Current Projects chat and miscellany

Narrower != lower rolling resistance. If you want something a bit more sporty than Big Apples (you don't, but there's no accounting for taste), Marathon Racer Evo is available in 40-559
http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/marathon_racer_429
I'm sure you could run them tubeless with sealant
http://www.schwalbetires.com/mtb_tl-ready

LIKE! A set of those 1.5" would go on sweet I reckon, especially if I go the sealant and tubeless option. Gonna need a new chainring... and chain... and some clipless shoes... (who would steal a set of cycling shoes?!) :D

That is crazy, city bike with no back brake, sorry but that makes no sense. You realise the "trend" for removing the rear brake is down to people with fixed rear wheels...? What happens when you need to brake suddenly going round a greasy city corner in the wet? Only thing that is going to be friendly with the road is your elbows...

Ok, as I stated, it was never an issue and it worked for me. Building your own bike for your own needs is exactly that, I liked it, it rode well, who else cares?! But, if it helps, this was kinda my reasoning; was running a 1" total slick on rear and 1.35" with more grip on front, also had Magura hydraulic rim brakes and just found the rear would skid at slightest chance it had, but was nice and quick, so as I never really used the rear brake or front gears, I decided to try without them on a rebuild and it worked fine. I used it almost daily in and around London and then Canterbury for about 6-7yrs before it was stolen and I loved that bike. It was the main reason why I went for another mountain bike frame with this new build, as I liked the versatility and general toughness. But I would like to do a 700cc fixie based build now too. Did build a Peugeot SS ratbike many yrs ago which I had for all of 3 weeks before it was stolen! But never got on with it as it had crap ratios, something like a 52/12 if memory serves right... :P