Reasons for this build:

1. I've always wanted to try out aero bars for the long afternoon miles where I can't find a sustained comfortable position
2. I wanted a 26" build to eliminate toe overlap even with fenders
3. I wanted to see if flat bar trigger shifters feel more convenient for shifting (never liked the brifter feel for front derailer shifts)
4. I wanted it as light as possible (for credit card touring) --even though I've argued against CF's durability. (21 lbs as shown) We'll see.

So here (picture) is the latest plan. Still missing fenders and tire upgrades (planned), but I need to put some long miles on it to test it out.

Notes: I went expensive on those Avid Shorty Ultimates
https://www.amazon.com/Avid-Shorty-Ul...horty+ultimate
and LOVE the adjustability of them. Finding the right mix of road parts was a little complicated and the mounting options for the front der were tough (required some serious height drop from the mounting band to the cage). I usually load up the center of the handlebars with GPS and GoPro and other stuff, so I still need to figure that out.

Without mudguards you would be a weather Optimist, I assume ..

you may add a second threadless stem where the spacers are , and have more bar real-estate to mount your gadgetry.

since you wont be leaning against it the tubing in the lower stem can be lighter than if an actual handlebar

1" aluminum tubing from the hardware store is reasonably cheap and light.

Interesting build. I'm curious;why 26 inch and not 650b? So where did you get that totally groovy saddle?

I actually could use 650B on this frame. I have a very nice 650B set with Chris King hubs and GrandBois tires on another bike. The brakes (and clearances) have more than enough upward adjustment room to mount 650B on the frame as-is. And I might try it, but that squeezes out a little more of the room to insure no toe overlap with fenders. And I just happened to find a nice used XTR/Mavic wheelset for cheap on ebay. Lightweight and very true. A good find.

That saddle is my adopted favorite model. It no longer is made so I have a standing search on ebay and buy more when they come up.

Good decision. Climbing, headwinds, and short naps. Both my DF's are equipped, aeros and bull horns. I've given thought to hooking a trailer to my Felt tt for short loaded touring, or a seat post rack for CC. For a DF, a comfortable ride.

The idea that you gotta have a clunker to tour on just ain't true. More fun riding on a light, responsive bike.

Too true. But I think another part of the problem is the idea that clunkers are clunkers. I weigh over 200 but 210 would be a good weight for me I'm just a big guy. I can run a little extra frame weight and still be in about the same envelope, on a frame that a racer might be. The components for a touring bike, are pretty much standard stuff, with the exception of the triple. And the wheels are a little heavier, or viewed differently it is racing weight MTB gear.

I notice that your avatar is of a recumbent. I had a 20" wheel touring Toxy recumbent. Cool bike, but it weighed more than a surly does. I didn't consider it a clunker.

Clunker: my shorthand for any bike weighing more than 20 lbs. I got two 'clunkers.'