650b Croix De Fer - Congratulations, it's an apple.

BTW, any 700c disc frame will take 650b with big tyres and mudguard, so your option is pretty good (especially the lower BB).

e.g. Kaffenback 2 with 650b easily, £150 as we speak.

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?

That's about normal, smaller frame have a much slacker head angle, so would required fork with even more offset.

Bear in mind current model Croix de Fer have CX-length fork (395mmish) whether the old one mate with the Thorn fork length pretty well.

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

I'd get the Cane Creek SCR-5 levers, it have very little flex under heavy pull which make it idea with the compressionless housing to make that BB7 Road caliper feel like hydraulic.

Having said that, if you don't need brifter, no reason to go for the TRP Hylex for the ultimate stopping power.

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!

If you like the hood of the SRAM, you'll dislike the hood of the TRP RRL, they're more like those tiny externally routed brake hood with nothing (well, not much) to rest your hand on comfortably like the SRAM hood.

You can see the hood shape from the rear, V shape rather than U shaped;

donotwant.jpg

While I wait to see if my LBS can get hold of a 2014 Croix frameset, what should I be considering regards rims?

Looked at the Pacenti TL28 originally as they're currently pretty cheap on PlanetX, though only in 32 holes. Not sure if I'd be best off with 36 holes?

Velocity Blunts also look interesting, they're currently slightly pricier.

I'd assumed there'd be more options for 650b disc-specific rims from the MTB world, but I'm not really sure what constitutes a good/suitable rim so would love some advice! I'm sure there's plenty I'm missing.

http://www.cnc-bike.de/product_info.php?products_id=12927

I'm adding nothing you probably don't already know, but the 2014 Croix is lovely, and has been a perfect commuter/light tourer for me.

Occasionally sports a Wear Velo bidon as well!

I have done a fair bit of touring and I've never needed more than two bags. I would suggest you get a rear rack, to me opting for putting all the weight on your steering front end just seems like it would be annoying and effect your steering and fun. I know people say there are detriments to climbing with weight on the rear but I'd say this is bollocks.

I approve of your front light choice, and I'd point out that spa cycles build a front wheel with a sp dynamo for £120

Seem a bit porky, and not hugely wide? The price is right though!

@Brookly_Bay That's awesome! How's it treating you?

@beenbrun Cheers for the info! Good to know about Spa - wonder if they'll do a 650b one..

Gonna see how I get on with front loading - have read plenty of anecdotes in favour of either method but it seems logical to try it first. The rear loading option will always be there, but if I don't replace the forks straight off the bat then doing so later will be faff.

Meh. No 2014 framesets to be had by my LBS (who would've hooked me up with a discount), so have got a wanted ad up in the classifieds, and will be scouring ebay. They're still available online but would prefer a used bargain to help keep some costs down...

Depending what size you're after, Freeborn can't get em, I tried them for a 52cm.

There's a green 2014 in classifieds, size 52cm, comes with surly disc trucker fork, looks rather lovely.

Fack. They should take them of the flipping website then! I am after a 52, have messaged the seller about that one in classifieds (thanks for pointing out though!) but not heard back as yet. Trying to be patient but it reaallly does not come naturally to me! :D

Me either. Was waiting for a Soma Wolverine but got bored, spoke to Freeborn, ended getting a 2015, can't fault it, awesome bike. Good luck.

Thanks mang! Wolverine does look good, shame about the wait. Sure I've looked at your Croix before now and it is indeed a luffly bike :)

@tyeness It's me best bidon, though that's not entirely difficult as it's competition is a SiS freebie. Technically it belongs to my girlfriend, but crucially, the colours go better with my bike!

Ohhh hold on, I think we might have met! I will PM you though, so that I don't seem like a massive internet creep in public.

Fucking creep.

Steady lurking is how I rolllll!

Few weeks later, I have some progress on a frame and I'm ready to start ordering parts.

@edscoble any advice on rims? Been looking at various Velocity offerings (Blunt, Cliffhanger, Atlas), and those Pacentis that are on sale. Anything else I should be considering?

Not quite sure what kind of width I need, or what constitutes a comfortable middle ground for weight? Obviously don't want anything overly porky, but not something so light that it's not going to last long.

Done a bit more research - doesn't seem to be much fuss around wider rims on from the usual rando mfrs/sellers, so have asked my LBS to price up Velocity A23 and Atlas rimz, though I'm staying open to other alternatives.