Steel fast commuter

Taking the plunge, have picked up some used Spyres along with some ultegra shifters and mechs (modernising to 11speed)! Will get some good pads and some compressionless cables

I've been convinced by a friend that dyanmos are the way to go, ordering these:
https://www.rosebikes.co.uk/rose-r-thirty-disc-dynamo-28700-c-road-wheels-12qr-2679340?product_shape=standard&article_size=28%22%2F700C

Biggest question mark is still front or back rack. The key for me is being able to stick my backpack on whatever I get. Any front rack recommendations that would allow this?

Hey sorry for the late reply. He uses the Jagwire Road Pro cabling set. Second time we’ve bought it and can’t fault it in any way. Looking forward to seeing your bike built up! Cheers. T

If the backpack itself is stiff enough (i.e. won't flop about and droop over the edge etc) it should be ok on most racks, front or rear. Just make sure the rack is decently wide, and old inner tubes make fantastic load-securers as they stretch over anything and are really grippy - loads don't budge an inch! Also don't let straps get caught in wheels etc...obvious point.

Wouldn't you be better off with something like a Carradice with a SQR block? Ideal for commuting IMHO. If I were to strap a backpack though I would prefer to keep an eye on it. The Basil Portland rack has sides and is great for that purpose.

I have a laptop and stuff so not sure a big saddle bag type set up will work. The Portland rack looks good

After a few weeks of accumulating parts it's build day!

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Not quite finished... Need to sort the dynamo lights but have just taken it for its first spin!

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Bb7s all day long.

Edit: too late

Nice build!

A looker. And practical. Very nice. What's the rack? Standard 'trim your stays' comment but you've only just built it so fair enough. Looks really good!

Thanks! The rack is a Soma Porteur bought via a wanted add here :)

Any updates on this??