Thank you for your insights Neil! The BB issue crossed my mind after I'd posted this... something I'll definitely consider when I get to the UK to get fitted and discuss the build. Fenders not so important to me, but handling would be...

In the first instance I'm going for a 700c bike... the 26" idea is more for a somewhat more distant future, but by then I may well go for a fully fledged expedition bike...

Anyone one know how Surly have solved these issues with the LHT in larger sizes for both 700c or 26" wheels... same frame dimensions or different?