideas and advice.

My main priority is discs (I hate cantis) so I was pretty much settled on a 52cm Disc Trucker, which means 26". Have also looked at the Straggler, Soma Saga & Double Cross, and the Salsa Vaya, but the Disc Trucker looks like it'll be the best fit for me.

I was thinking of trying out 650b to make use of some nice comfy tyres, as I'm not sure of a great deal of stuff in 26" along the lines of Compass/Grand Bois etc. Though Compass do offer one 26" tyre, I guess.

But will sizing up to 650b wreck the handling? I was leaning towards front loading, but obviously there's no point if changing the wheel size will neutralise the frame's geometry.

Would I be better served by starting with a 700c frame (like the Croix De Fer?)

I'm going to steal a few bits from my current commuter before selling the frameset and wheels, and will look to pick up other bargains where I can including some used bargains here and there.

Provisional build list is below, with a few gaps to fill. Any thoughts or comments on this whole endeavour would be more than welcome!

Oh. Yeah bit underwhelming. Also 700c really does not look very nice on small frames.
Really really like those fork crowns though.

I would like to look at more pictures of this bicycle with my eyes. Where can I find some?

Real nice!

#2 does it for me

yeah that's great

Hah! Love this.

@well_is_it I think I got there* eventually - just was not really in my comfort zone. Definitely didn't feel like I did the place much justice either, and I think you're right in that the most interesting stuff happens when you're moving around.

*And by "there" I mean was happy with what I got, not necessarily that they are really good :)

They're beautiful! Tried and failed to capture similar stuff when I was last lurking around in the woods.

Was in the London a couple of weeks ago, with a few hours to kill before the train home. Decided to go to Look Mum to watch Paris Roubaix, and visit the Barbican on the way...

More. Found it reaallly difficult to get satisfying shots :/

That looks fantastic!

Nice! Glad to see that, I'm fitting a porteur rack to my pompino this week, and I'd never have thought to do something like that.