I've browsed the threads on titec's H-bar, but haven't been able to find out if there is room for the small arkel handlebar bag between the front horns. Does anyone know if there is clearance for the bag, or if it's viable to chop the horns a little bit to squeeze the bag in? I very recently picked up a bruce gordon rock n' road so with the threaded stem I don't think the 2nd stem setup is a possibility. I've used nitto noodles on my LHT for a while now and do enjoy them alot, with the exception of off-roading with them. The H-bar seems like a comfortable bar for long days on the road and mixing in fireroads/light trails. I'd like to be able to build this bike up to ride parts of the continental divide without killing my wrists, ect. Also, are paul thumbies the only option for getting bar end shifters to work with H-bars?

What 700c rim is sufficiently strong to take off-roads and be dynamic in width to accommodate say 25c-47c? I've looked into the Mavic A719, salsa delgado, velocity dyad & chukker. I've got my eyes on lacing the rims to a front shimano dynamo hub and rear XT. Any thoughts/suggestions are greatly appreciated!