The Pathfinder Project - Bin Parts Hack Biek

Hello forum! It's me again.

I wanted to build a gravel bike a couple months back but got tired of faffing around with it, weird PF30 bb, so I bought a Spesh Seqouia Elite.

A few months in and I've realized that people in my town doesn't give a toss about my bike.
I had a few scares that I've often saved by running and saving the frame from dings and scratches.

I want my sanity and nerves intact, when I pop into town, so a hack bike is needed. Also keeps me busy during the cold winter in Sweden. Maybe win.

The frame that I got is still in my living room, the fork as well. I also have Stans Crests 26" rims just gathering dust.

It takes 650b (Unknown size) and 700c (rated to 35mm) but as @psee's build showed, it is possible to fit wider tyres so I'll take a stab at it once more. Might fit 2.3's..?

I want some help with which levers to use with flat bar that works with mechanical disc brakes. Avid?

Here's a cad thing of how it could look like.

Build list
Wheels & Tyres:
Front: Shimano XT FH-M756 36h 6 bolt
Rear: Shimano XT FH-M756 32h 6 bolt
Tyres: Compass Rat Pass 2.3 26"

Stopping
BB7 Road calipers
Sintered Disc Pads
SM-RT66 discs 160mm front/rear (Heavy dude)

Fenders
??

Transmission:
Absolute Black 40t on 105 5800 cranks.
Shimano XT M737 8speed rear mech
Zipperman 9 speed chain.
Shimano CS-HG31 11-34t cassette.
Shimano XT M732 7 speed thumbie (read that it works with 8 speed as well)

Finishing Kit
Cheapo Ergon Grips
Humpert Lady Town 31.8 Silver
Genetic AQ 100 mm silver
Cheapo Silver 27.2 seatpost
Flite saddle
31.6 to 27.2 shim.

I might just spray it pink for the shits and giggles.

Got a donor bike for the XT bits, also have one with LX..

Let's see where this build lands.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Paul Thumbies?

And how are the SKS Blumels fenders? Cheap yes, good?

I think I've been boffing paint fumes too much. I have the thumbie...why do i need thumb adaptors for...

Think sunrace to a similar shifter . Seen an 8speed

Front Derailleur clamps, drill a 2nd hole + any Rapidfire shifters