My Genesis Croix de Fer

It's not bad! I mean..I can build the latest and greatest, but honestly, I'd just be riding outside of my capabilities or places I'll visit once, if that!

I think it's all going full circle really. Tall stacks, rigid steel and panniers!
Do we really need a bike category for every minute change in terrain?

I'm in that camp too. Two functional bikes, one is a bit more road bike the other a bit more touring bike, but with lots of overlap between them. Both 650b, low-trail, large tyres and full mudguards.

Collecting rack today, still waiting on seatpost. Hopefully here by Friday along with the light, I'm off work then so I can build it. Need to make a little bracket for the rear light too.

Also wheels for CdF are all ordered, Halo Vapour rims (black logos), SP front hub and Rear Novatec D792SB. Will use 35c G-Ones and PDW mudguards.

SP front hub

I used the bracket that comes with this to connect the rear light, as I had no use for it up front.
Modified it and fit it between the seat clamp.

Also wheels for CdF are all ordered, Halo Vapour rims (black logos), SP front hub and Rear Novatec D792SB. Will use 35c G-Ones and PDW mudguards.

Why the switch back to 700c/35mm? I'm just trying to source a cheapish 650b wheelset to try for my CdF. I want a dynamo setup but also want to play with 650b before I'm stuck with big wheels.

I cant quite visualise what you mean, do you have a pic?

35c is all I need for that style of riding, I only went 650 to fit bigger tyres. I have a spare set of 650b wheels with Horizons on if you want to try for a bit? you'll need to get a 15mm adaptor for the front though

Quick mock up shows that I need much more steerer

(thanks for @cake for unwittingly lending me his wheels. Stem is a place holder )

So my LBS kindly let me chop the steerer of these old Charge Plug Freestyler forks

Which @Hulsroy has kindly agreed to attach to the existing steerer. I also had a spare B&M Topline Mini rear dynamo light, which is meant to go on a rack but as I wont be using one I made a quick mount.

not the neatest or most aesthetically pleasing, but it will do whilst I test the build out.

Looks shit.

Nice wheels.

What's with all the irons?
Bracket looks fine - the only reason I've mounted my rear light on the mudguard is that this placement can be obscured by long jackets and rain capes..

Still have this, would it suit the build?

Dibs if Scooter doesn't want it.

Was going to say - impressive iron collection. Frame with the alterations looks cool, great project.

@MisterMikkel I don't even year a rain Cape, but maybe i should try? The irons are due to the business next-door to my LBS, they repair industrial Steam irons for drycleaners and alike.

@TvH what's the clamp size please?

31.8

100mm long.

Abs reasonably priced i suspose? Maybe I'll just buy it for @Hulsroy in exchange for my steerer extension

I think I paid £15 for it

Rain capes are awesome. I'm never going back to regular rain gear for riding.
Mine even fits over my backpack.

wearing a rucksack whilst riding

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

yeah.

Do you have a suggestion for a front rack bag, that will fit a 15" laptop?

Wald 157 and the basket bag of your choice.

Something with some padding, as front basket contents take some very sharp shocks in unexpected potholes/kerbs etc. So yeah, padding and strap it/bungee it down. Or have a swanky basket bag which attaches to the basket.

Try the ILE model. I used one for years with a 14" laptop that sat flat inside it. On top of clothes to absorb the bumps.