I just finished up building my new commuter bike. I will be putting some miles on it over the weekend to work out any bugs. I plan to start using it next week. I will continue to use my backpack until I can get the bike fully outfitted.


So here are my questions:

I like the VO Porteur
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=3536

But there isn't a matching rear rack. The Campeur is mainly for bags with very little flat area and the Constructeur is just too small.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=3536

Any suggestions?


I also like the Minoura King Carrier Junior Front Basket and Minoura King Carrier Rear Basket
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=3536
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=3536

Anyone have experience with these racks who can offer advice?


Or would I be better off with the inexpensive Soma racks?
Soma Porteur Front Cargo Rack
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=3536

Soma Rear Disc Rack
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=3536


Fenders - where do I start?

I really like these, in brass, but will it be too much goldness?
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...36&category=78

Or would hammered look better?
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...97&category=78

Any other suggestions given my bike's color scheme and components?

Traditionally, Porteur bikes dont carry rear loads, they have a couple bundles of daily newspapers
and are bringing them, from the publisher to the Newsstand.


whats wrong with black mudguards? i still have the same Esge.SKS ones I got 30 years ago..

black might be OK. Just looking for suggestions for full coverage fenders and mudflaps.

The way I plan on using the racks is to put my igloo flip top lunch box in the front porteur rack and a duffel bag on the rear rack for daily commuting. Then if I am riding/camping with the family I would get some panniers front and rear for the rest of our gear. I'll then wear my 100oz Camelback. My wife's HEAVY steel townie has a generic rear rack and the larger Topeak front basket, but she is not a very good rider yet so I don't want to weight her down any more. I'll also have my 2 year old son hooked up to the Soma in his trailer.

What does everyone think of the build otherwise?

Sharp lookin' bike. I'd definitely go with black fenders and racks.
I don't want too fussy a look on my commuter; too hard to keep clean, and it needs to be rugged for locking, riding through slop, etc.

Pauls Flatbed is made in black anodized aluminum, now.. [Or you can Hire one custom made]

Tubus Locc rack and the right Abus U lock isan integrated pair,
the rack carries the Lock inside the left Pannier to be easy to remove..

then rig up some way to carry a HD Hardened steel security chain, so maybe you can Keep it..
Chain long enough to lock up both wheels and onto something solid

Theft Magnet

Nice bike but how the heck will you be able to reach those hoods? They look like they are past the front wheel centerline.

beautiful bike & those brass fenders are gorgeous.

sounds like you are planning to carry everything every day. I found that by using my car once or twice a week I could stock up on some stuff at work (food&clothes) so that the daily loads to and from were smaller. I also eliminated the need to refrigerate food, the refrigeration aspect was just too bulky. not sure what your work situation is but if you can arrange for a box of clothes or a locker that would be great. also somewhere in the break room if you can get some cabinet / refrigerator space for your essentials that would help too. how long is your commute?

First off I love the build but I am a little biased. I would say black fenders just to offset all the gold and I went with PDW rear rack and I know they sell a front basket also. I got of Timbuk2 Tandem Pannier Messenger bags and they hold a ton of stuff.

I replaced a Tubus Tara for a Soma porteur rack on my commuter/tour bike. I feel its more versatile with the wide platform and the ability to attach panniers, a feature I haven't seen on any other porteur racks out there. Its made from chromoly tubing so its stronger than aluminum. Plus, it fits most forks, with or without braze on.
I plan the utilize the platform in addition to my panniers, on a tour this summer.

Beautiful bike!
I think black fenders and racks would be a good compliment. The Planet Bike Cascadia or SKS P35's would be nice, with a Tubus rear rack.

The build looks good. My only thought is that the bars are rotated too far back. Properly set up, the hoods/bar ramps should be closer to level. IMO you need a shorter stem and less setback on the seatpost (or simply slide the saddle forward a little). Other than that, awesome build.

I'm going to get fit soon. I tried to transfer all of the dimensions from my Specialized Roubaix. I will need a 10-20mm shorter stem to get the fit a little better. My saddle on the Soma is actually about 1/4" farther forward from where it is on the Roubaix.

I work in an office as a project engineer so we have a refrigerator and microwave a few steps away from my office. The commute is about 10 miles each way. I could leave some clothes at work, but usually just pack everything in my backpack. I would like a bit of storage on the bike. For example, last year I had to try and fit a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake in my backpack with my clothes. That was a feat. I also sometimes get too many things at the grocery store and have to carry a few bags hanging off the handle bars.

I have 2 locks which I use when I go grocery shopping or stop at gas stations, etc... but will consider a better U-lock. Currently I use my GT 29er for commuting which is probably just as much of a theft magnet as this one is. I park indoors at work.

Thanks for the help. I'll look into some of the suggestions so far.