Hey guys, I may be one of the resident neophytes but I know I want my bike to be a great one. I do my best to use all the brains I've been blessed with along with all the brains I can borrow, so I'm hoping some of the more advanced players around here can help me out.

I have an '81 Fuji touring bike running on 27" wheels. I'd love to do fenders, but I think a 700c reversion would be too expensive at the moment, so I'm thinking a front rack and bag, dyamo, headlight, etc. might be the extent of the build. I'd love some suggestions on components, good quality bags to use, etc.

Basically, where would you guys start and what would be your top priorities?

You can use 700c fenders, probably the 45ish mm width, with 27" wheels. I'd go with one of the good plastic ones available today like the planet bike cascadia (I own two sets).

The dynamo and headlight are going to be kind of expensive, but I like the idea.

Here's a budget build I did.
Gitane Grand Sport Deluxe. 27 inch wheels with Pascela 27x1 1/4 tires.
Velo Orange fenders - they had them for $25 last winter.
Front rack is an old Claude Butler rack that was broken and had it welded by the local auto mechanic.
Everything else was from donor bikes.
I salvaged a Soubitez/Schwinn generator/lamp combo and will install on the front fork soon.
Also salvaged a rear battery operated lamp for the rear rack, yet to install.

Its been an ongoing project for three years. Gets a little better all the time.

Keep your eyes open and search out interesting stuff. It doesnt have to be an expensive endeavor.

Wow! $25 for VO fenders is pretty darn solid. I thought for sure I'd need to change my wheelset, that's great news.

What's the standard practice for mounting a headlight? My bike doesn't have fork mounting points for a front rack which is kind of tricky

you want to build up a dynamo-hub with 27" wheels? did I read that right?

I wouldnt bother with a bottle dynamo -- not bright enough, in my opinion, and the drag would drive me nuts.

I'd say my top priorities would be a quality wheelset & wide tires -- at least 32mm in 700c. I'd just save up a little more and get 700c and some good tires (rivendell jack browns, vittoria hypers, schwalbe kojaks, etc.). 27" to 700c will provide extra clearance...and wider tires means more comfort, low psi, more terrain that can be ridden, and no more swerving around cracks in the pavement. Quality handbuilt wheels are an essential upgrade for any cyclist. Pick up some tektro long reach brakes as well.

If you're planning on doing randonneuring events or centuries, I'd also recommend a handlebar & saddle that you find comfortable over many hours and miles.

as for bags, I think acorn is making the best affordable bags. I also recommend swift industries and loyal designs. of course, berthoud and inujirushi are excellent as well.

https://www.acornbags.com/
https://loyalbags.com/
https://www.builtbyswift.com/

if your fork doesnt have cantilever posts, invest in a nitto mark's rack: https://www.rivbike.com/product-p/r1.htm or consider this bag: https://www.rivbike.com/product-p/bavbb.htm

But perhaps your bike might work better with a rear load -- front loading isnt for every bicycle. consider a rear rack instead (and panniers or trunkbag) or a saddlebag. I'd just get a quality saddlebag like a carradice and a bagman for support. That might be the best bang for your buck -- lighter, more carrying-volume, less expensive than buying bag/rack, and no p-clamps on the fork legs. and then get a small handlebar bag for food, etc: https://www.rivbike.com/product-p/bavbt.htm ...or some jersey pockets.

No need to go with 700c wheels as long as your current 27's are in good shape. This is where I would begin.......

1) new tires and tubes

2) fenders (700c fenders work with 27" wheels) I don't run fenders at the moment.

3) rear and front racks

4) Bar and seat bags (I like Connondales)

5) battery operated handle bar light for starters, and a tail light (flashing red)

CHEAP:

you can get some BRIGHT LED flashlights from dealxtreme.com (china). you should be able to get a the flashlight, mount, batteries, and charger for around $50.

nashbar front rack, axiom rear.

minnehaha medium saddle bag.

Acorn bags - so nice.

SKS plastic fenders - one of those classic products that just works.

Dinotte lights - spendy but worth it.

Brooks saddle - off course.

Any particular reason plastic fenders are preferable to metal?

No. This is a strictly personal opinion. Friendships have been ruined over this petty issue...

Haha I was seeing a pattern, just curious. The advice in this thread has been hugely helpful, thank you everybody

The best fender ( plastic vs. metal) situation is best remedied with the purchase of one set of each, 'course this will require 2 bikes but it looks like you heading up the right road......

Enabler.

if setup correctly, both work just fine.

SKS fenders are one of the better plastic ones.

All fun aside, any full fender, a front bag and 2 sets of lights, good tires and go ride a brevet. You'll figure out what you need and what you want and have fun doing it. When you get the bike built up, take a picture and shae it here so we can ohhh and ahhh at it.