Originally Posted by
Machine Age
I'm kind of torn on fenders. absolutely don't need them since i live in a desert and don't ride this bike (the Office Bike...with Office Clothes) in the rain or wet. And i have to carry the bike up and down two flights of stairs. But I agree they would look great. Generally don't like having non-functional crap on the bike but on this kind of bike, maybe aesthetic is function...which was the reason for holding out for a great one of these instead of buying perfectly good Surly LHT or Sam Hillborne.
Agree fenders wouldn't be necessary, given your location.
That just gives you more flexibility for tire size! 32's are a nice blend of comfort and performance. I really like my Schwalbe Marathon Supremes, but other good tires are available - Vittoria Randonneur, Gatorskin, among others.
As for the rack, if you want to keep the Blackburn, bending the stays (heat them with a torch or they would weaken and/of break) or removing them and attaching the bridge to the stays seem to be the best options. Otherwise, many nice racks with adjustable arms are available. Tubus, Axiom, Civia, and Topeak make such racks. The arms can be cut to the correct size if need be.