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Thanks for taking the time to go through my post, lots to digest there.
I'd previously thought about 8/9 speed to save money and because I find them easier to set up but I'd started considering the 2x11 despite having trouble setting up the derailleur. Currently the cassette is 11-42 and front is 34t. Not sure if a 22t would fit to it to make it a double or if I need to get a new set of rings.
I probably need to get someone to teach me to set up the gears and brakes and I'll feel much happier with what's on the bike.
The dynamo was more about charging. I rode in Europe last year with someone who had one and felt a bit envious at the end of the day when I was having to charge my phone up. I've got a solar panel that was ok on the few days I used it but obviously that's weather reliant.
Luggage wise I've got a full set of Ortliebs front/rear/bar so plan to use those. Saddle is a Cambium C67, it's still wearing in but I'm getting used to it. I did 3000km through Europe on a Charge Spoon without any problems last Summer so could always revert to that. Tyres are fine and the wheels do seem pretty solid although the rear axle looked like it had been botched together by the previous owner.
Thanks again.
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chip_barm
hugo7
Halo have a front MTB dynamo wheels that you can buy, dynamo aren't necessary, think about how often you ride at night, if you're charging stuff, maybe a massive powerbank or two may suffice.
See above, if battery, a small rear flashing and a good high beam front one, I also recommend a head torch.
I recommend a simple 36/22t chainset paired with a 11-36t cassette, that give you a lower gear than a 32t with a 50t sprocket (only a little), but the 1x11 is not uncommon for touring, the rear cassette look quite small.
9 or 10 speed is the best option overall, as wider cassette are avaliable on that, or even go 11-40t with a double for a super low low gear ratio.
NOTE: This is where you can save a lots of money by sticking to the 1x set-up by changing the cassette and a smaller chainring (if this is not 30t already), 11 speed is fine for touring.
Keep hydraulic, they're not really a problem, or go for BB5s, never Spykes.
Any rack will be fine, best is Tubus, however the Tortec Expedition is a decent one that have a good range of mount.
Look into cages to fit on the fork, they're the lightest and easiest solution to carry stuff without the heavy rack.
£1200 is a lots of money, the drivetrain will eat up a lots of that, and so will the dynamo, it's best use to get quality luggages (bikepacking and/or panniers), as well as decent saddle, bike fit (if needed) and comfortable cockpit being keys, the wheels look pretty good along with the tyres.
Have a read on this article on the Bridge Club, it's almost completely stock and was used for proper touring, it's not an Orge but the principle stand on running a 1x, hydraulic and what have you.
https://theradavist.com/surly-bridge-club-review/