My Genesis Croix de Fer

Big tyres or small tyres?

This is your main choice.

Big tyres or small tyres?

This is your main choice.

Most likely to ride a 25c or 28c but I might consider going up to a 32c on occasion if the frame would take it (not overly fussed if it wouldn't though). Sorry if this is a bit ambiguous!

Ride both.

From what I understand one's a road bike with discs, the other is a practical utility type bike. So it's whether you want something with a bit more of a faster / responsive ride or something solid to carry weight.

But only riding them will really give you an informed choice as to which you would prefer to live with.

I'd also say be realistic about your use. I think sometimes its easy to get caught up in the idea of the ultimate utility [insert product]. When actually it's over built and something lighter, more fun, etc. would be just as appropriate and a bit more fun.

Obviously ymmv. But I'd think about the following (and test ride them);

How far is your commute?
How much weight will you actually carry?
Is any of it off road?
Will the bike have regular off road use?
Do you have a road bike/will it actually substitute your road bike?
Etc.

All fair questions hugo7 and I guess the honest answers sway me towards the Equilibrium Disc. I guess I just like the idea of having the off road option there should I want it. Whether I'd every use it though.....

I just found an ebay seller who had Alligator i-Links brake set for sub £25 so I could say no. Hopefully I'll have the same power increase that others have had from compressionless cable

makes a world of diff

The the next step will be to get Hope's stainless hose kit

Possible some new Jagwire gear outers in sterling silver too...

Well I may as well go all sliver

is there any functional advantage to these or just swag?

I'm sure hope will tell you there is, but really I just want shiny silver

Make sure the stainless braided hoses don't rub against anything. They're extremely abrasive, and I've seen them rub their way through mild steel suspension arms when similar hoses have been used on race cars. If they're plastic coated, however, then ignore all the above.

Would they move round much on this?

Might do, particularly the rear line. The rear brake hose on my 29er has taken all the anodising off a large part of the headset and has polished it a very shiny silver.

Hmmm, i cant help but feel cables on mtb bikes will bounce rubd more, but maybe this should be avoided

can't you just use protectors/helicopter tape?

I'd have thought so

I just found an ebay seller who had Alligator i-Links brake set for sub £25 so I could say no. Hopefully I'll have the same power increase that others have had from compressionless cable

link? please.

Yes please too?

Here you go

Spotter where did you get your soma portuer rack from? I want/need one for a tour I'm going on in a month. My back up option is a minoura portuer rack, but noone in the uk seems to have either.

Do not get the Minoura for touring, far too flexy.

Thanks for the heads up, there seems very little about it written anywhere.

They have a few different ones in stock, dunno if they have one you fancy though...

http://www.practicalcycles.com/userimages/Racks-Carriers-and-Straps(1620974).htm