Road bike recommendations

Great link!

That spa cycles jobbie looks great OTP, ready built with Apex. IMHO I very well thought out build.

Only noticed the rack mounts later. Like I said, I dont think the lynskeys versions had them. The weird bit being that the van nics own sportive bike doesnt have them either.

The clearance thing is spot on though. For one the spicer has a long wheel base for heel clearance from panniers, and toe clearance with guards.

Thanks for all the tips re an audax bike. I've decided (for the time being!) to go with a Van Nic Yukon. which I'll build up with my current 105 group set and some new open pro wheels. The Yukon can take 25mm tyres with guards and has mounts for rack and fenders. I only wish it could take 28mm with guards though.