The "do everything" tank - Surly LHT

Dunno. It is in comparison to what I took last year. Tiny saddle bag with tools/tube and food and arm/leg warmed in Jersey pockets and that was it. Didn't take a jacket or anything extra. Rode back to Ipswich and got the 6.36 train home though, so I wasn't too bothered about extra clothing.

I had a 3.5 hr wait on the beach with limited shelter....

Yeah exactly. Fuck that!

It really missing a bottle cage underneath the downtube.

It's not for crossing the Sahara, Ed

It's a handy place to store your tools though, keep the handlebar bag free from cluttering up.

hmm, good idea...

Shocking, an Apollo bike without a rolls on it! Looks great.

would love some Brooks Panniers

a Paul Gino mount

and a Tubus rack or maybe a front

Tubus low rider, don't think Brooks are worth paying for when the alternative (Carradice and Ortlieb come to mind) are just as good for a lots less, especially when you're only paying for a single, rather than a pair.

You might struggle to find a place to fit the Paul mount with the low rider though, but then again, a dymano set-up would be a better investment.

What about the mounts on the inside of the fork? any front racks that mount to that so I can mount the Gino on the outside?

Just get a longer bolt and double up on the outside of the eyelet

It's a handy place to store your tools though, keep the handlebar bag free from cluttering up.

This. One of these with tools wrapped in a bit of fabric (to wipe your hands clean and stop any rattles innit). Ideal and can jut be left on the bike.

^^^ if there's enough room between the guard and rack.

^^ will make panniers removal/installing difficult.

^^ will make panniers removal/installing difficult.

Pfft, people actually put panniers on their fancy racks?

Good point though, I guess even mounted on the inside would interfere. Probably better to get an eyelet brazed on the bag support or something instead.

apollo if you can collect I have one of those pro tool bottles (small); free for you

a Paul Gino mount

These might be of interest...
http://clee-cycles.co.uk/esite/P3104/product

Are the Cane Creeks the exact same shape hoods as the Tektros?

Which Tektros? Which Cane Creeks even?!

Sorry should have been more specific...

Ah, the levers pictures aren't the Drop V version, they're SCR5s.

The Cane Creek Drop V and Tektro RL520 are the same shape/reach, the CC just has the lizard-embossed hoods and different graphics. They are both a bit thinner than normal levers (compared with the SCR5s pictured above).

Just fitted the RL520s on my Cross Check after one of my mini-vs died. They aren't as comfy on the hoods but they're unpleasant at the same time.

Hey @apollo, you still using those ATAC mtb pedals with the large platform?

Good for bike shoes and normal shoes?

@Dom yes mate, I've used them with Chrome Kursk, Sidi Dominator and home-made Nike Hi-tops... work flawlessly with all 3. Very good pedals...

Sorry man, I meant how are they for non-cycling/non-atac shoes (e.g. trainers)?

(Assuming your home-made Nike hi-tops have cleats.)

oohhhh OK, yeah I've ridden a couple times with flat shoes, they're definitely better than any other atac pedal in that respect, but no match for proper flat pedals.

The main purpose of the platform is to support your clipless shoe i.e. on the Kursks that are flexier than the Sidis they make a huge difference.

I wouldn't recommend them for intending to ride with flat shoes if that makes sense!