• I have a hankering for a bike that I can use and abuse and won't worry about if I chip the paint, scuff the components or lock it up in town.

    The original plan was to buy a complete Surly Straggler and be done with it, however, stock of all Stragglers seems to be a bit thin on the ground in the UK and I can't seem to source the frame set alone in a 62cm.

    I've always liked the SOMA Wolverine so have placed an order for an orange one in 62cm.

    This will be used for crap and icy weather road riding, a bit of off road touring that I have planned for next year as well as lugging groceries and what not around town.

    I've got a rough idea of the build in my head:

    Shimano 105
    Ritchey finishing kit
    SON deluxe/Supernova
    Hope BB, HS and rear hub
    Probably Stans something or other rims
    Maxxis Refuse 40c tyres
    Time ATAC pedals
    Brakes and shifters will be the only thing I splash out on as I want good, reliable braking for Scottish weather so I'm going for Shimano RS685.
    SKS Bluemels Mudguards with RAW flaps

    Hopefully a functional, if not a little boring build, although I'm thinking of blue HS, BB and cable housing just because none of my other bikes have any rad coloured parts.

    I would like to get some sort of rando bag and front porteur rack. Needs to be medium to large in size - what are peoples recommendations?

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