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@tyeness
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!
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