While I would agree on the disc brakes, I did ride a Riv Rambouillet with Tektro calipers in the Bavarian Alps last summer on a two day trip. I only had a Carradice on the back and a Berthoud on the front. The Tektros were fairly efficient overall, but man, we got those Kool Stops good and steamy at times.

If it was pouring it would have been more than nice to have discs.

I haven't made a jump to a dynamo yet either.

I saw a Schmidt that looked nifty at the swap today until I saw the price.

I would only do an integrated rack and a dynamo on a dedicated touring bike. Not for a bike I want to use as an all rounder then do the occasional loaded tour, I mean a bike that exclusively gets used on long / loaded tours.

I currently use my Soma DC disc for commuting and light/weekend touring. It works great for that, but if I was riding thousands of miles I would want more relaxed geometry.

I have ridden mechanical discs for a few years now and I really like them. When I have my custom built, It will probably be set up to use mechanical with the option for wet discs in the future (when they inevitably become more affordable and reliable).

My sons Cannondale Caffeine has wet brakes and I'm impressed with the smoothness and power but not with the leaky reservoirs.

Yes.

We also build removable racks... on a dedicated touring bike the rack rarely comes off unless it serves some double duty or is S&S coupled to make packing easier.

That makes sense 65r...thanks! I'm slow ;)

[MENTION=252763]Flog00[/MENTION]

How is this coming? :thumb:

Nao moved to Austin, Texas and just set up shop. He is working on my bike now.
Check him out on FB.
https://www.facebook.com/tomii.cycles

Can't wait to see it.

Really interesting builder I think.

This is right up my alley. Looking forward to updates. Have you decided on a gruppo?

highly impressed by the simple yet beautiful styling on his builds. Can't wait to see it build!

I made a decision on the crank set, http://www.compasscycle.com/images/cranks_rh_triple.jpg
Pretty sure I'm going to use bar end shifters, not sure about drives yet.

You dog! I considered those for my current build but just couldn't pull the trigger. Simplex retrofrictions on riv pods?

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/...bdde21ab_o.jpgtomii1 by flog00, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5609/...e56098f1_o.jpgtomii2 by flog00, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5611/...4a4a4872_o.jpgtomii3 by flog00, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/...bf8de13d_o.jpgtomii4 by flog00, on Flickr

Ye gods that looks good.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5612/...149e87e6_o.jpgIMG_30795929730069 by flog00, on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/...53cd0193_o.jpgIMG_40005121203836 by flog00, on Flickr

I wonder if these would work with the riv pods?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spidel-Simpl...item234268b590

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5616/...7f99144a_o.jpgtomii6 by flog00, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3947/...a5147646_o.jpgtomii5 by flog00, on Flickr

Oh my...

I'm actually going through this process right now, although money definitely is an issue in my case. It's still a semi-custom frame from Joshua Bryant (which is being painted as I type this) with a custom front rack for my Berthoud handlebar bag, as well as custom bolt-on low rider racks if I ever decide to do any longer trips. The bike is designed for front loads only, and it will usually only carry the handlebar bag. For components, I'm reusing parts from my Univega that are compatible, with new parts where they're necessary. Since this bike will be 650b instead of 700c, I had a wheelset built with Grand Bois rims, a Schmidt front hub, and a Suzue cassette rear hub (I'll be using an 8 speed cassette). Concering dyno hubs and lights, I've made the switch on my commuter and my Univega (and now this bike), and I can't imagine ever going back to battery lights unless I just had to for some reason. For a headlight I'll be reusing the Schmidt Edelux I have on my Univega, and for a tail light I plan to adapt modern LED guts to an old Soubitez fender mounted light. I'm reusing the TA cranks and Shimano 1st gen XTR rear derailleur from my Univega, as well as the old Dia Compe cantilever brakes and brake levers. I have some 8 speed Shimano 600 downtube shifters I plan to use, and hopefully my Suntour Cyclone front derailleur. I'll also be reusing my Brooks Team Pro saddle, Nitto stem, and Belleri handlebars. Tires are Compass Cycles 650b x 42mm, with 58mm Honjo fenders.

Now if money were no object? I would definitely change a few things. But from a functional standpoint this should suit my needs nearly perfectly. Hopefully I'll find out soon!

It sounds amazing! You have some great parts, why not use them?
And money is always an issue :)

They should work, just unbolt them from the band clamp. I happen to have retrofrictions and riv pods in the parts bin, I'll mate them up and post a picture.

P.S. your frame is looking amazing!

Thanks! And I agree on the parts. I'd like to eventually get the new Rene Herse cranks and brazed Grand Bois stem, but since those would essentially be cosmetic improvements, I just can't justify them right now.

Also, the details of your frame look incredible! Some incredibly clean workmanship there! I can't wait to see the finished bike.

A bike like that deserves a top end bottom bracket. SKF bottom brackets are about as good as they get.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5614/...b19c72e8_o.jpg