Functional bikes. Not Porn not Anti

Nice one, there's loads on SJS so i'll take a look.

I was surprised the rear mech didn't work. Maybe I fitted a 10 speed one instead of a 9. I have a 9 speed mtb mech on my gravel bike with 2x10 ultegra shifters and that works ok.

I was really disappointed when the front mech didn't cover all of the 3 rings, it'll only do 2 depending on where the cable is clamped. Maybe I need the jtek for that?

It's a cracking bike, one that I bolt on anything i've got left over from my other bikes. It's such a mile muncher and I love the way it feels like you're sitting in it.

The forks are from condor, massive steerer, reasonable price and classy looking. I had a friend weld on disk tabs and a brace to the rear and it works like a treat. Used the redundant bosses to take the front rack as it wouldn't fit on the new forks. Works nicely stuffing a sleeping mat under the carradice resting on the rack.

Just need to get it shifting properly for the spring.

Thanks. Any pics of the disc conversion?

Are these the forks?

Looks like we're riding the same size frame too (60cm).

such a cool bike. i've been looking for a 54cm frameset for what feels like eons!

Whats going on with the bar bag setup? Can’t tell from the pic if it’s a normal rixen kaul or something you’ve modded/bodged?

Damn...

Agree. Damn.

Could you link to your source? Would like to know more

Actually look pretty decent sans mudguard.

Anyone got any frame recommendations for: 26", flat bars, QR, strong, rim brakes

My 80s MTB is great but it feels like a wet noodle when fully loaded with 50kg of shopping, to the point where it feels dangerous to ride at any great speed.

Fahrradmanufaktur TX-400 looks good, but I can't see them as frame only anywhere. Thorn Sherpa would probably work. Surly can fuck off with their pricing and silly dropouts.

I'd get disc one, as the cost of disc wheel and brakeset is pretty low (full hydraulic brakes can be get for between £25-50).

What is this £25-50 full hydraulic brake option?

Clarks!

Are they any good though?

No, already have a bombproof rear wheel and SON dynohub front that have lasted 20/10 years so far and will do that again easy. Also I hate this attitude of just buying shit because it's new and cheap. The bike works perfectly well in all department other than the frame (and even there I'm being picky, it's rad other than when fully loaded). Anyway, when did you become such a disc evangelist?

What's the best bang-for-buck hydraulic brake option for flat bars?

This is just one example, they have even cheaper set of shimano brakes.

https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/shimano-br-mt401-2-disc-brake-set-891267

Then get at least hydraulic rim brakes.

@Silly_Savage:

Long Haul Trucker?

https://www.bike-components.de/en/Surly/Long-Haul-Trucker-26-Frameset-p31198/

Surly can fuck off with their pricing and silly dropouts.

Long Haul Trucker has regular dropouts and is only 500 bucks (cheaper than a Sherpa).

I'm no Surly fan, but this is pretty much exactly what he is asking for.

Yeah. Blimey that's cheap

Are they any good though?

Oh they are, the M2 especially.

Anyway, when did you become such a disc evangelist?

I always favour disc especially on a loaded touring bike, as it mean the wheels will likely last eons, even several with minimal maintenance instead of rebuilding wheels when the rims wear out.

Plus cheap disc brakes are still way more powerful than the most expensive v brakes, and less maintenance too (YMMV).